Modern psychology and psychiatry are endlessly in search of solutions to our problems, and for this, as you know, all means are good.

One of these appeared in America in the 70s of the last century thanks to the work of psychologist Stanislav Grof.

But why is the technique so praised by the students and followers of Stanislav Grof, and why are more and more people willing to take the risk of getting rid of fears with the help of holotropic breathing?

By the way, they also oppose sessions at home and insist on the presence of a sitter - a person you trust and who can control what is happening.

Significant changes occur in the brain during a session

According to the reviews, psychotechnics helps:

  1. Quickly come to personal changes, because during its implementation, problems are considered both individually and as a whole complex
  2. The body decides for itself what worries it more, without forcing the psychologist to delve into your mind
  3. Breathing helps you make sense of the hidden mysteries of your psychological experience.
  4. A person is aware of the source of the problem and understands what exactly he needs to get rid of.
  5. It becomes easier for patients to overcome alcoholism, smoking, drug and other life-crippling addictions
  6. Feelings of fatigue and chronic stress gradually fade into the background, releasing positive energy

Separately, it should be said that holotropic breathing and its technique, including at home, are used.

During hyperventilation of the lungs, an amount of oxygen enters the body, stimulating the active burning of body fat. The metabolic processes are also accelerated.

Adherents of the practice also talk about effective cleansing of toxins and toxins, but we still question this fact.

Is it worth it in such a risky way to fight your own fears, only a specialist will answer you

How does a collective holotropic breathing session work?

Classes are held in groups of 8 to 14 people. Participants are divided into pairs, one of them plays the role of a holonaut (breather), the second - a sitter, someone who will monitor the normal course of the session and the behavior of the breather during it.

At the initial stage, everyone relaxes to special music. It can be the sound of tambourines, drums, sounds of nature.

During one session, practitioners apply breathing techniques approximately twice, while the duration and frequency depend on the experience of the patient.

An important condition, as we wrote above, is not to pause between inhalation and exhalation.

After the session, holonauts, if desired, share their experiences from what they saw, draw or sculpt from clay. One course of therapy lasts up to 12 sessions.

Is it possible to master the technique on your own?

Holotropic breathing as such came out of rebirthing (techniques for getting rid of birth trauma).

It is not recommended to study and practice the technique on your own

It has always been a pair, but later transformed into a group.

Of course, you can turn on music in your headphones at home and start breathing, but the maximum that awaits you is a couple of not very bright images and an attempt to free yourself from bodily clamps, but not a complete change in consciousness, which is necessary to enter a trance.

If you are determined to master holotropic breathing and its technique at home, you will be helped by educational videos on YouTube and the following recommendations:

  1. Ideally, you must have a “sitter” with you.
  2. The room should be spacious, all dangerous, sharp objects should be removed.
  3. Define the problem you are going to work on. You breathe not for the sake of breathing, but for the sake of solving it.
  4. Take the deepest frequent breaths and exhalations without pauses.
  5. Change the position of the body depending on what the mind tells you.
  6. After the session, take up your favorite hobby to visualize what you see. Mandala drawing is excellent for these purposes.
  7. Try to make sense of what happened.
Keep in mind that every method has its pros and cons.

Holotropic breathing at home - features of music

The songs of your favorite artist will not help you enter this state, as you could already understand. What should be the musical accompaniment?

At least conducive to.

At first, the melody should be calm and stimulate breathing. After the twentieth second, you will need a more dynamic one. For example, drum roll.

After another twenty seconds, the state of the holonaut, if performed correctly, becomes a trance, so the next half minute should be dramatic.

Then the intensity of passions passes, the melody becomes calmer, its intensity subsides.

The rhythm is maintained until the end of the session.

The effect of this method of correction on the brain cannot be considered fully understood.

Tip: if you persistently decide to learn holotropic breathing and its technique on your own at home (we still recommend that you seek help from professionals), you should record music in advance or listen to ready-made selections online.

In our age of computer technology, modern technology and scientific and technological progress, the question of the mental and spiritual health of people has seriously arisen. At the end of the 20th century, we meet with a wide range of psychotherapeutic practices based on “expansion of consciousness”, promising healing from various diseases, healing, personal growth and development of creative abilities. One such practice is the widely advertised holotropic therapy. What is this practice?

The concept of holotropic states of consciousness
and holotropic therapy

In the 1970s, thanks to the work of Leonard Orr and Stanislav Grof, the Free Breathing movement was founded. All applied psychotechniques are based on the invocation of altered states of consciousness through hyperventilation. S. Grof, together with his wife Christina, in 1975 designed a new technique called holotropic therapy (holotropic breathing). This type of therapy contributes to the emergence of so-called holotropic states. Word holotropic literally means ‘turning towards wholeness’ or ‘moving towards wholeness’. S. Grof believes that in holotropic states, consciousness changes qualitatively deeply and thoroughly, but does not become severely damaged and weakened.

Theoretically, the holotropic breathing technique is based on data from psychedelic studies and, according to S. Grof, goes well with them. Holotropic states of consciousness can be evoked by a range of psychotechniques from ancient and indigenous (shamanic) cultures. Elements of techniques to achieve these states exist in pranayama- the ancient Indian science of breathing, and are also included in the exercises of kundalini yoga, siddha yoga, Tibetan Vajrayana, Sufi practices, Buddhist and Taoist meditations. S. Grof emphasizes: “...for centuries it has been known that with the help of breathing, regulated in various ways, it is possible to influence the state of consciousness” .

