Several studies have found that breathwork can reduce stress, improve heart function, aid circulation, enhance sleep, and even alleviate depression. The Journal of Clinical Medicine reported that breathing exercises are an effective rehabilitation tool, not just for relaxation. A study from JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery found that respiratory retraining was more effective than biofeedback. In 2025, Frontiers in Psychiatry reported on the effectiveness of pranayama (yogic breathing) for mental disorders. A 2023 study in Cell Reports Medicine (Stanford) found breathwork improved mood and reduced anxiety, with cyclic sighing being the MVP.