FAQ
Can anyone practice breathwork?
​​Even though it is an ancient and natural practice, it has some contraindications as can be checked on the medical form and contraindications. If, after reading the information, you have ANY questions or concerns, feel free to contact me to discuss them. In certain conditions, I might recommend that you check in with your doctor before the session.
How often should I practice breathwork?
​The frequency and number of breathwork sessions depend on your intentions and personal goals. While there are no strict limitations, allowing time between sessions is essential for integration—a key factor in deepening the impact of the experience beyond mere functionality (Taylor, 1994). True transformation occurs when an experience engages the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of life.
During breathwork, non-ordinary states of consciousness activate the body's natural inner healing process, leading to unique internal experiences. While certain themes may repeat, each session is distinct, guided by the breather’s inner intelligence at a specific moment in time. To recognize personal patterns and needs, an initial series of five sessions is recommended. However, even a single session can sometimes bring profound breakthroughs.
Taylor, K. (1994). The holotropic experience: Exploration and healing in non-ordinary states of
consciousness. Hanford Mead.
Can I practice breathwork on my own?
​Technically, you could, but we don’t recommend it—especially if you’re untrained. You might unintentionally trigger past trauma for instance, related to loneliness, abandonment, or childhood wounds, making it essential to have supportive guidance to navigate and process these experiences effectively.
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What happens during breathwork with accelerated breathing?
The deep, continuous breathing pattern used in breathwork—without pauses between inhales and exhales—serves as a catalyst for accessing the subconscious mind and unconscious material. This occurs because this breathing style lowers CO2 levels, making the blood more alkaline. As a result, this reduces activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN), which is the part of the brain responsible for self-identity and ego constructs. When the DMN quiets down, the limbic system, where suppressed emotions, memories, and traumas are stored, becomes more accessible.
Why Is Tapping Into the Subconscious Mind Through Breathwork So important and Transformative?
Awareness and conscious choices (Siegel, 2012) play a crucial role in our success and well-being. When we struggle to achieve our goals, we are often led to believe that external forces are preventing us from reaching our full potential (Lipton, 2005). However, neuroscience has shown that the conscious mind is in control only about five percent of the time, while the subconscious mind shapes 95 percent or more of our life experiences (Szeged-Maszak, 2005).
The subconscious mind acquires its core programming—shaped by parents, family, and community—before the age of six. Since these unconscious programs operate independently of our conscious awareness, we are often unaware that they are guiding our daily decisions. As a result, deeply embedded subconscious messages can override even our most determined conscious efforts to change our lives (Lipton, 2005).
As Jung (1964) stated, “For the sake of mental stability and even physiological health, the unconscious and the conscious must be integrally connected and thus move on parallel lines. If they are split apart or ‘dissociated,’ psychological disturbance follows” (p. 37).
The more you practice accessing your unconscious mind, the closer you come to integrating it with conscious awareness. Regular breathwork strengthens this connection by reinforcing neural pathways—an effect described by Hebb’s principle: “neurons that fire together, wire together” (Hebb, 1949).
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Hebb, D. O. (1949). The Organization of Behavior: A Neuropsychological Theory. Wiley.
Jung, C. G. (1964). Man and his symbols. Dell Publishing.
Lipton B. (2005) The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the power of consciousness, matter,
and miracles. Mountain of Love/Elite Books.
Siegel, D. J. (2012). The developing mind: How relationships and the brain interact to shape who we are. Guilford Press.
Szeged-maszak, M. (2005). Mysteries of the mind: Is your unconscious making your everyday decision? US News & World Report.
http://faculty.fortlewis.edu/burke_b/personality/Readings/AdaptiveUnconscious.pdf
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra, often called "yogic sleep," is a deep state of relaxation that bridges wakefulness and sleep. It promotes profound rest while maintaining awareness, helping to release tension, stress, and stored emotions. This practice supports trauma healing and nervous system regulation by guiding the body into sleep-like stillness while the mind remains conscious. Though it may feel like falling asleep, Yoga Nidra often leaves you feeling clear and refreshed upon awakening—unlike regular sleep, which can sometimes result in grogginess or disorientation. It can also lead to deep insights, making it a powerful tool for inner work.
What is Holotropic Breathwork ?
