Screen for contraindications before any session
Know and respect the medical and psychological contraindications — holotropic breathwork is not for everyone.
Why it works
Sustained hyperventilation causes real physiological changes: hypocapnia, alkalosis, and significant cardiovascular demand. For people with cardiovascular disease, seizure disorders, severe psychiatric diagnoses, or active psychosis, these changes are not safe. Screening protects participants and maintains the legitimacy of the practice.
How to do it
- Complete the standard medical and psychiatric questionnaire provided by any certified Grof Transpersonal Training facilitator.
- Disclose: cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, seizure history, severe psychiatric history (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with psychosis), pregnancy, glaucoma, recent surgery.
- If uncertain, consult your physician before attending.
- For psychological contraindications, seek a licensed therapist for assessment rather than self-qualifying.
Evidence
Contraindications are based on the known physiology of hyperventilation and established clinical caution in intensive somatic and altered-state work. They represent clinical consensus rather than RCT-derived exclusion criteria. (clinical)
Adverse event rates in trained holotropic breathwork settings are not well documented in the literature; caution is warranted given the intensity of the practice.
Common mistake
Attending an uncertified or poorly facilitated workshop that skips the screening questionnaire — the protective value of the practice depends entirely on trained facilitation and proper vetting.
Practice this with IX Coach
7 days free, then $40/month (~$1.30/day).
More practices for Holotropic Breathwork, Made Practical
- Set a clear intention before the session
Articulate what you want to explore or resolve before the breathing begins.
- Connected circular breathing — the core technique
Breathe continuously without pauses between inhale and exhale, faster than normal.
- Allow facilitator bodywork during intense physical activation
Targeted physical contact by a trained sitter helps discharge trapped body tension that the breath activates.
- Draw a mandala immediately after the session
Express the imagery and emotional residue of the session through a spontaneous circular drawing before re-entering ordinary reality.
- Share in a small group sharing circle on the same day
Narrate your experience to others in a structured, non-interpretive circle within hours of the session.
- Daily integration journaling for two weeks after a session
Write for 10 minutes each morning about how the session’s themes are showing up in your everyday life.
Related concepts
- Nasal Breathing for Performance
The physiology behind nasal breathing and how to retrain the habit
- Box Breathing, Made Practical
The equal-count breathing pattern, its physiology, and how to use it under real pressure
- The Wim Hof Method, Honestly Assessed
What the research actually shows, what it doesn’t, and how to do it safely