Why do people practice Holotropic Breathwork and is it worth starting

What is Holotropic Breathwork

Holotropic Breathwork is a Practice What Is Holotropic Breathwork and How Is It Used?, which consists in the rapid alternation of inhalation and exhalation. The process lasts from a couple of minutes to several hours and changes the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.

Because of this, a person falls into a kind of trance, which can be compared with Holotropic Breathwork Benefits and Risks to an altered state of consciousness when taking psychedelics such as LSD. Holotropic breathing adepts believe that such an unusual form of consciousness helps to achieve something like enlightenment, to better know oneself and one's place in this world.

The word "holotropic" itself is formed on the basis of Greek (from the roots ὅλος - "whole" and τρόπ - indicating the direction) and is translated as "movement towards integrity."

Actually, the authors of the Holotropic Breathwork technique - psychotherapists Stanislav and Christina Grof - developed Holotropic Breathwork Benefits and Risks in the 1970s just as a replacement for outlawed LSD. They believed in the healing effects of psychedelics and wanted to do the same through legal means.

Why practice holotropic breathing

It is believed that this technique, when used correctly, can improve emotional well-being, help relieve fears, and even relieve pain. Here are some What Is Holotropic Breathwork and How Is It Used? problems for which holotropic breathing advocates recommend practicing it:

stress, including chronic;
depression;
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
various dependencies;
migraine;
chronic pain;
menstrual pain and PMS;
asthma;
avoidant behavior;
fear of death.

Also, Holotropic Breathwork can be part of a therapy that helps to overcome the effects of mental trauma.

How is Holotropic Breathwork performed?

For breathing practice to have a beneficial effect, next to the person practicing Holotropic Breathwork should What Is Holotropic Breathwork and How Is It Used? there is a specialist who has undergone appropriate training.

The instructor monitors the speed, rhythm and depth of breathing. It is important for Holotropic Breathwork Benefits and Risks to avoid potentially dangerous pulmonary hyperventilation.

The presenter helps the client to sit comfortably - lying on his back on the mat. And during the session it motivates to listen to inner feelings, to react to them. For example, if a client is experiencing a strong experience, he is advised to relax and make any sounds.

Music is an obligatory part of the technique. As a rule, these are rhythmic compositions, starting with drumming and gradually moving towards meditative melodies. Sound accompaniment is also selected by the instructor, focusing on the personality and request of the client.

After the session, the participant is asked to express the experience. Usually for this they ask to draw a mandala - a circular geometric pattern.

Why People Practice Holotropic Breathwork: Post-Session Mandalas

The instructor then discusses with the client some aspects of the drawing that may reflect emotional experiences.

What Science Says About Holotropic Breathwork

There are few scientific papers on this topic, but some scientists note that Holotropic Breathwork seems to be really helpful.

For example, a pilot study in 1996 tried to combine Holotropic Breathwork with psychotherapy. 24 people at the age of 22-50 years simultaneously worked with a therapist and underwent breathing practice. Another 24 participants were engaged only in psychotherapy. Scientists evaluated the result six months later. And they found out Holotropic breathwork: An experiential approach to psychotherapy. that, in comparison with the control group, the fear of death significantly decreased and self-esteem increased in people from the first group.

A 2013 review of 11,000 psychiatric patients also found A Clinical Report of Holotropic Breathwork in 11,000 Psychiatric Inpatients in a Community Hospital Setting interesting. Most people who took Holotropic Breathwork reported that they felt significantly better and more emotionally stable. No adverse side effects were observed in any of the cases, so the study authors concluded that this breathing practice could be considered a low-risk therapy.

In 2015, a small study confirmed the Measure of Significance of Holotropic Breathwork in the Development of Self-Awareness: people who practice Holotropic Breathwork report positive changes in their character. In particular, they say that they become calmer and less dependent on outside opinions.

What's Wrong with Holotropic Breathwork

There are several points that indicate that this breathing practice is not suitable for everyone.

It can be harmful to your health

"Psychedelic" experiences that accompany each session of Holotropic Breathwork are a strong burden on the body. In addition, there remains the risk of getting severe Journal editors criticize MDMA study as nonscientific, unethical - News and Comment - Ecstasy drug hyperventilation of the lungs. This can be dangerous for some people.

Before practicing this breathing technique, be sure to consult with a therapist or other supervising physician. Especially What Is Holotropic Breathwork and How Is It Used? if diagnosed:

any diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
angina pectoris;
hypertension;
glaucoma;
retinal disinsertion;
osteoporosis;
any medical condition that requires constant medication;
cases of panic attacks, psychosis;
seizure disorders;
mental illness.

Also, breathing practice should be abandoned by pregnant and lactating women.

It is not a fact that it is effective

There are few studies of Holotropic Breathwork, and there are questions about the reliability of their results. The authors of works confirming the effectiveness of psychedelic practices, often Journal editors criticize MDMA study as nonscientific, unethical - News and Comment - Ecstasy drug, are people who are initially confident in this very effectiveness.

In such cases, a cognitive bias called confirmation bias can be triggered. This means that the scientist is looking only for those facts that support his point of view. And he unconsciously overlooks or discards everything that contradicts her.

This is a purely commercial product

Officially, Holotropic Breathwork can only be practiced under the supervision of an instructor certified About Holotropic Breathwork® from the Grof Foundation. Otherwise, no one guarantees a positive effect.

That is, in fact, this breathing practice is a way to make money.

It's not that bad. However, it should be borne in mind that Holotropic Breathwork is a product that they want to sell. And, as is often the case in trade, an advertising campaign may not be entirely fair.