Holotropic Breathwork

The term “Holotropic” is translated from the Greek words ‘holos’ and ‘trepin’ meaning ‘whole’ and ‘moving toward something.’ This dynamic technique guides a person to self-discovery and wellness using a blend of methods derived from anthropology, depth psychology, Eastern spiritual practices, modern consciousness and various mystical beliefs throughout the globe. Holotropic Breathwork is designed to stimulate an altered state of consciousness. By breathing at an accelerated pace and listening to suggestive music with eyes closed, the person can stimulate their inner healing mechanism and draw forth a unique internal experience. This method of breathing is designed to create oxygen deprivation, otherwise referred to as hyperventilation. Holotropic Breathwork is based on the theory that the effects of hypoxia actually represent unique and specific levels of consciousness.

• Bodywork and Creative Expressions
• Psychadelic Tactics and Holotropic Breathwork
• Resources Related to Holotropic Breathwork

Bodywork and Creative Expressions

Being directed by an inner compass for healing, each experience is authentic to the individual and no two situations will ever present themselves identically. Similarly, no two sessions will ever reveal the same results due to the conditions present at the time. Breathwork involves bodywork and other creative expressions of the moment and the entire process reveals an outcome unique and singular to the whole person and how they relate to the experience at the time it occurs. Other key components that are often integrated into Holotropic Breathwork are focused energy work and drawing, specifically, mandala drawings. This form of therapy can be done individually, but is most often done in group sessions with people participating in pairs, allowing one person to be the “sitter” while the other engages in the breathwork.

Psychadelic Tactics and Holotropic Breathwork

Holotropic Breathwork was created as an addition to the field of psychotherapy and is referred to as psychedelic--therefore it possess similar precautionary tactics that were created at the onset of the use of LSD for medical purposes. This therapeutic technique strives to achieve a state of enhanced awareness to a person’s internal psychic abilities to perpetuate the healing process. It was developed by Stanislav Grof, M.D., Ph.D., and Christina Grof.

Resources Related to Holotropic Breathwork:

Article about Holotropic Breathwork Radar to the Infinite: Holotropic Breathwork and the Integral Vision by Martin Boroson, © 1998

Official Website of Holotropic Breathwork

Wikipedia's Page about Holotropic_Breathwork

Association of Holotropic BreathworkTM International