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A concept made popular by social networks, where the hashtag #Breathwork counts more than a million posts on Instagram alone, this breathing method based on controlled changes in breathing, while not for everyone, could help individuals overcome their emotional blocks. We explain.
Can breathing a certain way have an effect on our mental and psychological state? According to the psychiatrist Stanislav Grof, certain breathing methods, based on hyperventilation, known as holotropic breathwork, could help a person reach an altered state of consciousness without taking any substance. The objective? To explore one"s innermost being and control one"s emotions.
To develop his method, Grof, known as one of the developers of transpersonal psychology was inspired by an Indian breathing method called pranayama, to which he added a conscious breathing method called rebirthing. And the form of holotropic breathwork was thus born.
On average, sessions last about 20 minutes. Effects can be intense, with some participants crying, laughing or even screaming.
This form of breathwork is not recommended for pregnant women and people with heart disease, epilepsy, osteoporosis and other issues. One of the reported side effects is the possibility of feeling certain muscles contract involuntarily. Anyone interested in trying holotropic breathwork should check with their GP beforehand.
First Published: Mar 19, 2022, 09:00
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