When conducting a holotropic breathing session, simple means are used: conscious controlled breathing, compelling music in combination with other forms of sound exposure, purposeful work with the body, drawing mandala et al. S. Grof writes: “…it is also important to emphasize that episodes of holotropic states of varying duration can also occur by themselves, without any identifiable cause, and often against the will of the people involved” . He emphasizes that the use of holotropic states is latest development(our italics - and. M.) in Western psychiatry.

An increase in the frequency and depth of breathing weakens psychological defenses and leads to the release and manifestation of the “unconscious” and “superconscious” in the human psyche. S. Grof writes that during holotropic states, a person may experience deep psychological insights and experiences, during which it is possible to experience psychological death and rebirth, a wide range of transpersonal phenomena; discover the memory of other "incarnations", meet archetypal images, communicate with "incorporeal beings" and visit countless mythological landscapes.

The practice of holotropic therapy

In Moscow, a number of psychologists and enthusiasts are engaged in the practice of conducting holotropic breathing sessions. The basic educational institution for the training of such "specialists" is the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, headed by Vladimir Maykov, Candidate of Philosophical Sciences.

Holotropic breathing sessions involve: 1) a preparatory stage; 2) the introductory conversation of the moderator before the participants of the session; 3) warm-up part using kundalini siddha yoga; 4) gong meditation; 5) the immediate stage of breathing; 6) drawing mandalas; 7) group discussion of experiences.

During the preparatory stage, all those wishing to participate in the session fill out special medical questionnaires in which they indicate their existing diseases and surgeries. The doctor reviews these questionnaires, on the basis of which he individually decides whether to allow each candidate to participate in the session. All participants in a holotropic breathing session are given a “holonaut” (breathing) memo, which defines the rules for conducting the session and indicates diseases in the presence of which participation in the session is prohibited. During the introductory conversation, the session facilitator tells the participants about the exceptional role of holotropic breathwork, about experiences, about the rules of behavior during the session, and about the prospects for personal growth. The warm-up stage and gong meditation are usually carried out by “specialists” from the center of Y. Marshak. At present, elements of tantra and shamanic practices are beginning to be introduced. The direct breathing process lasts at least one hour and is performed according to the S. Grof system: everyone lies with their eyes closed, listens to music, does not think about anything, only breathes often and deeply and experiences. The methodology for conducting holotropic breathing sessions provides for the presence of a closed isolated room in order to effectively influence the musical vibration that permeates the entire body of the participants. At the end of the breathing session, all participants must draw mandalas and discuss their content as part of a group under the guidance of the training leader.

From the Orthodox standpoint, the methodology of chlotropic breathing can be characterized as follows.

First, the constituent elements of a holotropic session - body work - kundalini siddha yoga, gong meditation, tantra and shamanism are occult practices. A particularly destructive aspect is associated with the "awakening of the kundalini energy." According to the teachings of ancient Indian yogis, kundalini (“rolled up”) is the energy that creates and maintains the entire cosmos. In a sleeping form, it is located at the base of the human spine, in his subtle or energy body - a kind of field that surrounds and permeates the physical body.

According to a number of authors, the power of kundalini is basically positive and creative, but in the first stages of its passage, stress arises that can cause serious mental disorders(our italics - and. M.). When the energy moves, the chakras open - the centers of psychic energy, which can cause severe pain, deterioration of vision and even its complete loss; in the process of long meditations, when the body is in a certain position for a long time, partial paralysis of one of the parts of the body may occur. Extreme negative manifestations of this energy can be insanity and even death. Back in the 30s of the XX century, the theosophist A. Klezovsky described the terrible phenomena that a person experiences during the practice of kundalini yoga. He wrote that suffering must be endured and “it is better not to turn to doctors for advice, because instead of benefiting you can bring yourself significant harm. Treatment of these pains with conventional measures is impossible.

Secondly, all elements of the holotropic breathing process are aimed at achieving altered states of consciousness (ACC) by a person. ASCs have long attracted the attention of psychologists and are the subject of serious scientific interest. The question of what to classify as such states is decided partly according to some psychological criteria. Since methods and elements of Eastern practices are used to achieve ASC, a person under their influence (the Holy Fathers associate this effect with the influence of evil spirits) achieves the most pleasant “spiritual comforts”, “visions”, experiences of “bliss”, “peace”, “peace ”, “infinity” .

Thirdly, the method of Buddhist meditation is used, which is based on a non-judgmental attitude to experiences. Immersion in ASC is usually suggested to be perceived “with complete openness”, without prejudice and without any specific expectations: accept visions and experiences “without any censorship”, nothing is needed “out of your head”, “go into experience”.

Psychologists write that a regression occurs in ASC, which is expressed in the form of archaization of thinking, in the transition to more primitive emotions, when contact with reality is lost (or weakened). Then the will and reason no longer keep track of how much is left of the former contact, and in what historical time we should live and act. This approach to the experiences received during holotropic breathing sessions is a form of spiritual anesthesia, "which does not cure, but takes away the feeling of pain" .

Fourthly, among the methods of Eastern philosophical teachings, one should especially dwell on the meditative technique. There are many different methods of meditation and corresponding meditation experiences. Term meditation“…indicates methods of attention exercise in order to learn to voluntarily control mental processes and develop special mental qualities, such as awareness, insight, concentration, balance and love. Meditation is aimed at developing optimal states of consciousness and psychological comfort.

Meditation is seen as the central technique of transpersonal development. Accordingly, meditative techniques are of theoretical and practical interest to transpersonal psychology. A number of authors explicitly state that meditation is a process unfolding consciousness(our italics - and. M.), “meditation is a means of complete transformation, transformation of personality” . It should be emphasized that the mandalas drawn by participants in a holotropic breathing session are, in some techniques, symbols of meditation. It is no coincidence that mandala drawing is carried out without fail in order to integrate the ASCs of the participants in the session.

