The significance of breath spans across the annals of history, with the very term ‘breath’ intertwined with ‘spirit’ in numerous languages. Breath-centric rituals and meditative practices have been ingrained in the tapestry of diverse ancient cultures and religions, encompassing traditions such as Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Yoga, Qigong, Shamanism, Sufism, and martial arts. These civilizations harnessed the power of breath for purposes akin to those embraced by Contemporary Breathwork — a means to transcend consciousness for spiritual enlightenment, self-exploration, and healing.
The Onset of Modern Breathwork (aka conscious connected Breathwork)
The utilization of breath for healing and awakening largely faded from the Western consciousness throughout civilization. However, a resurgence occurred in the 1960s, primarily credited to four trailblazers: Stanislav and Christine Grof; Leonard Orr, and Sondra Ray. These pioneers laid the foundation for two seminal branches of contemporary Breathwork — Holotropic Breathwork and Rebirthing, spawning numerous offshoots in the ensuing years.
The Development of Holotropic Breathwork
Born in 1931, Stan Grof, an émigré who arrived in the US in 1967 with a Master’s Degree in Psychiatry and a PhD in Medicine, played a pivotal role in the inception of Transpersonal Psychology. Initially working at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Grof later became a resident professor at the Esalen Institute in California.
Stan used LSD to successfully treat PTSD patience before LSD was classified as illegal. During his research with LSD, Grof observed a distinctive breathing pattern in many patients towards the end of the LSD trip. Investigation revealed that this particular breathing style extended the effects of the drug. Motivated by this discovery, both Grof and his wife Christine delved into the study of the breath. His hypothesis that altering the breath could induce altered states of consciousness and facilitate rapid self-healing laid the groundwork for the development of Holotropic Breathwork.
The Development of Rebirthing Breathwork
In the late 1960s, Leonard Orr unearthed and refined the technique of ‘conscious connected breathing,’ attributing his inspiration to Shri Mahavatar Babaji during his sojourn at the Ashram in the Himalayas. Orr’s discovery of Breathwork unfolded as he sat in a tub, experimenting with diverse deep breathing patterns. His transformative encounter occurred while engaged in a connected breath in warm water, an experience he asserts involved reliving his own birth, ultimately giving rise to the practice of Rebirthing.
In 1974, Sondra Ray sought Leonard’s assistance for various challenges and was introduced to the concept of rebirthing. Now recognized as the ‘Mother of Rebirthing,’ Ray earned this title through her extensive training of Rebirthers and profound understanding of how birth trauma impacts our lives.
How Holotropic Breathwork and Rebirthing Differ
Holotropic Breathwork and Rebirthing diverge in several key aspects. Firstly, Rebirthing traditionally involves nasal breathing (though this is no longer universally adhered to), while Holotropic breathwork is typically done through the mouth. Secondly, while music holds a fundamental role in Holotropic Breathwork, it is not a central component of Rebirthing. Thirdly, in Rebirthing, the facilitator guides the breath, whereas in Holotropic Breathwork, the focus is on self-healing, and sessions are primarily self-directed. Holotropic breathing has no rigid guidelines, and participants are simply instructed to “breathe deeper and faster than normal.”
Another distinction lies in the overarching perspective on the human condition: Holotropic tends toward a more psychiatric interpretation, while Rebirthing leans more toward the psychological. These nuanced differences contribute to the unique characteristics and approaches of each Breathwork modality.
A 21st Century Resurgence of Breathwork
The popularity of Breathwork experienced a decline after the 1970s, yet in the last five years, it has undergone a remarkable resurgence, earning some the moniker ‘the New Yoga.’ Currently, there are over 50 distinct variants of Breathwork, each contributing to this revival. Prominent among them are Make Some Breathing Space, Transformational Breathwork, Unity Breathwork, Owaken, Integrative Breathwork, Radiance Breathwork, Alchemy of Breath, Biodynamic Breathwork, Liberation Breathwork (founded by Sondra Ray), Neurodynamic Breathwork, and Breath of Bliss.
Each form of Breathwork exhibits distinct characteristics. Some are tailored for group sessions, while others are designed for one-on-one encounters. Some are done in person, and others are online. Variants may eschew catharsis entirely or integrate it as a functional point of reference. Session durations vary as well, ranging from 30 minutes to 6 hours. The pace of the breath, primary purpose, and external stimuli such as music, incense, or instruments can also differ. What unites them all is a shared focus on connected breathing with the aim of altering consciousness and opening the door for healing and transformation.
How Unity Breathwork Parallels Holotropic Breathwork and Rebirthing
Unity Breathwork is an offshoot of Alchemy of Breath and Make Some Breathing Space, and both are an amalgamation of Holotropic Breathwork and Rebirthing. All schools use a circular breath with no pause between the inhale and the exhale to create a heightened state of consciousness conducive to rapid healing. Similar to Rebirthing, Unity Breathwork emphasizes the inhale, and encourages a passive exhale. And much like Holotropic Breathwork, the music is meticulously composed to skillfully steer the journey. (Click here for more info on the differences and similarities between Holotropic and Unity Breathwork)
Which Breathwork Modality is the Best?
There is no definitive “best” form of Breathwork. Each variant holds valuable elements, provided it is administered by a certified practitioner who adheres to a robust code of ethics. I recommend exploring various types to discern which resonates most with you. Having said that, it’s crucial to note that some breathwork training schools are offering shotgun trainings, certifying facilitators in as little as two days. In my professional opinion, this brief time frame is insufficient to equip a facilitator to safely and effectively hold space for Breathwork sessions.
As such, if you are new to Breathwork I recommend you try Unity Breathwork or one of the other Breathwork schools mentioned above. If you go with another school just be sure to do a bit of research and make sure the facilitator has been adequately trained. You can refer to the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance to quickly find qualified practitioners and Breathwork training schools.
Blessings on your Breath Journey!
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