In today’s world, various transformational practices have become increasingly popular, particularly in the domain of healing, personal growth, and spiritual exploration. One such practice that is currently gaining popularity is psychedelic breathwork. As the name suggests, this is a breathing technique that induces altered states of consciousness, similar to those experienced with psychedelic drugs. However, unlike drugs, psychedelic breathwork utilizes only the power of breath to induce healing and transformation.
The practice of using breathing and the elements to achieve non-ordinary states of awareness is not new. Indigenous cultures across the globe have been using breath-work for millennia to achieve spiritual states of consciousness and connect with the divine. For example, the Yogic tradition in India is known for its various pranayama techniques aimed at attaining higher states of spiritual awakening. Similarly, in Tibet, Buddhist monks use a specific breathing technique called Tummo to generate inner heat and ecstatic states of awareness.
In contemporary times, the use of breathwork for altering states of consciousness gained more attention with the research of Stanislav Grof. A Czech psychiatrist, Grof initially explored the dimensions of non-ordinary states of consciousness using LSD at Johns Hopkins University. Later, he discovered that breathwork could also induce non-ordinary states of awareness, without resorting to drugs. He coined the term “Holotropic breathing” to describe this technique, where one’s breathing pattern and technique induces an altered state of consciousness.
Psychedelic breathwork is an excellent addition to other therapeutic practices. A growing body of research reveals that experience of an altered state of awareness can help to release emotional trauma, anxiety, and depression. One study revealed that psychedelic assisted practices helped clients overcome the symptoms of anxiety and depression, outperforming other widely used treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy. Through this method of altered states of awareness, one can unlock repressed emotions, and access deep-rooted memories. Psychedelic breathwork is not intended as a replacement for conventional therapy, but it can be an additional tool for those who are looking to experience a different level of healing and growth.
Psychedelic breathwork, when done correctly, has numerous benefits. One of the main benefits of this practice is that it is entirely natural and non-invasive. Unlike drugs, it does not have any adverse side effects. It also has no addictive qualities, and it does not require one to have any specific religious or philosophical beliefs. It is a simple practice that involves only breathing techniques that can be performed in group settings or alone. It is an accessible and affordable form of therapy, which makes it more inclusive to people who might otherwise not have access to conventional talk therapy.
Psychedelic breathwork can help people confront and overcome areas of their life where they may be experiencing difficulty or striving for personal growth. As such, it is an essential transformational practice for anyone who believes in the possibility of maximising their potential in life. It is not only a tool for healing and personal growth but also a means of connecting with the spiritual dimension of life.
Interested in changing lives with this transformational practice? Our next professional training program begins this October.