Fifthly, let's single out the methods of sound influence, among which we note the influence of trance music or "breakthrough" through the use of drumming, shamanic singing, cries of animals and other powerful sound elements. To create and maintain unusual state of consciousness(our italics - and. M.) music must have high technical qualities and sufficient power.

According to S. Grof: “The principles of acoustic exposure for consciousness expansion were developed by Helen Bonny (Bonny, 1973), a former employee of the Psychiatric Research Center in Catonsville, Maryland, where she took part in psychedelic research as a music therapist” . In Russia and the CIS countries, in recent years, a music library of musical recordings has been used, developed by V. Maikov specifically for holotropic breathing sessions.

Based on the foregoing, we can draw an unambiguous conclusion: the method of holotropic breathing, developed by S. Grof instead of psychedelic therapy, is a complex meditative psychotechnics with a pronounced occult content. For an Orthodox Christian, this method of psychotherapy is unacceptable and unacceptable.

As an example of destructive experiences that arise during holotropic breathing sessions, let us dwell on the following topics. S. Grof writes: “In holotropic states, we find that our psyche has access to many pantheons of various mythological characters.” The following is an explanation that the archetypal figures (characters) can be divided into two groups: the first includes divine or demonic beings embodying specific universal roles and functions, the second - various deities and demons related to individual cultures, geographic spaces and historical periods. Examples of the most famous of them are given. In the first group there are: the Great Mother Goddess, the Terrible Mother Goddess, the Wise Elder, Eternal Youth, Lovers, the Deceiver, etc. In the second group, instead of the generalizing image of the Great Mother Goddess, one can contemplate one of her specific cultural forms - the Virgin Mary, Hindu goddesses Lakshmi and Parvati, the Egyptian Isis, and others. identifications(our italics - and. M.) with various deities who were killed by others or sacrificed themselves, and then returned to life” . These experiences, depending on the type of deity, were accompanied by extremely strong emotions - from blissful ecstasy to numb metaphysical horror.

S. Grof also describes the experience of meeting with the Absolute Consciousness or identification(our italics - and. M.) with him. The highest cosmic principle, or absolute reality, is experienced through identification with the Cosmic Void, Nothing, Non-Being.

Considering the above examples of experiences that arise in holotropic states from the standpoint of Orthodox dogma, the following points should be emphasized.

First, the sources of these experiences are fallen angels - demons. We know from the text of Holy Scripture that God created two worlds: the visible and the invisible. St. Ignatius (Bryanchaninov) unequivocally explains the order of influence of various spirits on a person: “Holy spirits avoided communication with people as unworthy of such communication; The fallen spirits, who have dragged us into their fall, have mixed with us and, in order to more conveniently keep us in captivity, are trying to make themselves and their chains invisible to us. If they open themselves, they open in order to strengthen their dominion over us. Due to the action of fallen spirits on a person, he experiences strong emotions: from blissful ecstasy to numbing horror during the experience of meeting with the “deities”.

Secondly, participants in holotropic sessions are seduced through images of experiences: all insights, revelations and identifications are a pure form of charm. Saint Ignatius writes: “Our usual state, the state of all mankind, is a state of fall, delusion, destruction<…>Let us renounce all spiritual pleasure, all high states of prayer, as unworthy of them and incapable of them.”

Thirdly, identification with Absolute Consciousness and Emptiness is also identification with demonic spaces. Saint Isaac the Syrian writes: “The true righteous always think within themselves that they are unworthy of God.” And vice versa, “all the self-deluded considered themselves worthy of God: by this they showed pride and demonic charm that seized their souls.” The Orthodox Christian does not need to seek any identification with the incomprehensible Absolute Consciousness, since the fruit of the redemptive feat of our Lord Jesus Christ is not only the liberation of man from the power of the devil, but also the return of the opportunity to communicate with heaven and the celestials: You have approached Mount Zion and the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem and the multitudes of angels, the triumphant cathedral and the church of the firstborn written in heaven, and the Judge of all God, and the spirits of the righteous who have reached perfection. ().

Fourthly, there is a substitution of the teaching of the Orthodox Church about the creation of the world out of nothing with incomprehensible and unfounded answers of an “empirical and transrational nature”, which are also the intrigues of fallen spirits. Once again, a person becomes their victim: demons give knowledge that science does not know about and about which Holy Scripture does not report. S. Grof calls the experience of the highest cosmic principle the experience of the Divine and even the meeting with God. But his next words: “The highest cosmic principle can be directly experienced in holotropic states of consciousness, but defies all attempts to describe or explain it”

Breath is life. However, it was found that with the help of special breathing, you can cause other states in yourself. Holotropic Breathwork is a special technique that is best done first under the supervision and guidance of a specialist, so that it can then be used at home. You also need to read the instructions for its implementation.

Holotropic breathing is the practice of rapid breathing, during which participants are immersed in an altered state of consciousness, experiencing subconscious fears and complexes. The source of this technique is taken from the transpersonal psychology of the 70s of the twentieth century. This technique was developed by Stanislav Grof together with his wife. Like any other psychological technique, scientists are interested in the impact of this on the human body.

Today, Holotropic Breathwork is in demand. It is used by both psychologists and charlatans. A distinctive feature of this technique is that the ward enters an altered state. This is akin to hypnosis, when a person plunges into his subconscious experiences. This is similar to seeing hallucinations, which are often observed in people under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In other words, holotropic breathing is another way to change your mind, to escape reality in a more legal way.

