Psychedelic breathwork, also known as Holotropic breathwork, is a practice that has become increasingly popular, not only among the psychedelic community, but anyone seeking to experience a greater sense of self-exploration and self-healing. Psychedelic or Holotropic Breathwork is essentially a conscious therapeutic breathing practice centred around enhancing one’s consciousness with the intention of aiding in the process of emotional healing and various stages of personal exploration and self-growth. Psychedelic breathwork is also vital in the process of deep healing.
Psychedelic Breathwork
Is said to produce an altered state of consciousness. It opens the mind to a more profound and immersive state of self-discovery, serving to bring about a greater degree of insight, stimulate new and enlightening thoughts, spark a greater awareness of oneself and one’s emotional state, and allow you to gain more clarity. These are merely a few of the effects elicited by Psychedelic Breathwork.
Here is everything you need to know about Psychedelic or Holotropic Breathwork and how the practice may impact and benefit you.
How does Holotropic Breathwork work?
Holotropic Breathwork is primarily a therapeutic breathing practice that involves taking fast breaths for longer periods. This breathing practice can continue for varying lengths of time and can last for up to three hours. The process of forcefully inhaling and exhaling for equal lengths of time at an increased speed changes the balance between carbon dioxide and oxygen in the body and brain, enabling you to enter an altered state of consciousness.
The practice of Holotropic Breathwork opens your mind and gives access to parts of your psyche that aren’t as accessible in your daily life. It also allows you to access your collective unconscious and the unity of everything and everyone, similar to a psychedelic or plant-medicine ceremony experience.
It is worth noting that there are different techniques of breathwork, and therefore not just one standard formula. There have been several adaptations of this breathing technique which have been used in various practices and modalities. One such example is using a breathing technique as a clearing practice and a way of focusing and preparing the mind before meditation. Another example of breathwork is taking long breaths with minimal gaps between the inhales and exhales. This form/practice of breathwork is frequently used in yoga and is referred to as pranayama – A process which employs breathing techniques to improve awareness.
It is believed that the longer the breathwork, the better the results. In some instances, the process can go on for over three hours, upon which your mind will have drifted, almost in a similar manner to how psychedelics impact the mind. This makes it an incredible tool for anyone seeking profound emotional self-exploration and personal development and empowerment. After your Holotropic Breathwork session you will be asked to creatively express or discuss your experience.
One of the main goals of the Holotropic or Psychedelic Breathwork technique is to help improve and enhance your psychological and spiritual development and to create a space within which you can achieve emotional healing. It is also geared towards activating your natural capacity for healing. In addition to its various emotional, spiritual, and psychological benefits and effects, Holotropic breathing may bring about several physical benefits.
It is advised to practice Holotropic Breathwork under the guidance of an experienced facilitator in the field and who is trained in this immersive emotional release modality. This is primarily due to the fact that the experience as a whole has the potential to be incredibly intense and emotional (depending on how you respond). The main role of the facilitator is to guide and assist you with any intense emotions and feelings that may arise during the process. In some cases Holotropic Breathwork is offered under the supervision of a licensed medical professional. It can also be used as part of a counselling treatment plan. Holotropic Breathwork practises and sessions can be in the form of individual or group sessions, as well as workshops, or retreats.
The Effects & Benefits of Holotropic Breathwork
Holotropic Breathwork is said to facilitate countless physiological, mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical healing benefits and effects. Individuals who practice Holotropic Breathwork often report feeling a sense of ‘rebirth’ along with other powerful, enlightening, and immersive experiences. It is believed to bring about an enhanced sense of self-awareness and a more positive outlook on life as a whole. As Holotropic breathing has the potential to elicit emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical effects, you can use it to support your development in a variety of ways.
It is widely believed that the practice of Holotropic Breathwork allows you to move beyond your body and ego in order to get in touch with your true self and spirit. In addition to enabling you to connect with your true sense of self, it allows you to better connect with others and the natural world around you.
Beyond these remarkable benefits and effects, Holotropic Breathwork can be used to potentially manage and treat a wide range of conditions, including:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Addiction and addictive behaviours
• Migraine headaches
• Post-traumatic-stress-disorder
• Some forms of chronic pain
• Avoidance behaviours
• Aids in stress relief and relaxation
• Promotes personal growth and self-awareness
In many countries, practitioners and individuals utilize Holotropic Breathwork as a spiritual practice rather than a therapeutic one. In this way, some people practice Holotropic breathing to expand their awareness rather than to overcome or manage a mental or physical health condition.
Some individuals use Holotropic Breathwork to eliminate negative thought patterns and self-limiting beliefs, as well as to overcome fears. Holotropic breathing has also been used to help manage various forms of past trauma. The practice has additionally helped some people find new purpose and direction in their lives.
