

Research highlights the potential of breathwork as a healing modality. Stemming from the Greek words “holos” (whole) and “trepein” (to move toward), holotropic breathwork is believed to orient us toward the wholeness of existence and the true nature of reality.īecause breathwork has the potential to evoke intense feelings and sensations-akin, in some cases, to the effects of a peak psychedelic experience-sessions should be guided by a trained facilitator to ensure a safe emotional container. This practice involves rapid breaths-or controlled, voluntary hyperventilation-designed to shift the ratio of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the body. Holotropic breathwork, one of the most widely-known breathing practices, was developed by transpersonal psychologist Stanislav Grof. Through intentional, structured breathing practices, we can activate the mind-body connection, access non-ordinary states of consciousness, and release stuck emotions and stagnant energy. Breathwork is what happens when we bring our full, conscious awareness to this typically unconscious process. In this sense, ASCs hold tremendous potential for healing, creativity, and self-transformation.Įxamples of Altered States of Consciousness Breathworkīreathing is typically an unconscious process, requiring little thought or active effort on our part. The brain awakens to a fuller awareness of what is possible, rather than adhering solely to what is familiar. In this non-ordinary space, we have the opportunity to experience life through a different lens, and to disrupt unhelpful mental and emotional patterns. Conversely, this same individual may feel particularly connected to themselves and sensitive to their surroundings while under the influence of a psychedelic drug.Īltered states of consciousness offer a temporary departure from one’s typical ways of being, thinking, and doing. For instance, an individual might be unable to identify who or where they are while in a dream state. The first-person perspective of those experiencing non-ordinary states of consciousness may demonstrate enhanced or diminished awareness, depending on the specific type of ASC. Perception, imagery, inner speech, memory, mental functioning, higher-level thought processes, time experience, sense of self, meaning or significance of experience, and emotion are other dimensions of consciousness that may undergo short-term shifts during non-ordinary states. Habitual thought patterns are temporarily interrupted by altered states of consciousness, causing people to experience themselves and their surroundings in a different way. Other experiences that are not explicitly named within this framework, but which are commonly known to induce ASCs, include sensory deprivation conditions, trance states, spiritual possession, mystical or religious experiences, ecstatic dance, and breathwork.Ĭharacteristics of Altered States of Consciousness