The number of deaths in the course of holotropic practice is growing, but not yet to such an extent as to ban this technique. Scientists are rightfully sounding the alarm, because we are talking about changes in the human body. During holotropic therapy, a large amount of carbon dioxide leaves the body, which narrows the vessels of the brain. It is at this point that nerve cells die. People are killing themselves with this technique. Due to the frequent use of holotropic breathing, a person is often diagnosed with various diseases, not only of the physiological, but also of the psychological aspect. Do you want to be mentally ill?

Observed is akin to the same visions that occur during alcohol or drug intoxication. We can say that a person becomes addicted to holotropic breathwork, because he has the opportunity to escape from the need to solve real problems. The ongoing changes in the brain contribute to the desire to continue to resort to such practices. Over time, a person becomes dependent on holotropic breathing as a legal way to change his consciousness.

Holotropic breathing is in demand today both among psychotherapists and among scammers who simply use an effective technique to influence people. That is why it is recommended to first turn to specialists, and then use a technique that, like any other medicine, can both harm and help.

What is Holotropic Breathwork?

Holotropic breathing is the technique of rapid breathing in order to influence the state of one's consciousness through it. This method was invented when the use of certain drugs became prohibited in psychotherapeutic practice. In order not to harm clients, it was necessary to develop a new method for solving psychological problems, which included holotropic breathing.

Many specialists use this technique with caution, even completely ignore it, since we are still talking about an altered consciousness, which people who are prone to addictions may like. However, the online magazine site recommends that each person decide for himself whether to resort to this technique or not. Consciousness changes in a natural way, which does not harm the body, if the process is carried out under the guidance of an experienced psychotherapist. Here it also becomes remarkable that a person is affected bodily, as well as through sounds or special music that accompanies holotropic breathing.

Today, many can read about this method on the Internet. However, experts warn that the technique is effective if you first go through it with a qualified psychotherapist, and then use it yourself at home. After all, at first you need to understand the mechanism, how to behave and what to do in order to fully go through the whole procedure.

Holotropic Breathwork Technique

The technique of holotropic breathing has been used for a long time, therefore it was developed by specialists to the smallest detail. Using the natural process of breathing, which connects the physical body with the outside world, can also affect the spiritual realm of a person.

The essence of the technique lies in deep, frequent and connected breathing without interruptions between inhalations and exhalations. Music is connected here, which should set a person in a certain way. To work through the problem, you can use mandalas, body-oriented therapy and other techniques.

Holotropic breathing allows a person to become whole:

  1. Unites consciousness and subconsciousness into a single whole.
  2. Promotes self-knowledge, return to the whole I.
  3. Promotes the maturation of personal and emotional maturation.
  4. Allows you to uncover long-forgotten mental traumas that now create life problems that a person faces, and eliminate them.

Usually, holotropic breathing differs from normal breathing only in speed and depth. A person breathes exactly as it is convenient for him, while the intervention of a psychotherapist is minimal. It can help if the client himself asks for it, feels fear, is afraid of losing self-control, there are spasms of the larynx.

Music is selected, mostly dynamic. First, it must accompany the holonaut in achieving the desired state and correspond to the respiratory movements. Then it becomes more dramatic and energetic. Then it turns into a soothing sound. And upon leaving the holotropic practice, rhythmic music is turned on again, which allows you to restore breathing and heart activity.

Typically, training is carried out in a bright room, where it is comfortable and soft to sit. People are divided into pairs, where one is a holonaut, that is, a person performing holotropic breathing, and the second is a sitter who controls the process and ensures the safety of the first. Then the partners change places.

One session can last from 2 to 8 hours. The maximum number of sessions for one person is up to 12 pieces. At the end of the session, a person should depict his experiences in free creativity (drawings, dances, songs, etc.).

Before the training, all participants are instructed: how the sitters should behave, what awaits the holonauts. Since we are talking about an altered consciousness, when a person begins to remember the forgotten, experience traumatic emotions, or feels his unity, then his behavior may be extraordinary during immersion. He is completely liberated, which means he will not abide by the rules of decency. Here the sitters should stipulate in advance what kind of support they will provide to the holonauts.

Since holotropic breathing implies the so-called oxygen starvation, which introduces a person into an altered state, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the contraindications for certain individuals:

  1. With cardiovascular disease.
  2. With epilepsy.
  3. With glaucoma.
  4. With recent surgeries.
  5. During pregnancy.
  6. During the acute phase of infectious diseases.
  7. with osteoporosis.
  8. with recent fractures.

Many participants in holotropic practice claim that at the end of the session they experienced calmness, lightness, spiritual purification, removal of obsessive-compulsive states and depression.

Holotropic breathing at home

Many experts do not recommend holotropic breathing at home. However, the popularity of this practice encourages people not to listen to the warnings. And here you just need to give recommendations so that home holotropic breathing does not lead to negative consequences:

  • You need to choose a room that will have as much space as possible and as few items as possible.
  • It is imperative that during the entire session someone should be next to the holonaut in order to ensure his safety, while not imposing his ideas and behaviors.
  • It is necessary to cover all objects with a soft cloth so as not to get hurt during the session.
  • First, you need to pay attention to deep and very frequent breathing. At some stage, you don’t want to breathe in this way at all, which should be taken calmly.
  • When the dive into the altered state begins, you need to listen to your own feelings and continue to breathe intensively.

You should choose the right music that:

  1. During the first 8 minutes should be calm, motivating.
  2. Then 12 minutes to be stimulating breathing.
  3. The next 20 minutes should be active and drumming.
  4. The next 20 minutes should mark a breakthrough.
  5. Then 15 minutes should play the music of flight, release.

During the session, the body may initially behave inappropriately, for example, twitch or shrink. These are the so-called physical clamps that have always been present in a person, but now must be released.

