Holotropic breathing began from a yoga practice that has been known to Hindus for many millennia. The types of such exercises differ only in the poses they need to be performed.
Appearance story
This action was developed by a family of American psychologists Kristina and Stanislav Grof. It was based on thirty years of studying altered consciousness, therapeutic possibilities, which are induced by the use of non-pharmacological methods of influencing consciousness and psychedelic drugs for the treatment.
As a method of therapy, holotropic breathing, the technique of which is absolutely uncomplicated, was proposed by Grof as a replacement for LSD therapy, which was banned for use after this drug was taboo. The condition itself, which appeared as a result of holotropic breathing, is not at all different from the narcotic trance, which appears due to paradoxical brain hypoxia.
When a person evokes unusual states of consciousness through a peculiar technique, this allows him to survive the trauma hidden in the depths and to find liberation from them. The main element of this technique is intensive breathing, diluted with awakening music and immersion in a stream of emerging experience. During this kind of practice, the internal dialogue stops and a complete immersion in the subconscious occurs.
Exercise courses
Holotropic breathing, the technique of which will be discussed in this article, goes through courses that most often last 2-3 hours a day for three to twelve days. Moreover, the exercise itself lasts about an hour or two in one session. During it, breathing becomes as intense as with active sports (swimming or running). Experts believe that such practices can give an excellent physical effect and positively affect the health of the patient.
Very often, holotropic breathing, the technique of these exercises, and all practicing people are actively criticized by representatives of traditional religious organizations. In addition, representatives of traditional psychology, skeptics and many scientific organizations recognize holotropic breathing as an unscientific technique. All due to the fact that its effects are not amenable to explanation from the point of view of familiar science.
But, no matter what, the people who practice these classes are sure that the technique not only works, but also gives really effective results. It can save people from almost any psychological problems.
Holotropic breathing, the technique of which is absolutely uncomplicated, is allowed for children over 12 years of age. But in any case, the decision on the ability to use this technique is always made by the instructor who will conduct the session.
The practice of holotropic breathing
So how do these classes go? The first thing you should know is that all practices are strictly individual. And in order to bring a person to the level where he can already use this technique, he will need at least 12-15 lessons.
But all this depends on a fairly large number of nuances. And sometimes a person will need a lot more sessions. This happens due to the fact that due to its own characteristics, it simply does not withstand intense exercises. Then classes are carried out in a relaxed mode.
Holotropic breathing. Its technique is as follows:
- The first 10 minutes, breathing should be deep and slow.
- The next hour is deep and rather intense.
- The last 20 minutes begin with a superficial slow, and end with ordinary breathing.
Sometimes in the process of holotropic breathing there are problems of loss of self-control, cramps in the throat, intense fear and pain, because it is always deeper and more frequent than usual.