Holotropic Breathwork, Second Edition

Holotropic breathwork, a method of self-exploration and psychotherapy developed by Stanislav and Christina Grof, uses nonordinary states of consciousness induced by accelerated breathing, evocative music, and bodywork to promote healing and transformation. These states can evoke experiences from childhood, infancy, birth, and collective unconscious archetypes. The approach integrates insights from modern consciousness research, depth psychology, transpersonal psychology, anthropology, Eastern spiritual practices, and mystical traditions. The second edition includes expanded history of the method and information on Grof Legacy Training.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The definitive overview of this transformative breathwork. In the second edition of this classic text, Stanislav Grof and Christina Grof describe their groundbreaking form of self-exploration and psychotherapy: holotropic breathwork. Holotropic means "moving toward wholeness," from the Greek holos (whole) and trepein (moving in the direction of). The breathwork utilizes the remarkable healing and transformative potential of nonordinary states of consciousness. These states engender a rich array of experiences with unique healing potential-reliving childhood memories, infancy, birth and prenatal life, and elements from the historical and archetypal realms of the collective unconscious. Induced by very simple means-a combination of accelerated breathing, evocative music, and bodywork in a safe and supportive setting-holotropic breathwork integrates the insights from modern consciousness research, depth psychology, transpersonal psychology, anthropology, Eastern spiritual practices, and mystical traditions. The Grofs' work with holotropic states of consciousness has introduced revolutionary changes to psychiatry, psychology, and psychotherapy. Written in a clear, easily understandable style, this indispensable book summarizes their remarkable insights. The second edition includes an expanded section on the history of holotropic breathwork, as well as information on Grof® Legacy Training.