What is Holotropic Breathwork

For most of us, breathing is an ‘automated’ activity — it happens without conscious thought and is necessary for survival. Breath ‘work‘ is a healing modality that includes active control of our breath and we can use it for relief of many emotional and physical conditions. Generally, it is thought of as a tool for relief of stress or to promote relaxation. However, Holotropic Breathwork is a modality that allows you to go into an altered state of consciousness (much like psychedelic medicine) where you may tap into your own inner wisdom for healing or growth. Holotropic Breathwork can lead to greater self-awareness and a broader perspective on life but can also put you at ease and help calm your worries and fears. 

What is Holotropic Breathwork?

Holotropic Breathwork has many healing benefits and can encourage us to deal with our emotions in healthy ways. Many people report overcoming anxiety or depression after a breathwork session and notice that it helps relieve stress. So what is this deep breathing technique and how do you do it?

A psychologist by the name of Stanislav Grof, MD,  and his late wife Christina, developed Holotropic Breathwork at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California in the late 1970’s. Dr. Grofs background was working with psychedelic medicine in conjunction with psychoanalytic therapy (talk therapy that focuses on bringing suppressed thoughts or feelings to the conscious mind). He explored how altered states of consciousness could effect traditional counseling or therapy and discovered that rapid or deep breathing naturally accelerated by the psychedelic medicine had a positive effect on his patients. 

When psychedelics became prohibited, Grof developed Holotropic Breathwork. This term comes from the Greek words, “holos” (whole) and “trepein” (to move toward), the word “holotropic” translates to “moving toward wholeness.”  The primary principle of this technique is that healing comes from within. We all have the ability to access our own inner healing wisdom and this type of breathwork fosters that self-awareness. The person practicing the breathwork may also come away feeling personally empowered.

How does Holotropic Breathwork work? 

With the use of deeper and faster, conscious and intentional breathing patterns, a person can experience a dream-like state. Grof chooses to identify this state of consciousness as non-ordinary. Once you reach this state, it’s possible to access parts of your consciousness that would be difficult to access in everyday consciousness.   The goal would be to increase self-awareness and overcome blocks that hold you back from living a fulfilling life.

Holotropic Breathwork is typically done in a group setting or in a private session. You  begin with  lying down on a mat with your eyes closed.  The facilitator may choose to walk you through a body relaxation to settle in. Cross-cultural music is played to help you enter a journeying landscape that is intended to be expansive. Once the music begins, begin to breathe deep and fast in a conscious, cyclical pattern. There are no pauses between inhales and exhales. 

What happens during Holotropic Breathwork? 

During a holotropic breathwork practice, a variety of emotions are possible from tears to profound joy. It can feel like being in a dream-like state where images or body sensations emerge into the psyche. After the session, many people feel extremely relaxed and have more insights or have a higher connection with their inner guidance. The process is very organic and no two sessions are ever the same.

This type of breathwork can help dissolve unresolved emotions stored in your mind and body.  Emotions are part of life challenges but without any resolution they tend to get suppressed in the body and can show up as muscle tension or mental imbalances such as depression and anxiety. Holotropic breathwork gives people the opportunity to experience relief of emotional blockages without conversation and because of that, it can be very healing.

Why should you do Holotropic Breathwork?

Although Breathwork has become a recent trend, it is nothing new. Since ancient times, breathing practices have been part of yoga, tai chi, and meditation.  Today we have reiki practitioners, psychotherapists, and hypnotherapists using breathing techniques to help clients connect the mind and body, or to become more mindful, soul-focused, and aware. 

We can use any breathing exercises or breathwork-centered meditations to feel calm and lift our spirits during times of stress or anxiety. Deep breathing techniques have a multitude of potential benefits, and according to a Harvard Medical School article, it can help reduce stress, build resilience and lower our ‘fight or flight’ response. If you want to access your inner healing wisdom  or boost self-awareness, Holotropic Breathwork is the best modality to hone in on your healing needs. 

Many people report a balanced mind, body, spirit connection and expanded consciousness. The benefits can be specific and unique to your healing needs. Overall folks have noticed healing of anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and a profound sense of inner peace. The bottom-line is you can only gain from feelings of fulfillment with Holotropic Breathwork. Listen to your inner guidance when you feel called to do this powerful Breathwork modality, and be assured that whenever you decide to give it a try, it will be the right time.