Holotropic Breathwork to Access Altered States of Consciousness

Holotropic Breathwork to Access Altered States of Consciousness

Many people experiencing addiction and mental health disorders have found holotropic breathwork to be an effective form of therapy, enhancing mind-body connection in a powerful way. By integrating this approach to access an altered state of consciousness, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself to help pave the road to healing and a healthier lifestyle.

Learn more about holotropic breathwork for trauma and addiction recovery in this guide.

What Is Holotropic Breathwork?

Holotropic breathwork is a practice that uses quick, controlled breathing patterns to reach an altered state of consciousness or an expanded state of awareness. It has become a popular technique for those seeking a unique self-healing process. It's often used as an integrative, holistic approach to addiction, trauma and other mental health challenges.

Holotropic breathing patterns are used to access the “unconscious” part of the brain and central nervous system that is typically inaccessible. Holotropic breathwork is often practiced in a group setting under supervision from a trained facilitator, though it can also be part of one-on-one sessions. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve personal growth and physical, mental and emotional healing.

The History of Holotropic Breathwork

Holotropic breathwork's roots trace back to the late 1960s. After lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) became illegal around this time, psychiatrist Stanislav Grof started exploring alternative methods to enter a non-ordinary state of consciousness. Grof cofounded transpersonal psychology — which studies the transcendental and spiritual aspects of the human experience — with psychologist Abram Maslow. 

As a supporter of psychedelic substances for psychotherapy, Grof wanted to facilitate self-discovery for patients experiencing relief from substance addiction and mental illness. He and his late wife, Christina, developed holotropic breathwork as a way to enter a psychedelic-like state without the use of drugs.

They discovered that patients could enter an altered state of consciousness through deep, rapid breathing. Holotropic derives from the Greek words hólos, which means “whole,” and trépein, which means “to move toward something.” This experiment suggested that deep breathing could increase self-awareness, helping patients become more in touch with themselves and the world around them. 

Grof started his work at the Psychiatric Research Institute in Prague before moving to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. His work was used for patients dealing with drug addiction, psychiatric illness and cancer.

How Holotropic Breathwork Works

Holotropic breathwork usually takes place in group settings, lasts around two to three hours and involves elements like rhythmic music and focused bodywork. Here's what a typical session might entail:

• Pairing: Because holotropic breathwork is normally offered in group settings, participants are paired off. One person is the “breather,” and the other is the “sitter.” The breather actively practices and experiences holotropic breathwork, while the sitter supports the breather and ensures their safety. The sitter only assists the breather if necessary.
• Lying down: Participants generally lie down on mats during holotropic breathwork sessions. This helps ground breathers and enables them to move around freely.
• Repetitive or rhythmic music: This music may encourage breathers to enter a state of altered consciousness, similar to having a vivid dream. Holotropic breathing often uses music that spans several genres, including ethereal sounds, tribal rhythms and classical compositions. These diverse styles can elicit a range of emotions, allowing breathers to access and release their feelings.
• Guidance from a trained facilitator: The facilitator provides direction to increase the rhythm and speed of participants' breathing. They instruct participants to close their eyes and breathe deeper and quicker. As their breathing speed increases, the facilitator reminds the group to breathe evenly to avoid hyperventilation. While these sessions involve some guidance, they are usually open-ended, meaning each participant can attain self-discovery using an approach that works for them. Breathers are encouraged to move freely and make sounds as they release their emotions.
• Post-session discussion: Afterward, participants may be encouraged to discuss their experiences, such as coming to terms with past trauma, spiritual awareness or feelings of joy. The instructor might have participants draw or add color to a mandala to further express their experiences. Breathers and sitters then switch roles to begin the next session.

Holotropic breathing aims to help participants face and address important issues, such as addiction and trauma. There aren't specific expectations or guidelines of what breathers must experience — they are free to work on whatever they see fit as they enter the altered state of consciousness.

What Does Holotropic Breathwork Feel Like?

Holotropic breathing can sound intimidating and stressful at first, especially for people living with trauma or anxiety. However, participants usually find that it has the opposite effect. This type of breathwork is known to help address unresolved emotions stored in the body and mind, helping the breather experience the world in a deeper, more colorful way.

Holotropic breathwork is a process of emotional release — so, naturally, it can be either incredibly relaxing or an emotional roller coaster. It might involve waves of sadness, anger or fear. Part of the beauty of holotropic breathwork is that each person's experience is unique, and they have a safe environment to release their pent-up emotions.

While participants are encouraged to push through and address their emotions, they can refrain from continuing if the sensations become overwhelming.

Benefits of Holotropic Breathwork

The advantages of holotropic breathwork for mental health and addiction recovery include:

• Relief from chronic conditions: Holotropic breathwork may help some participants manage a variety of physical and mental health conditions, including addiction, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or chronic pain.
• Enhanced self-awareness: Holotropic breathwork can help participants better understand themselves and their behaviors. It can encourage them to make better decisions, support personal growth and empower change.
• Stronger relationships: Holotropic breathwork can help participants develop a greater sense of understanding and empathy. This can result in better conflict management and communication with others, strengthening interpersonal relationships.
• Creativity: Participants often experience a greater sense of creativity, mental clarity and problem-solving abilities, allowing them to explore new perspectives and view challenges more clearly.
• Improved health: Holotropic breathwork can promote the release of toxins from the bloodstream and tissue, increase circulation and lower blood pressure. 

Holotropic Breathwork for Addiction at The Sanctuary

If you're seeking freedom from addiction, anxiety or trauma, holotropic breathwork could be a paramount step in your healing journey. At The Sanctuary at Sedona, our holistic treatment program focuses on meeting you where you are, healing the whole body, getting to the root of the issue and ultimately helping you live your best life. We offer a wide range of therapy approaches, including holotropic breathwork, to help you overcome addiction and mental health challenges.

You don't have to do it alone. Our compassionate team at The Sanctuary is ready to walk the road to recovery with you. Call (928) 325-7212or contact us online to learn more about our holistic treatment options.