Holotropic Breathing is a method of inner exploration based on breathing work combined with musical sequences. In this sheet, you will discover this practice in more detail, its principles, its dangers, its history, its benefits, how a session takes place, who can perform them and finally, what are the contraindications to the practice of this method.

Derived from the Greek words “holos” which means “the whole” and “trepein” which means “to move”, the work of holotropic breathing (TRH) is a method of self-exploration and expansion of consciousness that uses the power of breathing and music to overcome the usual barriers of perception. It would cause entry into an altered state of consciousness allowing the mind to change its mode of operation. According to its creator, Dr Stanislav Grof, the mere fact of being in this altered state would trigger spontaneous therapeutic activity. No other contribution would be necessary for the unconscious to bring out the conflicts it conceals and, above all, to process them. The method only asks to welcome what emerges, and to take advantage of the fact that the unconscious temporarily gives access to some of its secrets. Despite the possible discomfort (cries, tears, tremors, hysterical laughter, chills, cramps or pain), the security context helps to endure the experience and to enjoy it. Obviously, this differs from one person to another and, for the same person, from one session to another. Being based on no system of thought, no philosophy, this approach does not orient the experience. What breathable people experience and discover would be “what lives in them”.

The main principles

The most important principle of this method is that each individual would evolve in his life at a level much lower than his capacities because of the fact that he would identify only with his ego.

The purpose of the Holotropic Breathwork is to open up to other fields of consciousness. It is inspired by different methods of exploring consciousness, including shamanism, which has always relied on experiences of altered states (fasting, isolation, rites of passage) to accelerate psychospiritual work. The mobilization of the energy resources of the unconscious by the work of holotropic breathing would involve profound rearrangements both psychically and physically – bringing the person in a “movement towards his totality”. Access to this higher state of consciousness would be possible through work on breathing, resulting in hyperventilation. This quickly causes bodily sensations that are said to be caused by the circulation of “energy”. They can manifest themselves anywhere in the body – limbs, extremities, genitals, muscles, internal organs – and sometimes appear to come from a transcendent force “greater than oneself”. A multitude of images can crop up, and it is common to relive past emotional experiences – which may have been wonderful or, more often, traumatic. It is not uncommon for participants to speak of “cosmic contact” experiences. And frequently, people say they have relived their birth (the technique is very similar to rebirth).

During a session of holotropic breathing, the breathaler simply practices large and rapid breathing to induce hyperventilation. Even if the accompanying person is present to intervene, this technique can represent certain dangers. Indeed, when the individual is hyperventilating, the oxygen level in the blood is higher than normal while the carbon dioxide drops and the blood pH changes.

The decrease in carbon dioxide blocks the respiratory reflex while the increase in oxygen levels can disrupt normal brain function. Thus, hyperventilation can cause dizziness, muscle pain, a feeling of tight throat … These symptoms associated with breathing difficulties can therefore generate in the individual a state of panic, which can then lead to certain risks of accidents, of falls …

Officially, the Grof Institute makes no claims as to the ability of the method to cure problems or illnesses. Despite the absence of well-controlled studies published, it is mentioned on the sites of various stakeholders that this approach could contribute to:

Relieve phobias and anxiety about life

The release of anxieties and the well-being provided by the sessions can be favorable to the treatment of phobias and anxiety.

Support the individual in a personal development process

The approach is a method of personal growth particularly suited to individuals who wish to do work on themselves.

Treat certain somatic illnesses

Like skin diseases, migraines, asthma, and chronic digestive issues.

Treat a past trauma

As a complement to psychotherapy, it would also be suitable for people who wish to go into the depths of their unconscious to work on past traumas – accidents, operations, assaults – or on various physical ailments with strong psychosomatic components.

Reduce anxiety

In 2007, researchers were interested in studies on the potential role of holotropic breathing in combination with psychotherapy in the treatment of psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression. The authors only listed 3 studies, only one of which was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The results indicate that holotropic breathing may be effective in solving some psychological problems. After 6 months of follow-up, subjects who participated in the holotropic breathing sessions, in addition to their psychotherapy, showed greater improvements in self-esteem and anxiety about death. However, the authors mention that, although promising, these preliminary results should be viewed with caution given the absence of chance and the small number of subjects in each of the groups.

The specialist

Stanislav Grof, or speakers trained by him, lead group sessions in various large western cities. Unfortunately, outside of Paris and California, this kind of event is relatively rare. Some psychotherapists offer individual sessions in support of psychological work.

Course of a session

The sessions can take place in groups or alone. In a group, we cannot say that it is a group therapy, but rather an individual experience practiced collectively, each person benefiting from the energy mobilized by all the participants. A session generally lasts 1 day, sometimes 2, in a large room. A certified practitioner first offers a theoretical introduction to the work. Then, half of the participants become the “breathable” and the others, the “accompanying”, then the roles are reversed. The 2 facets of the experience are said to be important for understanding and integrating what can take place during a session.

During the session, the images and sensations change several times – aided by the fast and deep rhythm of the music. After a physically intense phase, mental representations may gradually become calmer, sometimes more abstract, and then the body naturally prepares to end the experience. Immediately follows a drawing exercise, which makes it possible to form another “image” of the sensations experienced. After the 2 partners have done the exercise and the drawing, a period of verbal exchange promotes integration.

Become a holotropic breathing practitioner

For those who want to lead holotropic breathing workshops (a registered trademark), the training must absolutely be done by the team which is still led by Stanislav Grof (see Reference sites). This training includes:

• 150 hours of personal experience in holotropic breathing workshops led by a certified practitioner.
• Participation in seven 6-day thematic workshops (psychopathology, spirituality and addiction, power of intuition, etc.).
• 10 hours of individual consultation with a certified practitioner.
• An intensive 2-week session at the end of the training.
• Various thematic workshops are also offered in retreat centers in New Mexico and California. Training also takes place, but on an ad hoc basis, in Europe, South America and Australia.

Contraindications of holotropic breathing

Holotropic breathing should be approached with the same basic precautions as any strenuous aerobic activity, such as playing a sport. In addition, this kind of experience is not suitable for people in the following situations: cardiovascular disorders, glaucoma, epilepsy, pregnancy, recovery after surgery.

The psychiatrist behind this method is Dr. Stanislav Grof. Born in Prague, Stanislav Grof studied and practiced psychiatric medicine in Czechoslovakia before emigrating to the United States in 1967. He taught at John Hopkins University where he notably conducted research on the therapeutic potential of psychedelic drugs. like LSD. In 1973, he went to California, to the Esalen Institute, and continued his work on altered states of consciousness, but without drugs. It was in the wake of this era – and therapies aimed at unifying the bodily, mental and spiritual planes – that Grof developed, with his wife Christina, the technique to which he continues to devote himself today. In the world of transpersonal psychology, Stanislav Grof is considered the great theorist of altered mental states.