Holotropic Breathwork

Holotropic breathing is a method of changing the state of consciousness used in the framework of transpersonal psychotherapy. Its essence lies in the application of rapid breathing and exhalations, which lead to hyperventilation of the lungs. The technique was developed by the American researcher S. Grof in the second half of the 20th century with the goal of replacing LSD, a drug that at that time was already banned.

The name comes from two Greek words: "holos" - integral, "tropos" - method.

This method is based on the fact that, as a result of frequent breathing, carbon dioxide is washed out of the blood , the brain vessels contract, the activity of the cerebral cortex is inhibited, subcortical structures are activated, which leads to hallucinations and actualization of repressed experiences.

Those who want to understand in detail what holotropic breathing is, you can advise to get acquainted with the works of the founder of the method, S. Grof, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, who spent most of his life studying the altered states of consciousness and the possibilities of using them to deal with various psychological problems.

Grof created his own description of the device of consciousness, which differed from that proposed by Freud. It is this understanding that he laid the foundation of the holotropic breathing method.

Based on this psychotherapeutic approach, the so-called practice of re-training was created, which allows a person, as claimed by its creators, to get rid of the consequences of birth trauma and gain true integrity of consciousness.

Procedure for conducting sessions

The course usually lasts from 3 to 10 days for 2-3 hours a day. Directly holotropic breathing takes about an hour. In the classroom, special music is also used. Also, the impact is with the help of the presenter's suggestions.

People break in pairs, one person breathes, and the other helps him to live all the arising sensations. Then they change.

The intensity of breathing in the classroom is very large, as with serious physical exertion.

After the session is over, the facilitator conducts work with the identified experiences.

Holotropic respiration - harm or benefit?

Supporters of this method argue that awareness of the experiences that have arisen in the course of classes leads to healing from mental trauma and internal transformation. Grof argued that holotropic breathing opens the possibility for awareness of unity with the entire universe, gives a way out for a time frame, since it can transfer a person both during the period of uterine development, and to the recollection of past lives.

However, there are many arguments against using this method to harmonize the inner world.

Despite the fact that healthy people after the procedure feel fresh, vigorous and rested, the holotropic breathing method has a number of contraindications.

First of all, it can not be used for people suffering from any chronic diseases. Patients who are prone to psychotic conditions, suffering from epilepsy, glaucoma, and pregnant women, it is necessary to refrain from practicing such practices.

Among other things, this method is criticized as really healing. Many researchers do not deny that a person can survive a number of bright conditions associated with the occurrence of hallucinations. However, the question is whether this breath can really change the content of a person's consciousness and give him the opportunity to know himself.

As to the impact of this practice on health, opponents of the method say that a sharp narrowing of the vessels does not improve, but worsens the work of the brain. A huge loss of carbon dioxide can lead to brain edema and coma.

In other words, holotropic breathing has both supporters and opponents. The most important advice for those who want to try this method on their own: carefully choose an instructor. At present, there are many different groups practicing this method of expanding consciousness. But only some trainers are really certified specialists and can guarantee you that they will take care of your condition and take measures if it worsens.