I fell in love at first breath. The first time I lied down to try Holotropic Breathwork that is. And the euphoric trance that came instantly after. Healers across the country are all raving about breathwork, but there’s something special (and particularly potent) about this technique. And it very well may have the power to change your life.
What is Holotropic Breathwork?
Holotropic Breathwork traces back to the 1970s and was developed by Dr. Stanislav Grof and his wife Christina Grofwho were researchers trained in psychoanalytic therapy. After the federal government cracked down on the use of LSD in therapy, the pair sought to develop a drug-free au naturel alternative to replace the psychedelic, altered-state experience used for self-exploration. By using repetitive short intense breaths, participants are able to reach non-ordinary states of consciousness and unlock the power to heal deep-seated trauma.
What does breathwork do?
It’s intense and may bring up more than you bargained for, but that’s the price we pay for embarking on the self-healing journey. And the further down the rabbit hole we go, the better we begin to understand ourselves. Some say that Holotropic Breathwork can give you access to certain parts of the psyche that aren’t as accessible in your daily life, and oftentimes people proclaim to discover deep universal truths or experience past-life regression.
Is it safe?
Unlocking the deepest parts of your psyche is no easy feat, and should be dealt with care, but Holotropic Breathwork is perfectly safe when practiced correctly. I’d highly recommend finding a trained facilitator or attending a workshop for your first time. There’s something special about practicing the technique in a group setting — with others elevating their consciousness at the same time.
Where can I find it?
You can find tons of workshops across the country (and even abroad) at many healing centers. It just takes a little research.
The self-healing journey is a tough one, and is constantly evolving, but we are lucky to live in a world that so many tools are at our disposal. If you’re looking to dig deep and uncover some real truths that lie deep beneath your consciousness, give breathwork a whirl. Who knows, it may even change your life.
