Holotropic breathwork is a form of alternative medicine that uses a specific set of activities and breathing movements. This is performed under the guidance of a trained therapist. The therapist guides the participants regarding the states of awareness, breathing pattern using music, art and group sharing for combination.
History
While the early development of holotropic breathwork is found in 1960s, in the following decades, it was developed by Stanislov and Christina Golf. They together developed a pattern of using one’s own breath to stimulate states of consciousness in a safe and effective manner. They travelled to many countries and conducted workshops related to this theory.
Principle
Non ordinary states of consciousness have been linked with wisdom and healing. This therapy aims at using the breath in patterns, in order to reach the higher levels of self awareness and promote healing. Breath is used to energize the body in a relaxed environment and with use of music.
Method
Holotropic Breathwork therapy is performed in sessions and is conducted individually or in small teams. Each session may last for one to three hours. The participants lie on their mat with their eyes closed and the music is played in the room. Under the guidance of the therapist, the participants focus on their breath and music and slowly try to reach the states of self-awareness.
This state is believed to give the participant an internal experience and stimulate the healing process. It also guides the inner confidence and intelligence. Sometimes, energy release work and ‘mandala drawing’ is also practiced. In addition, the participants can also work in pairs. They can help each other in breathing to the consciousness and alternating roles as helper and breather.
Benefits
Holotropic breathwork is known to be effective in reaching the non ordinary states of consciousness and stimulate the self healing process. This helps in cleaning the mental and psychological blocks and helps in changing the outlook of a person towards a particular subject. The therapy helps in releasing the blocked energy and tries to heal the physical, mental and spiritual areas of the person. It helps in regaining the energy and balance in life-force.
With these effects, this therapy can be used in the treatment of anxiety, depression, fears, asthma, migraine, digestive problems, and sexual problems. It can be also use in treating heart problems, glaucoma, surgeries and chronic diseases.
Safety First
This therapy is contraindicated in mental problems.