Holotropic Breathwork is a powerful breathing technique developed by Stanislav and Christina Grof in the 1970s. It is designed to induce non-ordinary states of consciousness for self-exploration, emotional healing, and spiritual growth.
The name Holotropic, coined by Stan Grof, means literally “moving toward wholeness” (from the Greek “holos“=whole and “trepein“=moving in the direction of something).
Holotropic Breathwork is a transformative approach for self-exploration and healing, integrating insights from modern consciousness research. This method combines accelerated breathing with evocative music in a carefully designed setting to facilitate deep inner experiences.
Participants, lying on a mat with eyes closed, use their breath and the music to enter a non-ordinary state of consciousness. Typically conducted in groups, Holotropic Breathwork™ sessions involve participants working in pairs, alternating between the roles of experiencer (breather) and sitter. The sitter’s role is to provide support without interference, ensuring a safe and uninterrupted process. Individual sessions are also available for those seeking a more personalized experience.
What is NDB Breathwork?
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In NDB, NEURO is an acronym that encapsulates the fundamental aspects of the NDB Workshop: N for Nondirective, representing the inner-guidance nature of the journey, free from external facilitation; E for Empowerment, signifying the source of answers within oneself rather than seeking them externally; U for Unconscious blockages, highlighting the ability to connect with the unconscious releasing blockages and outdated patterns; R for Release, encompassing the liberation from stagnant emotions, blockages, and childhood patterns; and O for Organic, emphasizing the natural use of breath without the need for medication.
What is the difference between Holotropic Breathwork (HB) and NeuroDynamic Breathwork (NDB)?
The HB and NDB differ in accessibility, the duration of breathing sessions, availability, and affordability (Jon, 2020).
Holotropic Breathwork (HB) is a full-day experience where participants work in pairs, alternating between two roles: Sitter and Breather. The practice must be conducted in person, with a trained facilitator present for approximately every 8–10 participants. The breathing session lasts around three hours, during which the sitter provides a supportive presence without interfering unless requested. After the session, participant(s) engage in mandala drawing as part of the integration process. The roles are then reversed, and the day concludes with a sharing circle.
NeuroDynamic Breathwork (NDB) was developed by former Holotropic Breathwork facilitator Michael Stone. Its primary aim is to make breathwork more accessible, offering an online format that is more affordable and convenient.
Unlike Holotropic Breathwork, NDB does not require a sitter and follows a shorter format. Each session lasts about two hours in total, including an introductory talk, a one-hour breathing session, and post-session sharing. Its streamlined structure and lower cost make it well-suited for regular practice and ongoing self-exploration.
NDB can also be practiced in person, individually or in groups.
Jon. (2020, May 8). What is the difference between Neurodynamic Breathwork and Holotropic
Breathwork? NeuroDynamic Breathwork Online.
https://breathworkonline.com/neurodynamic-breathwork-vs-holotropic-breathwork/
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Is hyperventilation dangerous?
Hyperventilation is a condition where you breathe faster and/or deeper than usual, causing an imbalance in the levels of oxygen (Oâ‚‚) and carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) in the body. This leads to a drop in COâ‚‚ levels, which can result in various physiological and psychological effects.
There are two types of hyperventilation. Involuntary hyperventilation (like during panic attacks), where the breathing is uncontrolled and often distressing, and controlled over-breathing which is intentionally used to induce altered states of consciousness like in breathwork practices (like Holotropic, NeuroDynamic Breathwork, Authentic Breathwork , and more),
The key aspect of breathwork is that the breather remains in control at all times and can pause or stop if needed, immediately stopping the effects.
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What is Breathwork Integration?
Integration refers to the process of giving meaning to HB experiences, and subsequently incorporating those experiences and accompanying knowledge into ordinary life … integration is a dynamic process that takes time and demands a degree of self-reflection for further assimilation. Integration is related to breathers’ interpretation of their experiences; while meaning attribution is linked to their psycho-emotional situations at that time. Given time and perspective, some breathers may discover new insights and fresh interpretations for their HB experiences (Farizo, 2022, p.13)
Farizo, F. L. (2022). The perceived impact of holotropic breathwork: An interpretive phenomenological analysis. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies Advance Publication Archive 48. https://digitalcommons.ciis.edu/advance-archive/48
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Do you have a question? Please, contact me