Holotropic breathwork

Holotropic breathwork is a powerful skill for inducing altered states of consciousness and accessing the inner workings of the psyche. It was developed by Stanislav Grof, a Czech-born - one of my favorite countrymen - psychiatrist who pioneered psychedelic research in the 1960s and 70s. Grof created holotropic breathwork to achieve the same transcendent experiences that people often report having on psychedelics, without actually using any drugs.

The process of holotropic breathwork is relatively simple, but it requires a certain amount of preparation and attention to detail in order to be done safely and effectively. Here are the basic steps involved:

1. Fasting: The first step is to abstain from eating for at least 24 hours before the session. Ideally, you should fast for 48 or 72 hours in order to fully prepare your body and mind for the experience. This eases the connection of the mind to the body, removes the energy from digestion, and well, if you end up throwing up it makes the whole thing that much easier.

2. Abstinence: In addition to fasting, it is recommended that you avoid any kind of sexual activity, including masturbation, for the same period of time.

3. Music: The music used in holotropic breathwork sessions is typically rhythmic and trance-inducing, often featuring shamanic drumming or other percussive sounds. The beat should be as close to a heartbeat as possible, and the music should be long enough to last for several hours.

4. Environment: The room in which the session takes place should be darkened, but not completely dark. Creating an environment that feels safe and conducive to the experience is important. The slight sensory deprivation is welcomed but if you can’t see anything that might have practical consequences. Keep a bucket and a lot of drinking water handy.

5. Position: Participants should lie down on a mat or mattress, with a pillow under their head for comfort.

6. Breathing: The key element of holotropic breathwork is the breathing technique itself. Participants should breathe deeply and rhythmically, as if they were in labor. The breaths should become increasingly faster and fuller, and should be taken in through the mouth and out through the nose. But if you can’t, breathing through just the mouth is also fine.

7. Experience: The breathing should continue until the participant enters an altered state of consciousness, which can manifest as vivid hallucinations, intense emotions, or other profound experiences.

8. Aftercare: Even after the breathing has stopped, the effects of holotropic breathwork can continue for some time. Participants should be sure to drink plenty of water and take care of themselves in the hours and days following the session. You should also log your experience for later reference.

It's important to note that holotropic breathwork can be a very intense and potentially overwhelming experience. Participants should always have someone present to guide them through the process and ensure their safety. It's also possible to encounter difficult or frightening experiences during the session, so it's important to have someone there to offer support and reassurance.

Despite the potential risks, many people find that holotropic breathwork can be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing. By accessing altered states of consciousness, they can gain new insights into their own psyche and discover hidden aspects of themselves. For those interested in exploring the depths of the human mind, holotropic breathwork is a fascinating and potentially transformative practice.