Breathwork may boost brain fluid circulation, small study suggests
NCT ID NCT03858309
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether 8 weeks of yogic breathing practices can improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the brain and spine. Twenty-six healthy adults were split into two groups, each doing different breathing exercises. Researchers measured CSF flow using MRI and also checked blood pressure, sleep, stress, and quality of life. The results are descriptive only, so no firm conclusions can be drawn yet.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- yogic breathwork (breathing practices)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward breathwork as a way to enhance brain fluid circulation, potentially benefiting conditions like headaches or cognitive decline.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study with only 26 participants and no comparison to a placebo. Results are descriptive only, so any benefits are uncertain and may not apply to the general population.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States