SOMA Breath
Episodes covering soma breath — protocols, research, and expert discussions.
Rhythmic breathwork protocol combining ancient pranayama with music, using intermittent hypoxic training for stress reduction, cognitive enhancement, and altered states
SOMA Breath is Ben Greenfield's #1 breathwork recommendation. Created by ex-pharmacist Niraj Naik ("The Renegade Pharmacist"), it combines rhythmic breathing synced to music with breath retention techniques based on Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT).
Currently being studied by Cambridge University for effects on brain activity and well-being. Participants report "psychedelic-like" experiences without substances. The underlying mechanisms (CO2 tolerance, intermittent hypoxia) have research support, though SOMA specifically is still building its evidence base.
A structured, accessible breathwork system that produces real physiological effects. More engaging than basic breathing exercises due to music integration. Worth trying if you want a guided approach to advanced breathwork.
Science & Mechanisms
Mechanisms:
- Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT): Breath holds after exhale create controlled hypoxia
- CO2 tolerance: Builds tolerance to carbon dioxide, improving breathing efficiency
- Rhythmic breathing: 5-6 breaths/min activates parasympathetic nervous system
- Hyperventilation phase: Temporarily alters blood pH, creates tingling/altered states
- Nitric oxide release: Nasal breathing components boost NO production
Intermittent Hypoxia Benefits (Research-Supported):
- Stimulates stem cell mobilization
- Increases red blood cell production (EPO pathway)
- Creates new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
- Enhances spatial learning and memory
- Used by Russian doctors for decades for cardiovascular recovery
Cambridge University Study (Ongoing):
- Largest breathwork brain study ever conducted
- Examining 21 Day Awakening Breath Journey
- Found more complex brain patterns in SOMA practitioners
- "Psychedelic-like" experiences reported without substances
2020 Aging Study (Hyperbaric Oxygen):
- Intermittent oxygen restriction increased telomere length
- Decreased cellular immunosenescence
- Suggests anti-aging potential for controlled hypoxia protocols
Comparison to Other Methods:
- More structured than Wim Hof (music-guided)
- Based on traditional pranayama (Nisshesha Rechaka)
- Combines multiple techniques in progressive system
Limitations:
- SOMA specifically has limited peer-reviewed research
- Mechanisms extrapolated from IHT and pranayama research
- Subjective experiences vary widely
- "Psychedelic-like" claims need more rigorous study
Episodes
Niraj Naik, founder of SOMA Breath and known as "The Renegade Pharmacist," joins Jason Marc Campbell to discuss his journey from community pharmacist to breathwork entrepreneur....
Dr. Julie Foucher interviews Niraj Naik about SOMA Breath and the science of rhythmic breathing for health optimization. Niraj explains how breathing in a perfectly aligned rhyt...
Josh Trent interviews Niraj Naik in Thailand during a SOMA Breath immersive training, exploring the science and experience of this revolutionary breathwork practice. Niraj expla...
Dr. Yami interviews Niraj Naik about the power of breathwork and the SOMA Breath program. Niraj explains how every breath produces oxidative stress through the combustion reacti...
Alex Ferrari interviews Niraj Naik fresh from the Next Level Soul Ascension Conference where Niraj led a breathwork ceremony for over 200 people. The conversation explores how S...
On the Wise Traditions podcast, Hilda Labrada Gore interviews Niraj Naik about how breathing impacts every system in the body and how mindful breathing can promote healing. Nira...
Kris interviews Niraj Naik about the science of conscious breathwork and the SOMA Breath system. Niraj explains why automatic breathing is actually the problem, as the reptilian...
Hilary Russo interviews Niraj Naik about his transformation from a soul-crushing seven-year career as a pharmacist to founding SOMA Breath. Niraj shares his dramatic origin stor...
Michael Sandler interviews Niraj Naik about supernatural breathing and the SOMA Breath system. The conversation begins with Niraj's origin story as a music-obsessed kid who esca...