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Writer's pictureSarka Hanzlik

Music in Holotropic Breathwork

During holotropic breathwork, a method of exploring deeper levels of consciousness, music plays a key role. Music creates a specific atmosphere and supports the process of intense breathing and deep perception.


In this article we will look at the importance of music during holotropic breathwork, what type of music is used and how it contributes to the experiences and benefits of this transformational method.


The Importance of Music in the Holotropic Breathwork Development

Music plays a key role in holotropic breathwork in creating a specific environment and atmosphere that supports a deep experience. Music is selected with regard to its specific rhythms, melodies and harmonies, which can affect the emotional state and perception of an individual.

Kniha s notami
Music plays a key role in holotropic breathwork.

Historical Context and Influence of Ethnic Traditions

During the 20th century, many new psychological and therapeutic approaches emerged that focused on deeper consciousness and exploring the unconscious. This period also saw an increase in awareness of traditional ethnic cultures and their rituals.

Many psychologists and therapists have begun to use and explore various ethnic traditions and their techniques as a means of exploring consciousness and achieving a deeper state of consciousness.


Ethnic traditions from different cultures around the world have rich and varied practices related to breathing, music and rituals. These traditions include, for example, shamanism, traditional Indian ceremonies, African drums and dance rituals, Tibetan and Indian meditation techniques, etc. Dr. Stanislav Grof and Christina Grof were influenced by these traditional cultures and their practices.


Overall, it can be said that the historical context and the influence of ethnic traditions contributed to the development of holotropic breathwork and its meaning in music. These factors brought a rich cultural context to the method and enabled the use of various ethnic elements and practices that contribute to deepening the experience and expanding consciousness.


Finding the Right Sound Environment for Deep Perception

Finding a suitable sound environment for a deep perception of music during holotropic breathwork is a key element of the whole process. The soundscape plays a significant role in creating space for experiences, deepening perception and supporting a state of deep and expanded consciousness.


When looking for a suitable sound environment, it is important to consider several factors:

  • Rhythms and Tempo: The rhythms and tempo of music have a strong effect on our body, emotions and perception. Various rhythmic patterns are often used during holotropic breathwork, which can promote smooth and deep breathing, pleasant bodily sensations, and help enter a state of expanded awareness.

  • Melody and Harmony: The melody and harmony of music can evoke different emotional states and feelings. Choosing melodies with certain keys and chords can influence our perception and help release emotions, experience deeper meaning and connect with the inner self.

  • Instruments and Sound Effects: The use of different instruments and sound effects brings variety and uniqueness to the sound environment. Each instrument has its own specific properties and energy vibrations that can affect different levels of our being. For example, drums can support rhythmicity and movement, flutes can bring softness and spirituality.

  • Dynamics and Intensity: A suitable sound environment should contain different levels of dynamics and intensity. Alternating between calm and quiet passages followed by more exciting and powerful moments can promote a smooth flow of experiences and an opening of consciousness.


It is important that the choice of sound environment is adapted to individual needs and preferences. What works for one person may not work for another. It is recommended to try different music genres, instruments and sound effects and observe how they affect your experiences and perceptions.


An appropriate sound environment can create an atmosphere of safety, support and inspiration during holotropic breathwork. It helps us go deeper into our own inner self, connect with the unconscious aspects of our mind and experience deep and transformative experiences.


The Function of Music During Holotropic Breathwork

Music plays several important functions in the process of holotropic breathwork. These features support experiences, deepen perception and contribute to the overall smooth flow of the session. The following are some of the functions of music during holotropic breathwork:

  • Creating Space: Music helps to create a space in which we can delve into our inner self and expanded consciousness. It creates an atmosphere of safety, support and solidarity that allows us to open up and explore different experiences.

  • Emotional Expression: Music has the ability to express and influence emotions. During holotropic breathwork, music can support the release and experience of various emotions. Different musical passages, melodies and rhythms can resonate with our inner states and help us delve into deeper emotional layers.

  • Rhythms and Breath Synchronization: Music often contains rhythms that can support and synchronize our breathing. When listening to rhythmic music, we can tune our breath to the given rhythm and deepen the state of relaxation and connection with ourselves.

  • Stimulating Imagination and Visualization: Music can support our imagination and imagination. When listening to melodic and atmospheric musical passages, we can better immerse ourselves in our own inner images and visualizations. Music can thus serve as a stimulus for experiences and visual perception.

  • Harmonization and Energy Alignment: Music with certain harmonic structures and energy vibrations can support the harmonization of our energy field. Different musical frequencies and keys can affect our energy centers and help balance and purify the energy system.


It is important to choose music that resonates with our individual needs and contributes to our experiences during holotropic breathwork. We all have our preferred musical genres and styles that help us open up and dive into deeper perception.


Types of Music Used in Holotropic Breathwork

During holotropic breathwork, different types of music are used to promote deep perception and experiences.

ruce a bubny
You will hear drum beats on every holotropic playlist.

Etnic and World Music

Ethnic music from different parts of the world can be very effective in holotropic breathwork. These types of music have a rich tradition and contain unique sound patterns, instrumentation and rhythmic structures.

Ethnic music can help create connections with different cultures, open up new spaces for experiences and promote deeper perception.


Experimental Sound Environment

Ambient music and experimental soundscapes provide abstract and textured sounds that promote relaxation, meditation and deepening perception. These types of music often work with layering of sounds, long notes and varied sound effects that can lead to deep experience and perception.


Using Natural Sounds

meditace a řeka
Natural sounds also belong to holotropic breathwork.

Natural sounds and soundscapes evoke a connection with nature and help us tune in to its energies. They include the sounds of forest, water, birds, wind and other natural elements. These sounds can promote relaxation, calm the mind and connect with natural cycles and energies.





The Choice of Music and its Effects on Experiences

The holotropic breathwork facilitator plays a key role in choosing the music for the session. He considers several factors and approaches when choosing music.


The facilitator also selects music that reflects the different phases and cycles of holotropic breathwork. Different experiences and processes can occur during different phases of the session. Music is attuned to these changes and helps support different aspects of the holotropic experience..


Dynamics of Music During a Holotropic Breathwork Session

The dynamics of the music during the holotropic breathwork session may vary. The beginning of the session is usually rhythmic, ethnic music is often used, sometimes even techno.

During the second hour, the music can become more intense and promote deepening of experiences and release of emotions.

The last hour uses calmer and more relaxing musical compositions that promote relaxation and tune-up of the participants.

The natural variability of the music is also important, allowing it to be adapted to the individual needs of the participants and supporting their process.


Music during holotropic breathwork plays a vital role in creating a supportive environment and enhancing the experiences of the participants. Choosing the right type of music and its variability during the session are key to achieving deeper states of consciousness and transformational experiences. When practicing holotropic breathwork, it is important to work with therapists and use their expertise in selecting music and creating a musical environment.











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