All this time the sitter must be in a safe place for himself. At the end of the session, the holonaut should rest a bit, lying down, and then draw a mandala - a circle with any of its contents.

Holotropic Breathwork Instruction

Holotropic breathing should be carefully prepared, as the instructions say:

  1. Choose comfortable clothes.
  2. Go to the toilet before the session.
  3. Do not eat heavy food.
  4. The choice of sitter should be comfortable.
  5. Music should be pleasant and not distracting.

The sitter and the holonaut should only pay attention to the practice. The sitter should not be distracted by anything and not do other things. And the holonaut must track his breathing, as well as immerse himself in the experiences that arise.

What is the end result of Holotropic Breathwork?

If holotropic breathing is performed correctly, then a person achieves relaxation and liberation from tormenting emotions and. You can see the whole problem, also feel your own potential.

However, some individuals use holotropic breathwork for their own purposes, forcing people to obey their will when they are in an altered consciousness. Here you just need to contact a specialist, and not the so-called gurus, who called themselves that. Then a person will not cause any harm to his body and psyche.

The method was developed by the Czech-born American psychologist Stanislav Grof and his wife Kristina in the 1970s as a replacement for the banned LSD.

This technique is widely criticized among specialists for its danger to the brain (nerve cells die due to hypoxia), as well as for its claims to be connected with the real experience of birth. According to S. Stepanov, the leader of the holotropic breathing group himself imposes on practitioners associations with the experience of birth, because of which practitioners have experiences of this type.

The term "holotropic" is derived from other Greek. ὅλος "whole" and τρόπος direction, way.

Story

Stanislav Grof

Stanislav Grof, being a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, began to conduct research activities with LSD in the mid-1950s. Quite quickly he became convinced of the great psychotherapeutic effect of psychedelic sessions. Continuing his research, Grof was faced with the need to revise the Freudian model of the psyche in which he was brought up, and build a new cartography of consciousness to describe the effects that occur during psychedelic sessions. Having created such a model, he described it in his numerous works. When experiments with psychoactive substances (surfactants) were closed, Grof began to look for a technique similar in therapeutic effect. And in 1975, together with Christina Grof, he discovered and registered a breathing technique, which he called "holotropic breathing."

Stanislav Grof and Christina Grof

In 1973 Dr. Grof was invited to the Esalen Institute. Esalen Institute ) in Big Sur, California, where he lived until 1987, doing writing, giving lectures, seminars, including seminars to which he invited experts from various scientific and spiritual areas. While working at Esalen, Stanislav and Christina Grof developed the holotropic breathing technique. Against the background of the ban on the use of psychoactive substances for psychotherapeutic purposes, Stanislav and Christina Grof used intensive breathing in their work. The prototype of the breathing technique of S. and K. Grof was the breathing methods that existed in various spiritual practices, as well as breathing similar to that observed in patients during a psychedelic session in case the problem was not worked out to the end and the patients began to breathe spontaneously and intensively. Such breathing was necessary in order to continue to remain in an altered (expanded) state of consciousness and to refine (discharge) the psychological material that had risen from the unconscious and reacted in the form of symptoms.

Once, while working in Esalen, S. Grof pulled his back and could not conduct the process as usual. Then Stanislav came up with the idea to split the group into pairs and hold not one, but two breathing sessions and let the participants of the seminar help each other. During the first session, one person breathes (holonaut), and the second one helps him (sitter, nurse, assistant), during the second they change places.

Human impact

The theoretical substantiation of the method is Stanislav Grof's transpersonal psychology and cartography of the unconscious.

The method, which combines elements such as accelerated breathing, ethnic, ritual and trance music, as well as certain forms of body work, generates a whole range of experiences that were observed during other types of deep self-examination [ unknown term] .

Proponents of the method claim that the experiences evoked by holotropic breathing have a healing and transformative effect. They also state that many holotropic sessions have brought to the surface difficult emotions and unpleasant physical sensations of various types, and the full manifestation of these emotions and sensations makes it possible to free the person from their disturbing influence.

Physiological mechanism

The psychophysiological effect of holotropic breathing is based on the fact that prolonged hyperventilation leads to a decrease in the concentration of carbon dioxide, which leads to vasoconstriction. Hemoglobin begins to bind oxygen more strongly and red blood cells transfer it less efficiently to tissues - tissues begin to suffocate from a lack of oxygen. As a result, from lack of air, paradoxical oxygen starvation occurs, due to which inhibition of the cerebral cortex begins, the subcortex begins to work more intensively, releasing experiences previously repressed from consciousness, and the practitioner sees hallucinations

Contraindications for use

The method has a number of contraindications:

  • Severe chronic diseases, primarily cardiovascular, in the decompensation phase;
  • Psychotic conditions;
  • Epilepsy;
  • Glaucoma;
  • Pregnancy;
  • Osteoporosis;
  • Recent surgeries and fractures;
  • Acute infectious diseases;

experiences

The phenomenology of the experiences received during the breathing session S. Grof combines in 4 areas:

  1. Sensory barrier (aesthetic level). Various visual, auditory images that do not have a specific content (asterisks, lights). bodily sensations (cold-warmth, tension-relaxation).
  2. The level of the individual unconscious (memories from one's biographical past).
  3. perinatal level. Consists of 4 so-called basic perinatal matrices (BPM), in accordance with the period of childbirth, which they describe. BPM-1 before the onset of labor. Absolutely comfortable existence. Description of Paradise. BPM-2 The beginning of labor while the uterus is not yet open. Strong squeezing, hopelessness. BPM-3 Continuation of compression, but the uterus is already open, so a goal appears, upon reaching which everything becomes safe. Death-Rebirth Struggle. BPM-4 birth in a new capacity.
  4. Transpersonal level (transpersonal).

