Breathwork is a wonderfully restorative practice that helps you heal and grow from the inside out. Among the many types of breathwork, holotropic breathing, and somatic breathwork are two of the most well-known. While both are rooted in the power of deep breathing, they differ in several ways. Let’s explore their key differences and similarities to see which one is right for you.
What Is Holotropic Breathing?
Holotropic breathing is an intense practice that is usually accompanied by evocative music. It is designed to facilitate altered states of consciousness, where you are awake but wholly focused inward.
The goal is to delve into your subconscious to uncover and process unresolved feelings. This practice often leads to a strong emotional release and even spiritual breakthroughs. It’s widely used in therapeutic settings to support trauma healing and personal growth.
What Is Somatic Breathing?
Somatic breathwork focuses more on the connection between the mind and body. It integrates deep breathing with attention to physical sensations, such as the tightness in each part of your body.
This lets you identify the physical stress points affecting your health and release them. Thus, somatic breathing is particularly helpful for managing chronic stress, anxiety, and unresolved trauma. It can also facilitate emotional release, helping you feel more grounded and connected to your body.
Key Similarities
- Trauma-Informed Approach: Both holotropic and somatic breathwork are to be practiced in controlled environments. This ensures you are properly supported throughout the practice.
- Physical and Emotional Release: Both techniques involve a degree of catharsis. You often find yourself letting go of the emotional baggage and physical tension weighing down on your well-being.
- Facilitator-Led Sessions: Given the impact of these types of breathwork, both holotropic and somatic breathing are regarded as guided breathing exercises. That means a trained breathwork facilitator should be involved so you aren’t overwhelmed during the practice.
Key Differences
- State of Consciousness: Holotropic breathing seeks to induce an altered state of mind, like being in a deep meditative state. Somatic breathwork keeps you grounded in the present.
- Breathing Technique: With holotropic breathing, you follow a rapid, rhythmic breathing pattern. In contrast, somatic breathing involves slower intentional breaths synced with body awareness.
- Goal of the Practice: Holotropic breathwork focuses on accessing repressed memories and emotions. Somatic breathing centers on relieving stress and reconnecting with the physical self.
- Intensity: Holotropic breathing is generally deemed intense and vigorous as it typically has you step outside your comfort zone. Somatic breathing is comparatively more gentle.
Which Type of Breathwork Is Right for You?
Choosing between holotropic and somatic deep breathing depends on your wellness goals. If you’re drawn to exploring your inner self, releasing deep-seated trauma, or seeking transformative spiritual experiences, holotropic breathing may be the right fit.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to relieve stress, reconnect with your body, or cultivate everyday mindfulness, somatic breathwork could be a better option. Of course, there’s no need to limit yourself to just one. With a skilled breathwork facilitator, you can explore both practices and discover which resonates most with your needs.
By learning from us at Elemental Rhythm we take many techniques including holotropic and somatic with other modalities and fuse it into our own unique style.
Explore Breathwork With Elemental Rhythm
Both holotropic breathing and somatic breathwork are powerful therapeutic tools, offering unique pathways to healing. By understanding their differences and similarities, you prepare yourself for a more fulfilling breathwork journey. Ultimately, there is no “correct” deep breathing exercise. It is all about what feels right to you.
If you are interested in exploring different types of breathwork, sign up for our free 5-day breathwork course! With Elemental Rhythm, you can master fundamentals and learn how to seamlessly integrate deep breathing into your daily routine.
Take the first step toward a more centered and energized you—join us today!
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