Protocolsbreathwork
breathworkLow

Holotropic Breathwork

An intense breathing technique (fast, deep breathing for 1 to 3 hours, with music) used to reach non-ordinary states of consciousness.

Evidence Score

32/100

Developer

Stanislav Grof

Duration

Intensive workshops (1-3 days) or ongoing monthly sessions

Steps

10 phases

Used for

3 conditions

Protocol Overview

An intense breathing technique (fast, deep breathing for 1 to 3 hours, with music) used to reach non-ordinary states of consciousness. Developed by Stanislav Grof as a non-drug method after LSD research ended. Done with trained facilitators.

Used For

Emotional processingSelf-explorationStress

Key Resources

Grof Transpersonal Training, The Way of the Psychonaut by Stanislav Grof, certified facilitators

Safety Profile

Contraindications & Risks
Heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, epilepsy or seizures, pregnancy, recent surgery or injury, osteoporosis
History of psychosis, bipolar disorder, severe PTSD or panic disorder: only with your mental health clinician's input
Important Notes

Developed by Stanislav Grof after LSD research ended. Over-breathing lowers carbon dioxide and narrows brain blood vessels, which produces the altered state. It can be very intense, with strong emotions and memories surfacing, so trained facilitators and integration matter. Evidence is limited to small and uncontrolled studies. If you are thinking about suicide or in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.

Find a Practitioner

Gabriel can find and book a practitioner who works with this approach.

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EvidenceLow
Evidence Score32/100
Categorybreathwork
DurationIntensive workshops (1-3 days) or ongoing monthly sessions

About Evidence Score

The Evidence Score (0 to 100) rates the strength of evidence from studies in people for the uses listed: higher means stronger, more consistent research. It does not measure safety. It is not medical advice.

For education, not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician before you start, and never stop or change a prescribed medication without your prescriber.