Holotropic Breathing Technique

Founded and developed in the 1970's by Stanislav and Christina Grof, holotropic breathing is also known as Holotropic Breathwork. According to Stan Grof's Holotropic Breathwork in Seattle, "Holotropic Breathwork™ is a powerful and transformational breathwork method of using non-ordinary states for self-exploration, personal transformation & healing."

Tools and Time

• The breathing portion takes exactly two hours.

  Holotropic breathing does not require much in the terms of tools because "it combines accelerated breathing with evocative music in a special set and setting," according to Grof TM. Holotropic Breathwork states that there is usually a mat that one can lie down on and other things such as blankets, pillows and tissues are provided if needed. The breathing portion of a session takes two hours though group sessions or workshops can take even longer.

Take Turns

• The sitter provides whatever the breather needs

  According to Holotropic Breathwork, people within a workshop or group session pair up with a partner and then "take turns as a breather and a sitter." The sitter then takes care of the breather during the two hour breathing session, providing anything the breather may need; whether it is a blanket or a reminder to breathe. By doing so, the sitter gives the breather "the feeling of being in a safe, loving environment," according to Holotropic Breathwork. After two hours, the partners switch roles.

Open Up

• It's important to open up both before and after each session

  Another important part of holotropic breathwork is the opening up and sharing of each individual's life. This takes place both before and after each session. At the start of a session, Holotropic Breathwork states that after talking about key issues and feelings, "the breathwork facilitator may provide tips to the participants and answer questions" before the breathing. After the session, participants then draw a mandala. According to Holotropic Breathwork, a mandala is "a representation of their experience." This drawing is then discussed with the group.