Holotropic Breathwork

In Asheville

An individual who wishes to achieve wholeness may benefit from holotropic breathwork, a unique method of self-healing. Holotropic breathwork enhances your mental, emotional, and physical states by controlling and accelerating your breathing. 

What is Holotropic Breathwork?

The purpose of holotropic breathwork is to assist with emotional healing and personal growth. It is a form of therapeutic breathing in which you breathe rapidly for hours to days. This process alters your consciousness by changing the balance between carbon dioxide and oxygen in your body. A person who has been trained in this form of breathwork is there to guide you. Music is an integral component of this technique, which is why it is included during the session. After the session, you will be asked to draw a mandala to express your feelings. You will also be encouraged to discuss your feelings. Your thoughts will not be interpreted; rather, you may be requested to elaborate on certain aspects. 

Why is it Used?

The purpose of using holotropic breathing is to provide mental, spiritual, and physical health advantages. In addition to helping you comprehend yourself better, it might also change your perspective on life for the better. It has the potential to provide enhanced self-awareness and a more positive attitude. You may employ it to support your growth in a variety of ways. It appears to connect you with the natural world and others more closely. It may be used to treat a variety of conditions such as:

  • Addiction
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Migraines
  • Chronic pain
  • Avoidance behaviors
  • Asthma
  • Premenstrual tension
holotropic breathwork

How do you Practice Holotropic Breathwork?

Holotropic breathwork should only be performed under the direction of a trained facilitator. The experience may be intense and emotional, so the facilitators are available to help you with anything that might arise. Holotropic breathwork is sometimes supervised by medical professionals. Holotropic breathing may be utilized as part of a counseling treatment plan, but it may also be utilized in group or workshop settings. 

Each session is unique, so discuss with your facilitator to determine whether a workshop session, group session, or retreat is most suitable. Your facilitator will assist you throughout the process.The session is typically conducted in the following way:  

  1. There is one “breather” and one “sitter” per group. 
  1. The person actively experiencing and practicing HB is the breather. The sitter ensures that the breather is safe and supported during the session. The sitter only helps the breather if needed. 
  1. A session facilitator leads the participant through a session by helping them increase the speed and intensity of the breathers’ breathing. During the session, the participant is instructed to breathe faster and deeper while remaining eyes closed. This helps practitioners avoid hyperventilation complications. 
  1. During a session, the breather will stay on a mat. By laying down, the breather is able to move freely in whatever pose their breath takes them. 
  1. The breathers are encouraged to enter an altered state of consciousness (in resemblance to having a dream) by listening to rhythmic music that starts off with drumming and gradually switches to “heart music.” From there, meditative music is played. 
  1. There is no set objective for the session; each participant can create their own meaning and find out about themselves in whatever way works for them. The breathers are encouraged to make any sounds that feel right to them, in addition to moving as they please. 
  1. People then draw mandalas after the session and discuss their experience. This might be a catalyst for bringing to the surface the most important issues a person must deal with, or it might be a re-experience of past trauma, feelings of joy, or spiritual insight. 

Benefits of Holotropic Breathwork

Research to support the therapeutic benefits of holotropic breathwork for psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety is lacking. However, there is some evidence to suggest that it might be helpful for relaxation, stress relief, personal growth, or self-awareness. The following are common benefits of practicing this therapeutic exercise: 

  • Releases toxins from bloodstream
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Increases circulation
  • Boosts immune system
  • Improves digestion
  • Reduces stress on liver and kidneys
  • Reduces physical and emotional stress
  • Increases mental clarity 
  • Creates new neural pathways in your brain

Holotropic Breathwork for Addiction

In the course of addiction treatment, the usage of conscious breathing techniques, in addition to other mindful exercises such as yoga and meditation, can be beneficial. Professionals from all over the world are using this therapeutic approach and have reported improvements in patients with drug dependence. 

Individuals suffering from addiction can benefit from using breathwork as a method of psychotherapy. This type of treatment can help clients to embark on an inner exploration of themselves, helping them improve both mental and emotional wellness. 

An individual’s unconscious breathing pattern is determined by one uncontrollable factor in the air, namely, carbon dioxide (CO2). When our brain stem uses our involuntary breathing mechanisms when CO2 levels in our body increase, our activity triggers our breathing. This is why we take deep breaths during strenuous exercise.

 As a consequence, CO2 levels increase in our body. The build-up of CO2 in our bodies is also increased when we are active. Stress and anxiety, as well as physical and psychological stress in people with addiction or alcoholism, also contribute to this increase. Respiratory depression caused by many of these substances is a perfect storm for unbalanced breathing, especially after early sobriety. 

Breathing is a conscious connected activity. Learning and practicing new breathing techniques can strengthen an addict’s self-control and reduce anxiety the distance from drugs and alcohol causes them. This control can help addicts confront the realities of life. Breathwork for addiction therapy can be utilized to deal with any negative thoughts, feelings, or stress that block a sober lifestyle. Holotropic breathwork is also excellent for using the brain to our advantage. When utilized by a professional, we can manipulate thoughts and brain chemical reactions. Besides instructing alcoholics or drug addicts how to survive in a world of temptations, it may assist them in maintaining a healthy routine. 

holotropic breathwork

Practice Holotropic Breathwork at Oasis 

Help is available if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction. Please contact Oasis Recovery for details on our many programs, services, and holistic therapies such as holotropic breathwork .

Oasis Recovery was founded by people in recovery for people seeking recovery. Our aim is to provide a safe space where individuals can heal from addiction by receiving compassionate, open-minded, and comprehensive care. We know that recovery is always possible and we work with you to create a treatment plan that suits your needs. Our treatment options include:  

  • Intensive Outpatient Program
  • Partial Hospitalization Program
  • Aftercare Planning
  • Detox Referrals
  • Mental Health Referrals  

Contact us today for more information about how our treatment programs and services can help you get your life back on track. You do not have to struggle on your own. We are here to help.

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