Holotropic breathing is a method of changing the state of consciousness used in the framework of transpersonal psychotherapy. Its essence lies in the use of rapid inhalation and exhalation, 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 in order to replace LSD, a drug that was already banned at that time.
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 from the blood , the blood vessels of the brain are narrowed, inhibition of the cerebral cortex occurs, subcortical structures are activated, which leads to the appearance of hallucinations and actualization of displaced experiences.
Those who want to understand in detail what holotropic breathing is can be advised to familiarize themselves with the works of the method's founder, S. Grof, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist who spent most of his life studying altered states of consciousness and the possibilities of their application to work with various psychological problems.
Grof created his own description of the structure of consciousness, which was different from that proposed by Freud. It was this understanding that he laid the foundation for the application of the method of holotropic breathing.
Based on this psychotherapeutic approach, the so-called rebirthing practice was created, which allows a person, according to its creators, to get rid of the consequences of birth trauma and to find true integrity of consciousness.
Session Procedure
The course usually lasts from 3 to 10 days, 2-3 hours a day. Holotropic respiration itself takes about an hour. In the classrooms, special music is also used. Also, the impact is through the suggestions of the leader.
People are divided into pairs, one person breathes, and the other helps him to live through all the sensations that arise. Then they change.
The intensity of breathing in the classroom is very large, as with severe physical exertion.
After the session, the facilitator conducts work with the identified experiences.
Holotropic breathing - harm or benefit?
Proponents of this method argue that awareness of the experiences that have arisen in the process of training leads to healing from emotional trauma and internal transformation. Grof argued that holotropic breathing opens up the possibility of awareness of unity with the whole universe, gives a way out of time frames, as it can transfer a person both to 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, alert and rested, the method of holotropic breathing has a number of contraindications.
First of all, it can not be used for people suffering from any chronic diseases. Patients with a tendency to psychotic conditions, suffering from epilepsy, glaucoma, as well as pregnant women, need to refrain from practicing such practices.
Among other things, this method is criticized as truly healing. Many researchers do not deny that a person can survive a series of bright conditions associated with the occurrence of hallucinations. However, the question is raised whether such a breath can really change the content of a person’s consciousness and give him the opportunity to know himself.
Regarding 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 brain. A huge loss of carbon dioxide can lead to cerebral 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 themselves: carefully choose an instructor. Currently, there are many different groups practicing this method of expanding consciousness. But only a few trainers are truly certified specialists and can guarantee you that they will carefully treat your condition and take measures in case of its deterioration.