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ABSTRACT: It is a long-standing assumption that holotropic breathwork (HB) induces an altered state of consciousness. However, this assumption has not been empirically tested. Consequently, 32 participants were recruited for the present study, which aimed to use the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI) to quantify the pattern of phenomenological subsystems and Altered State of Awareness (ASA) scores associated with a HB condition relative to a comparison condition and a baseline assessment. The hypothesis that the HB group would report a different pattern of relationships among phenomenological subsystems relative to the comparison condition and baseline was partially supported. In addition, the hypothesis that, while controlling for baseline, the HB group would report higher ASA scores than the comparison group was supported. Finally, for the HB group, transliminality did not significantly improve the prediction of ASA, while controlling for baseline. Various suggestions for future research are discussed.
KEYWORDS: altered state of awareness, holotropic breathwork, phenomenology, Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory, transliminality.
The term 'holotropic' (from the Greek 'holos' meaning whole and 'trepein' meaning to move toward) was coined by Stanislav Grof (1988, 1998) to denote a state of being that is 'oriented toward wholeness.' Grof (1998) explained that holotropic states involve transformations in consciousness as we ''experience an invasion of other dimensions of existence'' (p. 344). Such states can be profound and overwhelming and can be characterized by dramatic sensory and perceptual changes, intense and unusual emotions and behavior, alterations in thought patterns, and psychosomatic manifestations. However, Grof asserted that such states are qualitatively different to pathological non-ordinary states of consciousness, such as those relating to cerebral trauma, infections, or degenerative and circulatory brain processes.
Holotropic Breathwork (HB) is a technique that was developed by Grof and his wife Christina in the 1970s (Grof & Grof, 2010). It is designed to facilitate nonordinary, or holotropic, states of consciousness without the use of pharmacologic means. Instead, it combines rapid, deep breathing, evocative music, focused bodywork, and artistic expression within a safe, supportive group environment. According to Grof and Grof, non-ordinary states of consciousness facilitate an 'inner radar' that is able to detect emotionally charged material and bring it into consciousness for processing and subsequent healing.
HB has been studied in the context of addiction recovery (Brewerton, Eyerman,...