# Physiological Changes and Health Impacts

### **Cardiovascular**

Heart rate and blood pressure typically rise with psychedelics or breathwork and decrease with meditation.

### **Respiratory**

Ventilation changes during breathwork correlate with the depth of altered experience.

### **Neuroendocrine**

Cortisol levels often drop, while **oxytocin** spikes during MDMA use or loving-kindness meditation.

### **Neuroplasticity**

Increases in **BDNF**, **synaptic density**, and **structural brain connectivity** are observed across several ASC modalities.

### **Mental Health**

Controlled studies show sustained improvements in **depression, anxiety, PTSD,** and **addiction**, often exceeding traditional interventions.

### **Personality and Well-Being**

Post-ASC increases in **openness, emotional resilience,** and **life satisfaction** are consistently reported.

### **Physical Health**

Enhanced **immune function**, **pain relief**, and **sleep quality** are common outcomes.

**Risks:** ASCs can occasionally evoke **challenging psychological experiences**, **transient anxiety**, or in rare cases, **persistent psychosis** in predisposed individuals. Physiological risks include **cardiovascular strain** and **syncope** during intense breathwork. Proper screening, preparation, and integration are essential to ensure safety and therapeutic value.

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### References

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