The Snow Society: A Holotropic Breathing Technique Used by the Cast to Help Release Your Emotions | Psychotherapy | welfare

Breathing techniques are increasingly popular due to their positive effects on people's physical and mental well-being. It's not just the exercises, or the famous 4-7-8, about inhaling, holding and exhaling, but about the breathing system that allows you to make consistent changes over time. shortness of breath. And A recent respiratory control study showed that shortness of breath It has a moderate effect in reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.

These techniques have historical roots from traditions as diverse as yoga (alternate nasal breathing) and Tibetan Buddhism (vessel breathing). One of the techniques that has stood out in recent times is holotropic breathing – which gained a lot of attention after the premiere of The Snow Society, as its actors practiced it to prepare for a grueling shoot – which provides access to altered states of consciousness. Without the need to use materials.

What is Holotropic Breathwork?

“Holotropic breathing uses rapid, controlled breathing patterns to induce a dream-like experience, or commonly known as an 'altered state of consciousness.' Once you achieve this state, it becomes possible to access areas of your consciousness that are difficult to reach,” explains Jillian Williams, behavioral health therapist at the Cleveland Clinic.

According to the expert, the goal of holotropic breathing is to use accelerated breathing to increase self-awareness and confront past traumas. “Holotropic breathing allows you to access parts of your soul that you wouldn't be able to access under normal conditions,” Williams says.

“Holotropic breathing is a technique developed by two researchers in the US in the 60s: Stanislav & Kristina Krof. At that time, psychedelic substances were being studied for therapeutic use and as they were banned, they turned to holotropic breathing from transpersonal psychology. This type of breathing leads to deeper healing to access levels of consciousness. “Holotropic breathing brings you back to wholeness,” explains Salvatore Liberty, professor of breathwork and healing. Freedmen.

What does a holotropic breathing session look like?

to enjoy shortness of breathEspecially Holotropic Breathwork, which I attended a session on Salvador Liberty. About 20 people laid on our backs and arranged our yoga mats on the floor to begin the session. Under the guidance of Liberty, with deep and soothing music, we breathed for an hour and a half. Reading this one might think it was simple, but in reality it was as challenging as it was liberating.

The first exercises are based on awareness of the diaphragm. Instead of raising the chest during inhalation, the focus is on filling the entire diaphragm with air, also known as costo-diaphragmatic breathing. Then we move on to inhalation in two stages: first with the diaphragm and then with the chest. Two inhalations in a row fill the entire torso with air, exhaling quickly. For about 20-30 minutes we inhale-inhale-breathe without pausing, causing controlled hyperventilation.

At the end of the time, Liberty told us to take a long inhale and then let all the air out of our lungs. We spent two minutes in silent meditation with no air in our lungs and no discomfort. It is at this time that the full 'psychopath effect' appears, as we expose the body to hyperventilation and then controlled oxygen deprivation. After those minutes, we repeat the breathing cycle twice. Throughout the session there will be “guardians”: trained shortness of breath Moves through the space ready to help with any need or discomfort. At the end of the session, it's time to restore breathing, allowing the body to settle into its natural rhythm.

During the session I experienced full awareness of my body. I was able to notice even minor pains at certain points that I had neglected and the breathing work helped me notice them. Some participants had very powerful experiences that they shared at the end of the session, releasing trapped emotions such as crying or tingling in the limbs.

After the session, the recommendations were clear: drink a lot of water and rest, because we exposed the body very differently to the rate of breathing.

Why is holotropic breathing considered a psychedelic therapy?

Holotropic breathing is considered a psychedelic therapy because it “uses rapid, controlled breathing patterns to enhance a dream-like experience or altered consciousness. It allows access to areas of consciousness that are difficult to reach under normal conditions with the aim of increasing self-awareness and confronting past traumas,” explains Williams.

“The prefrontal cortex is the domain of the rational mind. The one that protects us and processes trauma. When we deactivate that area, we see inhibitions of fear and shame. Also active is the amygdala, which is the part of the brain that processes intense emotions and connects them to memories. Holotropic Breathwork allowing for a different function,” explains Liberty.

Also, Prof shortness of breath The brain is designed to work as efficiently as possible, and many times it's the comfortable form of our routine that can trap us. “By reactivating the brain with different breathing patterns, we can reset the thinking system. With hyperventilation, we remove carbon dioxide from the respiratory system. Sometimes it's paradoxical because we increase oxygen by decreasing oxygen. The body enters survival mode and emotional charges begin to emerge,” he explains.

What are the benefits of practicing holotropic breathing?

According to a Cleveland Clinic behavioral therapist, the benefits of holotropic breathing include:

• Promote the release of toxins from the bloodstream and tissues.
• Lower blood pressure by increasing circulation.
• Boost immunity.
• Improve digestion by reducing stress on the liver and kidneys.
• Reduce physical and emotional stress.
• Increases mental clarity and creativity.
• Create new neural pathways in the brain.

“It can also be used to treat mental health conditions and their symptoms, such as depression, substance use disorder, PTSD, anxiety, negative thinking, chronic stress, tension, and avoidance behaviors,” Williams details. “Additionally, it can be beneficial for those interested in self-knowledge and those working through past traumas. It is always recommended to consult a health professional before starting,” she adds.

Is Holotropic Breathwork a Safe Practice?

Holotropic breathing is generally considered safe for many people. “However, it is recommended to speak to a health care provider before practicing it, as it can induce intense emotions and strong physical and emotional releases. Especially, those with cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, a history of panic attacks, psychiatric disorders, recent injuries or conditions that require regular medication, and pregnant. or women who are breastfeeding should avoid it. It is recommended to use it in conjunction with current therapy to address any emotions or trauma that may arise,” Williams suggests.

Who Can't Practice Holotropic Breathwork?

“Because holotropic breathing can cause intense feelings or strong physical and emotional releases, it is strongly recommended to speak with a doctor before practicing it,” warns Jillian Williams, a behavioral health therapist at the Cleveland Clinic. It is recommended to avoid this type of breathing if you have a history of:

• Cardiovascular problems.
• high blood pressure.
• Recent injury or surgery.
• Any condition that requires regular medication.
• Panic attacks.
• Psychiatric and seizure disorders.
• Holotropic Breathwork is not recommended for pregnant or lactating people.

“Holotropic breathing is recommended for use in conjunction with current therapy because it provides an opportunity to deal with and deal with any emotions or trauma that may arise,” concludes Williams.