Does Holotropic Breathwork have adverse effects?
While most people practice Holotropic or Psychedelic Breathwork without any adverse side effects, individuals can have varying experiences and responses.
Holotropic Breathwork has the potential to elicit intense emotions and feelings. It can also bring deeply rooted or painful memories to the surface, as well as past traumas, and past-life regressions. It is believed that trauma will only come forward during a session if it is deemed necessary for healing. However, this won’t be known at the outset of the session.
Because of the strong physical and emotional releases that may arise, it is important that you understand the experience and know what to expect when practicing the technique. It is also highly advised that you practice Holotropic Breathwork under the guidance of a trained and experienced facilitator. As Holotropic Breathwork has the potential to elicit an intense, and often overwhelming, physical and/or emotional response, it is a good idea to set your intentions for the experience beforehand. Rather, each person’s experience with Holotropic Breathwork is unique, self-directed, and unfolds on its own as the practice progresses.
Depending on your/the individual’s current physical, mental, and emotional state, some professionals recommend that Holotropic Breathwork be used in conjunction with ongoing therapy. This in turn gives you the opportunity to work through and overcome any potential issues that may arise.
While most individuals who practice Holotropic Breathwork describe it as an immersive, profound and immensely cathartic experience, it is highly advised that you talk to your Doctor or a medical professional if you have, or have a history of any of the following conditions: Cardiovascular disease; Angina; Heart attack; High blood pressure; Glaucoma; Retinal detachment; Osteoporosis; Recent injury or surgery; Any condition for which you take regular medications; History of panic attacks, psychosis, or disturbances; Severe mental illness; Seizure disorders; Family history of aneurisms. Holotropic breathwork is also not recommended for pregnant women or breastfeeding women.
Association between Holotropic Breathwork & Psychedelics
The practice of Holotropic Breathwork and psychedelics/psychedelic treatment go hand in hand as they both serve to achieve the same goal. Holotropic Breathwork elicits an altered state of consciousness which opens the mind to a more profound and immersive state of self-exploration, development, awareness, healing, and growth.
It gives you the opportunity to explore various states and can be used in preparation for a highly enlightening psychedelic experience or journey. Since breathwork is regarded as a health practice by many, it is the perfect tool for psychedelic experiences. Psychedelics also have the potential to elicit more powerful and profound effects when combined with other interventions such as Holotropic Breathwork, There is however one main difference between Holotropic Breathwork and psychedelics, which is unlike psychedelics, breathwork isn’t illegal, thus making Holotropic Breathwork a more convenient practice.
History of Holotropic Breathwork
Holotropic Breathwork is a technique that was developed in the ’70s by Czech-born psychiatrist Dr. Stanislav Grof. Dr. Stanislav Grof was one of the earliest researchers of LSD and the therapeutic effects of psychedelics on the mind. Despite making great strides, when LSD became illegal in the late 1960s and the federal government cracked down on his research by the early 1970s, Dr. Stanislav Grof, who was working in the United States at the time, was completely defunded.
Thereafter Dr. Stanislav Grof, together with his wife Christina, set out to develop a drug-free alternative to achieve an altered state of consciousness that could be used as a potential therapeutic tool. This led to the development of Holotropic Breathwork. In essence, the technique was created to achieve psychedelic-like states without using psychedelic drugs. The Grofs were trained in Freudian psychoanalytic therapy and believed the process of deep, self-exploration brought on by these altered states can bring about healing.
The technique was further perfected at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, designed to be accompanied by sound, and named for the Greek words holos, meaning whole or wholeness, and trepein, meaning to turn towards.
Holotropic Breathwork Studies & Research
A study conducted in 1996 combined Holotropic Breathwork with psychotherapy over the course of six months. It was found that individuals who participated in both Holotropic Breathwork and therapy significantly reduced death anxiety and experienced a profound increase in their self-esteem compared to individuals who only had therapy.
A report from 2013 documented the results of 11,000 people over the course of 12 years who participated in Holotropic Breathwork sessions. The results from the study suggest that Holotropic breathing can be used to treat a wide range of psychological and existential life issues. In addition, many individuals reported significant benefits related to emotional catharsis and internal spiritual exploration.
No adverse reactions were reported during this study, making it a low-risk therapy.
A study conducted in 2015 found that Holotropic breathing can bring about higher levels of self-awareness. Beyond an enhanced state of self-awareness, Holotropic Breathwork can help make positive changes to an individual’s temperament and the development of their character. Individuals who were more experienced with the technique reported feeling a decreased tendency to be needy, domineering, and hostile.
