holotropic breathwork
What is Holotropic Breathwork?
Holotropic breathwork is a powerful technique for self-healing and self-exploration. Holotropic breathwork comes from the Greek words 'holos' (whole) and 'trepein' (to go) and means 'moving towards wholeness'. It was developed by the psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr. Stanislav Grof and his wife Christine Grof based on extensive research in psychiatric, psychotherapeutic and spiritual contexts. Through the combination of deep breathing and evocative music, an altered state of consciousness can be achieved, which makes it easier for us to contact our subconscious. We can encounter (pre-)natal, biographical elements or transpersonal and spiritual dimensions of our psyche. This helps to better understand, heal and break through our life issues and patterns.
The possible range of experiences of holotropic breathing covers the entire physical and mental structure, which, according to Stanislav Grof's “Cartography of the Psyche,” consists not only of biographical experiences, but also of perinatal impressions of one's own birth experience as well as transpersonal experiences.
Participation in Holotropic Breathwork is not psychotherapy and does not replace psychological or psychotherapeutic work and support.
How does a Workshop work?
Preparation: We will clarify the requirements for participation in a workshop and any questions you may have beforehand in a phone call. On Friday evening there will be an introduction to holotropic breathwork, getting to know the group / the facilitators and doing the pairing for the session.
Session Saturday: Holotropic breathwork takes place in pairs, with one person being the breather, i.e. immersing themselves in the process, and the other person being the sitter, who accompanies the process. A session lasts approx. 3-4 hours. The roles are then changed. The breath and loud, evocative music help to delve into the unconscious depths and support the process. The facilitators ensure safety, a protected space and support with bodywork if necessary.
Integration: Following the session, a mandala is painted to give the experience a physical form. In the evening, the experiences can be shared in the group. These two elements are central for integration of the experience into everyday consciousness, so that it is sustainable.
Session Sunday: Through the one hour-long round breathing and gentle music, space is created for your process. This no longer happens in pairs. The experience is then brought into form through a ritual and further integrated through sharing.
Contraindications
Mental and physical stability are essential for participation, as Holotropic Breathwork can trigger strong emotions and intensive body work.
This work is therefore not suitable for:
Pregnancy, heart and circulatory problems, epilepsy, high blood pressure, glaucoma, osteoporosis or an acute mental illness.
Links
You can find more detailed information on the following websites: