What is Holotropic Breathwork

It’s a way to enter into a deeper place of connection with oneself

Holotropic Breathwork is a safe method for entering into a non-ordinary state of consciousness for personal growth having been developed in the 70’s and 80’s by Stan Grof and his wife Christina during their residency at Esalen (Big Sur California) as a solution to the chilling effect the War on Drugs had on consciousness research employing non-ordianry states of consciousness previously accessed through the use of entheogens.

A Holotropic Breathwork experience has three parts starting with preparation, (the opening circle in which we introduce ourselves, explain the breathwork technique, answer questions and ask participants to pair up for the session), followed by the Breathing session itself. The third component of the experience is Integration.

While Holotropic Breathwork may be done in an individual or group setting, we currently are only able to offer group workshops. When done in a group setting, participants are paired and experience breathwork both as a breather and a sitter (there are two breathwork sessions during a typical workshop, and participants switch roles for the sessions), under the supervision of a trained facilitation team.

The person breathing enters into a non-ordinary state by breathing at a faster and deeper rate while listening to evocative music. If tension is felt in the body, the breather can ask for support with bodywork. Holotropic Breathwork is done in a supportive environment to create a safe container where inner exploration and healing can occur.

from Principles of Holotropic Breathwork by Stanislav and Christina Grof

The basic elements in Holotropic Breathwork are deeper and accelerated breathing,
evocative music, and facilitation of energy release through a specific form of bodywork where requested. This is complemented by creative expression, such as “mandala” drawing, and discussion of the experience. Holotropic Breathwork can be conducted on a one to one basis, or preferably in a group situation, where participants alternate in the role of experiencers and “Sitters”.

Holotropic Breathing is faster and deeper than usual; generally no other specific
instructions are given before or during the session as to the rate, pattern, and nature of breathing. The experience is entirely internal and largely nonverbal, without interventions. Exceptions would be constriction in the throat, management problems, excessive pain or fear threatening the continuation of the session, and the explicit request of the Breather.
Music (or other forms of acoustic stimulation — drumming, nature sounds, etc.) is an
integral part of the Holotropic process. Typically, the choice of music follows a characteristic pattern that reflects the most common unfolding of the Holotropic experience: at the beginning it is evocative and stimulating, later it becomes increasingly dramatic and dynamic, reaching a breakthrough quality. Following the culmination, it shifts gradually to quieter music and ends with peaceful, flowing, and otherwise meditative selections.
The role of the Sitter during the session is to be responsive and non-intrusive, ensure
effective breathing, create a safe environment, respect the natural unfolding of the experience, and provide assistance in all situations that require it (physical support, help during bathroom breaks, passing tissues or water bottle, etc.) It is important the sitter remain focused and centered while holding space for the Breather.

Holotropic Breathwork does not use any interventions that come from the intellectual analysis or are based on a priori and theoretical constructs.