Experiences of the transpersonal level are diverse and have their own classification: Going beyond spatial boundaries:

Going beyond linear time:

Physical introversion and constriction of consciousness: Empirical transcendence of conventional reality and space-time:

Psychoid transpersonal experiences: Synchronic connections between consciousness and matter. Spontaneous psychoid phenomena:

  • supernormal physical abilities;
  • Spiritual Phenomena and Physical Mediumship;
  • repetitive spontaneous psychokinesis (poltergeist);
  • unidentified flying objects (UFO phenomena).

Intentional psychokinesis:

  • ritual magic;
  • healing and witchcraft;
  • laboratory psychokinesis.

The integration of the material of the practice sessions begins in the process itself, continues through body-oriented therapy, mandala drawing and discussion of individual processes in the group. Further integration is completed in dreams and in ordinary life. The integration of the material can take up to six months.

Technique

Holotropic breathing is more frequent and deeper than normal breathing; as a rule, no other specific instructions are given before or during the session, such as the speed, mode, or nature of breathing, for example. The experience is entirely internal and mostly non-verbal with minimal interference during active breathing. Exceptions are throat spasms, problems with loss of self-control, severe pain or fear that prevents the session from continuing, and a direct request from the breather for help.

Music (or other forms of acoustic stimulation - drumming, tambourines, natural sounds, etc.) is an integral part of the holotropic process. As a rule, the choice of music supports the characteristic stages that reflect the most general features of the unfolding of the holotropic experience: at the beginning it is stimulating and stimulating, then it becomes more and more dramatic and dynamic, and then it expresses a breakthrough. After the climax, the music gradually becomes more and more calm and at the end - peaceful, fluid, meditative.

The process takes place in pairs "sitter-holonaut". Usually 2 breathing sessions are performed in one day. In one session, the participant acts as a breather, in the other as a sitter.

The duration of the process depends on the qualifications of the leader, warm-up, qualitative and quantitative composition of the group.

On average, the process ends naturally within one and a half to two hours. If there are signs of incompleteness of the process, additional focused work with the body is carried out. The session ends with drawing mandalas and group conversation (sharing).

Criticism

Holotropic Breathwork has come under considerable criticism. In particular, some researchers question the holotropic breathing technique as such. Without denying the presence of unusual (mostly hallucinogenic) images and states that arise under the influence of hyperventilation, the presence of any connection with the real situation of birth is called into question. According to this point of view, the leader of the holotropic breathwork group (and the technique is taught only in group forms) influences the participants, as a result of which their states do not arise by themselves, but are modeled from the outside.

According to this point of view, holotropic breathing does not lead to development, but, on the contrary, to a deterioration in the functioning of the brain. In fairness, it should be noted that the Buteyko technique leads to radically opposite results - a decrease in the level and an increase in the level of CO 2 in the blood, which also leads to negative consequences. .

At the same time, it is noted that the loss of carbon dioxide during a session of holotropic breathing is 2-3 liters, which, according to currently accepted views, is considered an extremely severe degree of hypocapnia, fraught with cerebral edema and death.

Some of S. Grof's clients experience negative consequences of holotropic breathing, some "sit down" on it, the technique is widely practiced by people who have not mastered it well and are simply charlatans. True, unlike LSD, holotropic breathing is not prohibited. It is worth noting that in Switzerland, as part of an experiment, LSD is allowed to be taken by terminally ill patients as a means of relieving or significantly reducing the fear of imminent death.

see also

Notes

  1. JOSEPH P. RHINEWINE & OLIVER J. WILLIAMS Holotropic Breathwork: The Potential Role of a Prolonged, Voluntary Hyperventilation Procedure as an Adjunct to Psychotherapy // THE JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE. - 2007. - V. 7. - T. 13. - S. 771–776. - DOI:10.1089/acm.2006.6203
  2. "Myths and dead ends of pop psychology" // S. S. Stepanov. - Dubna.: Phoenix +, 2006. pp. 97-98
  3. Scott O. Lilienfeld & Wallace Sampson The Skeptical Inquirer Journal editors criticize MDMA study as nonscientific, unethical // The Skeptical Inquirer. - Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, 2003. - V. 27.
  4. Joseph P. Rhinewine and Oliver J. Williams Holotropic Breathwork: The Potential Role of a Prolonged, Voluntary Hyperventilation Procedure as an Adjunct to Psychotherapy // The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. - September 2007. - V. 7. - T. 13. - DOI: 10.1089
  5. Buteyko method website
  6. DELIGHT OF THE WEAK AND SATATED
  7. Stanislav Grof. Areas of the human unconscious. Evidence from LSD research
  8. V. Maikov. Pair flight of holonauts: principles of work in sessions and circles of integration
  9. V. Maikov The Essence of the Holotropic Approach.
  10. Yu. A. Bubeev, I. B. Ushakov, State Research and Testing Institute of Aviation and Space Medicine of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Mechanisms of respiration in conditions of prolonged voluntary hyperventilation // Aerospace and environmental medicine. - 1999. - T. 33. - No. 2. - S. 22-26.
  11. Vladimir Emelianenko - certified psychotherapist of the European Transpersonal Association (EUROTAS)
  12. Stanislav Grof. Journey in search of yourself. Ed. AST, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, K. Kravchuk Publishing House, 2008 ISBN 978-5-17-054421-9
  13. Tev Spaks. The structure of the musical and noise design of the holotropic session
  14. Colorado governor signs "rebirthing" ban
  15. CANDACE NEWMAKER: Death Through "Rebirthing" Therapy
  16. Lecture by K. N. Buteyko on the dangers of deep breathing
  17. LIFE: Hallucinations from Nothing
  18. Sergey Kardash
  19. Yuri Bubeev, Vladimir Kozlov

Links

  • Association for Transpersonal Psychology and Psychotherapy
  • Legal Issues Related to the Holotropic Breathwork Method

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For the first time, holotropic breathing, as one of the methods of psychotherapy, was discussed thanks to the research of Stanislav Gross. Initially, the holotrope was used for people with mental illness, replacing the use of psychotropic drugs with this type of therapy.

