Holotropic Breathwork: Moving Toward Wholeness Through Breath and Consciousness
The word holotropic comes from the Greek holos (“whole”) and trepein (“to move toward”), meaning “moving toward wholeness.” Psychiatrist Stan Grof coined the term to describe states of consciousness that naturally guide us toward healing, integration, and self-discovery.
Over the last five decades, Grof has become known as the father of modern breathwork. He conducted more than 4,500 high-dose LSD therapy sessions, thousands with psilocybin and other psychedelics, and—together with Christina Grof—guided tens of thousands of holotropic breathwork sessions worldwide. Through his trainings, Grof’s methods have likely touched the lives of one million people or more.
What Is Holotropic Breathwork?
Developed in 1974 at Esalen Institute, holotropic breathwork is a form of conscious connected breathwork that uses accelerated breathing, evocative music, and supportive facilitation to access non-ordinary states of consciousness.
Participants work in pairs as “breathers” and “sitters,” supported by trained facilitators. In this safe container, people often report:
Release of repressed trauma and emotions
Deep psychological and spiritual healing
Insights comparable to psychedelic therapy
Unlike casual breathing practices, holotropic breathwork is a demanding process that requires skilled guidance.
⚠️ Why Caution Is Needed
Today the breathwork industry is entirely unregulated:
No governing bodies
No insurance or standardized certifications
Anyone can call themselves a “facilitator”
This creates risks—from unsafe overbreathing to inadequate support for intense emotional release. Choosing Grof Legacy Training – certified facilitators ensures safety, ethics, and alignment with Stan Grof’s decades of research.
From Holotropic to Grof® Breathwork
In 2020, Stan and Brigitte Grof launched Grof Legacy Training, introducing Grof® Breathwork as the official continuation of their holotropic method. The program protects the integrity of holotropic states while training facilitators in both breathwork and Grofian psychedelic therapy.
Why It Matters Today
“Breathwork” has become a buzzword in wellness culture, but holotropic still points to its original meaning: moving toward wholeness. These experiences are not quick fixes—they are profound opportunities for transformation when held with the right expertise.
At RUNGA, we honor this lineage, giving credit to Stan Grof and supporting practices that move people toward healing, vitality, and conscious living.
