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Holotropic breathwork is a mysterious and powerful method of healing and self-exploration


that utilizes ones environment and breathing technique to provide them with a profound and
momentous experience of the mind. The development of holotropic breathwork was
influenced by modern consciousness research along with various psychologies, spiritual
practices, and ancient mystical traditions. The word holotropic literally means moving
toward wholeness and is derived from the conjunction of the Greek words holos, meaning
whole, and trepein, meaning to move in the direction of something.

By employing the use of holotropic breathing, an individual or group of individuals can


achieve an altered or non-ordinary state of consciousness; once reached, this state is said to
bring health to the psyche and provide the individual with the opportunity to examine and
evaluate ones character and choices and bestow them with clarity and guidance that may aid
them in the arduous journey towards complacency and self fulfillment.

This fascinating method of psychological healing and exploration was first developed and
utilized in the mid 1970s by Dr. Stanislav Grof and his wife Christina. For ten years,
Christina had been practicing various yoga disciplines such as Hatha, Siddha, and Kundalini
yoga and in 1974, she experienced what is known as a Kundalini awakening or a sudden
increase of life-force energy and a new state of consciousness. When seeking insight on her
experience, Christina was then referred to Dr. Grof due to his extensive understanding of
transpersonal psychology (the study of experiences from beyond the boundaries of the body
and personal identity).

Christinas experience was of great interest to Grof, as he had been trying to discover a
method for one to enter a state of consciousness similar to the one brought on by LSD
without the potential risks of consuming the substance. Christina and Stanislav then began
their collaboration and approached the development of this technique with both an
intellectual and spiritual standpoint, integrating findings from scientific research with the
power of the spiritual connection and surrender experienced in yoga. They realized that the
combination of the unique breathing techniques used in yoga along with a comforting setting
and evocative music can propel the mind into a state of transformation and reflection.

By 1987, Stanislav and Christina had developed a structured lesson plan for the teaching of
holotropic breathwork and thus, began to travel around the world to teach their powerful
method of altering ones consciousness.

Unfortunately, Christina passed away in 2014; however, Stanislav continues to hold lectures
for holotropic breathwork and transpersonal psychology to this day and continues to teach his
methods to both those who are seeking certification as a holotropic practitioner and those
who are simply interested in the experience.

Holotropic breathing is done while lying on the back and playing the music of ones
choosing. There isnt really a proper method for holotropic breathwork; what may feel
natural to one person may feel uncomfortable or distracting to another. Tips often shared to
those interested in holotropic breathing are as follows:

Full and deep breathing fill the lungs and vacate the lungs entirely with every breath.
Continuous breathing there should be no gaps in ones breaths such as holding the air in or
out of the lungs. These interruptions can stymie the bodys natural rhythm, which is crucial in
the use of holotropic breathwork.
Fast breathing while remaining aware of the first two breathing tips, also be sure to be
breathing more quickly than normal, but not so quickly that the body feels strain or stress, as
this too will throw off the bodys natural rhythm.
Mouth or Nose this is a matter of personal preference, some find that breathing through the
mouth is less distracting and easier to move the large volume of air in and out of the lungs
more quickly, but there are also those that find mouth breathing to be uncomfortable and feel
that breathing through the nose is easier and allows them to focus less on the breathing and
more on the activity of the mind.

For anyone seeking more information on the history, inspiration, or the technique itself may
be interested in reading Stanislavs and Christinas book Holotropic Breathwork: A New
Approach to Self-Exploration and Therapy or may want to visit Grofs Transpersonal
Teaching website at http://www.holotropic.com/

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