How to Learn About Holotropic Breathwork

Holotropic Breathwork is the process of using your own breath to induce a very deep state of consciousness. In this state of deep consciousness, proponents believe you're able to release your inner mechanism of healing. Holotropic Breathwork is based on the principle that we are our own best healer. Proponents use it to address a variety of symptoms and health issues, from physical to emotional to spiritual. Follow these steps to learn more about Holotropic Breathwork.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A partner or a Holotropic Breathwork group
• Computer with Internet access

Learn About Holotropic Breathwork on Your Own

1. Read books on Holotropic Breathwork. Start with Kylea Taylor's "The Breathwork Experience: Exploration and Healing in Nonordinary States of Consciousness" (see Resources below).
2. Visit the Web site of the Association for Holotropic Breathwork International (see Resources below). Here, you'll find lists of relevant publications, events and facilitators.
3. Visit the Web site of Stanislav and Christina Grof, the developers of Holotropic Breathwork (see Resources below). Their site has a plethora of information as well as links to other resources.

Learn About Holotropic Breathwork Through Others

4. Sign up for a learning class or training course on Holotropic Breathwork. The Grof Web site outlines a training program available for those with a more serious interest. If you simply want to learn, attend a lecture or workshop listed on the Web site.
5. Search your area for a Holotropic Breathwork organization. You can use the phone book or simply ask existing providers of alternative medicine in your area if they can recommend a practitioner or an organization. Call or email them and request any information they have on resources, classes and other people in the area. You may have an entire network of people and organizations available to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Learning about Holotropic Breathwork is, overall, an inexpensive practice. You can purchase as many books on the topic as you feel you need. Most are inexpensively- to moderately-priced.
• Serious or chronic medical conditions should be examined by a licensed medical physician. Holotropic Breathwork practitioners are not licensed medical professionals.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.