Today, holotropic breathing is one of the leading methods of psychotherapeutic practice, it is practiced in connection with a wide range of different problems - from depression, excess weight, to overcoming serious stressful situations.

What is Holotropic Breathwork?

Holotropic breathing is a method in which, thanks to the use of a special breathing technique, hyperventilation of the lungs occurs. When the lungs are saturated with oxygen, vasoconstriction occurs, as a result of which the work of the brain becomes difficult and interrupted, but at the same time, the subcortex of the brain and the subconscious, respectively, begin to work actively with this.

In simple terms, holotropic breathing is one of the ways that makes it possible to experience such a deep experience that is not recognized at the brain level, and that a person does not fully understand, and, accordingly, to some extent is in his captivity.

Thanks to this method, it is possible to live through serious problems and repressed emotions in a fairly short time, and having felt and experienced them during the session, get rid of them forever.

Holotropic Breathwork Technique

Most often, the practice of holotropic breathing is offered to be practiced not once, but in whole courses, since the use of such a psychotherapeutic method involves obtaining the final result of treatment not immediately, but strictly individually. From 1 to 2 hours are allocated daily for holotropy, and the entire cycle of classes is up to 2 weeks.

A lot of psychological techniques are built on pumping oxygen with the help of a certain rhythmic breathing - this is pranayama, meditation, and some yoga asanas, but one of the most intense, but at the same time unsafe practices, of course, is the holotropic breathing technique.

On the one hand, saturation of the body with oxygen increases the body's endurance, increases creativity and sensitivity, but on the other hand, there are cases when a person gets to a not very competent specialist, or studies at home without fully familiarizing himself with the information, which leads to serious psychological problems, because the holotropic is a deep study of the subconscious. In addition, the technique is often used in many religious sects and esoteric practices, so before signing up for a holotropic breathing course at any center, you should get reliable information about the center’s specialists, try to get feedback from those who have already taken this course.

As for age restrictions, due to the simplicity of the technique itself, it can be used even for children from the age of 14, but only according to medical indications. So, the holotropic technique is not difficult to master, it can be represented by the following algorithm:

  • Lying on the floor, relaxing the body to the maximum, you should breathe as slowly and deeply as possible, focusing on the cycle of inhalations and exhalations. You can close your eyes, but if there is a slight dizziness - do not be afraid of it. The first respiratory stage can last from 10 to 20 minutes.
  • At the second stage of practice, breathing gradually becomes more intense and even deeper; special music will help regulate the transitions from one stage to another. This stage can last from 40 to 60 minutes.
  • The last stage of the holotropic is associated with the transition to a slow breathing rate with a gradual transition to normal, everyday breathing.

It should be noted that quite often during the practice of holotropy absolutely unplanned moments occur, such as hysteria, exacerbation of fears, chaotic uncontrolled movements, and even holding the breath. For this reason, psychotherapists recommend practicing holotropy only in pairs, with the obligatory control of the practicing person by a guide, helping him to go through all the problematic moments that arise during the session.

The final stage of practice is art-therapeutic drawing, or modeling, which allows you to bring the problem out of the inner space.

It is often proposed to draw a mandala - a special circular image that includes diverse elements, and only then, in an individual conversation with a psychotherapist, a discussion of the problem and a scenario for its further study takes place.

Those who decide to try out the practice of holotropic breathing should understand that for a start it is necessary to be most fully prepared for this theoretically.

For example, it is worth remembering that you need to prepare yourself for classes. The correct approach is to choose comfortable clothing that does not impede movement, and prepare the necessary place, freeing it from objects that, during practice, can lead to injury. You should also remove any jewelry, for those who have poor eyesight - glasses and lenses. It is advisable not to eat anything 4 hours before holotropic practice, otherwise, intense breathing can cause nausea and even vomiting.

It is quite possible to master the method of holotropic breathing on your own. However, for a person who does not have experience in this practice, it will not be easy to dive into the subconscious and live through any old problems again with the help of the body. The effectiveness of the holotropic breathing technique for the holonaut depends entirely on the conductor (sitter). An experienced sitter knows that there is a certain code: any touching of the face, chest, throat and genitals is prohibited, because. this can introduce distortion into the session, thus exacerbating the problems. The handler has the maximum right to hold the holonaut by the hand, and also to ensure that in the event of uncontrollable behavior, the person does not get hurt.

Holotropic breathing at home

A person who has studied the method of holotropic breathing well is unlikely to want to conduct classes at home. In addition, an experienced psychologist, if you resort to his help, of course, will prohibit practicing at home. But, knowing the love of many people for risk, psychologists have made some recommendations for those who decide to try out the holotropic breathing technique. So, in order for the session to take place at home, you must:

  • Be sure to find a person who will simply be in the same room with you, and in case of an atypical situation for a holotropic, will be able to provide assistance. Accordingly, this person must be fully trained and instructed.
  • The place in the room chosen for the lesson must be safe.
  • When practicing for the first few times, it is better to try not to use deep diving, and you can also reduce the time of the lesson a little.
  • It is strictly forbidden to work independently through the practice of holotropic breathing with severe, deep-seated problems. Home practice can only be aimed at relieving tension, relaxation, liberation from negative emotions that have arisen during the day.

What kind of music is needed

Not the last role in the holotropic breathing session is played by the music that accompanies the practice. Of course, the music needs a certain and special. In general, there are special musical selections on the Internet, arranged depending on the stages of the holotropic session. If classes are held in specialized places, then, as a rule, the specialist has everything necessary in his arsenal, including music collections for practices.

In general, it should be understood that music at holotropic sessions acts as a leader, it is to it that, as a result, breath is attached. Given this feature, we can say that one of the best musical compositions will be ethnic sacred music. It can be mantras, meditation music, African drums or didgeridoo. The fact is that folk music is a kind of key to our subconscious and a connection to the primitive that is still in each of us. The combination of music and breathing in one rhythm helps to achieve the necessary immersion into the depths of one's own subconscious much faster.

Accordingly, popular music with a text that is understandable to a holonaut, jazz or any other modern music is completely unsuitable for practice, as well as classical music.

Holotropic Breathwork Harm or Benefit

As with any method of therapy, the practice of holotropic breathing, along with a positive effect on the human body, can also be harmful. The benefits of Holotropic Breathwork are:

  • Holotrop is one of the safest ways to solve psychological problems.
  • The practice of holotropic breathing works with problems at a deep level, so after going through the session, you can once and for all get rid of those painful memories that are hidden deep in the subconscious.
  • Thanks to the practice of holotropy, one can find the root cause of the problem and get rid of it forever.
  • If you need to get rid of bad habits and addiction to alcohol, smoking or drugs, then a holotropic can help with this.
  • After going through sessions of holotropic breathing, the symptoms of chronic fatigue will disappear and the harmony and peace that have disappeared will return.

However, with such a positive impact on the psychological, mental and physical health of a person, there are opponents of the holotropic breathing method, who claim that this practice can cause irreparable harm to the body. Among the main points of harmful effects can be identified:

  • A sharp and abundant saturation of the body with carbon dioxide due to rhythmic breathing causes vasoconstriction and the death of the nerve endings of the brain, a symptom of this condition is dizziness that appears after practice.
  • Self-study holotropic can lead to cerebral edema, because life essentially depends on the correct implementation of the main stages of the holotropic.

Given the pros and cons of holotropic practice, it should be understood that the main harm that this method can cause is associated with ignorance and unwillingness to fully understand the activities that you are going to practice. Therefore, for an unprepared holonaut, this technique is dangerous.

What else is Holotropic Breathwork used for?

The holotropic breathing technique allows you to solve such problems as:

  • severe, recurring periodically depressive states;
  • overweight;
  • postpartum depression, trauma and other problems that women experience during pregnancy and childbirth;
  • prolonged stressful situations;
  • panic attacks and fears caused by any events;
  • insomnia and getting rid of negative thoughts.

Medical contraindications for use

Before you start practicing holotropy, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the contraindications that exist for this psychotechnique. This is especially important for those who are trying to master the breathing technique on their own, since in this case, all responsibility for their health rests solely with themselves. The severe consequences of holotropic practice can affect people who have the following health problems:

  • disorders related to the nervous system;
  • epileptic seizures (congenital and acquired);
  • high eye pressure;
  • diseases of the bones and the musculoskeletal system;
  • heart disease;
  • bronchial asthma;
  • exacerbation of chronic diseases.

In addition, holotropic exercises are prohibited during pregnancy and lactation. If in the first case, due to rapid breathing, problems with bearing the fetus and a high risk of miscarriage may occur, then when breastfeeding, due to the peculiarities of the technique, milk may disappear.

Holotropic Breathwork for Depression

Depression is the most common mental illness worldwide today. People of different sexes and different ages are trying to cope with its symptoms - from 14 to 65 years. Often people try to get rid of this psychological problem with the help of drugs, however, with such treatment, depressive behavior is more likely to be suppressed and restrained, while holotropic breathing, with the right approach, will help you forget about depression forever or at least for a long time.

At holotropic sessions, people suffering from depression can not only use this technique to enter unconscious and separated parts of memories by the personality, “breathe” them and express them in the body, release them, also during this practice, the volitional component of the personality is actualized (it has a great influence on music). With a depressive syndrome, just this very volitional component of the personality is suppressed and cannot be determined.

During practice, a holonaut can become aware of those negative attitudes that he has and run counter to the needs of the individual, and awareness and acceptance are the first step towards recovery.

Holotropic breathing for weight loss

Surprisingly, one of the main problems of women - being overweight (and resulting depression) will also help to cope with holotropic breathing. There is a saying in India - “You live the way you breathe” and this is the basis of life that allows a person to be healthy both physically and psychologically. The mistake of many women is that they mainly inhale and exhale air through the nose, with this type of breathing, oxygen does not enter the body enough. Proper breathing is deep breathing with the stomach, thanks to which oxygen saturates the cells of our body and burns fat. In addition, breathing normalizes metabolism and helps to remove toxins from the body. For this reason, it is recommended to practice holotropy for all those who have been struggling with excess weight for a long time and unsuccessfully.

And finally, due to the fact that the practice of holotropic breathing has become quite popular in Russia, and it is used more often not in medical institutions, many people get the impression that the holotropic is a dangerous, hardly clandestine technique, extremely dangerous for people. Of course, this is not the case, firstly, the practice of holotropy has been officially allowed in our country since 1993, and secondly, if you prepare for it correctly, taking into account contraindications, then thanks to holotropy you can get rid of long-tormenting problems.