Is Holotropic Breathwork a kind of shamanism?

No. Holotropic Breathwork (Grof® Breathwork) is a contemporary approach to self-exploration developed by Stanislav and Christina Grof. Its theoretical background draws on depth and transpersonal psychology and on the study of non-ordinary states of consciousness. Although the Grofs recognized the importance of various spiritual and healing traditions, Holotropic Breathwork is not a shamanic tradition or a continuation of one.

The term "shamanism" also calls for caution. It is often used to group together very different traditions, each tied to specific communities, their languages, histories, rituals and ways of understanding the world. These traditions cannot be reduced to a single method or merely to techniques for reaching non-ordinary states of consciousness. Nor can traditional practices automatically be equated with contemporary workshops that present themselves as shamanic.

Some points of contact do exist: working with non-ordinary states of consciousness, the importance of music or rhythm, and the possibility of deeply meaningful experiences. But a resemblance between individual elements does not mean the same purpose, the same understanding of the experience, or the same role for the practitioner.

In Holotropic Breathwork, participants explore their own inner process supported by breathing, music and a carefully prepared setting. The facilitator supports their autonomy and follows what unfolds, without prescribing the content of the experience or imposing a spiritual interpretation on it. Taking part does not require accepting any particular belief or cosmology. And an experience that reminds a person of a certain tradition does not in itself mean they know that tradition or are qualified to practice it.

An ethical stance is essential when making comparisons. Respecting cultural and spiritual traditions means acknowledging their origins, listening to those who carry them, and honoring their rights and boundaries regarding the use of knowledge, rituals, symbols and music. Spiritual openness alone does not give permission for cultural appropriation or for speaking on behalf of other communities. It is therefore not appropriate to present HB as an improved, more universal or superior version of these traditions.

Ethical responsibility in Holotropic Breathwork also includes informed consent, respect for personal boundaries, confidentiality, awareness of power dynamics, and appropriate preparation, support and integration of the experience. Respectful dialogue between different approaches is possible precisely when their distinct characteristics are clearly recognized and preserved.