What is the difference between Neurodynamic and Holotropic Breathwork®? Below we will outline keyways in which they differ and also highlight two fundamental similarities. *It is highly recommended, if at all possible and it is accessible to you, to participate in an in-person, Holotropic Breathwork® session.

What is Holotropic Breathwork?

Holotropic Breathwork® is a modality that was created by Dr. Stan Grof in the 1970s. A Holotropic Breathwork® Workshop is an all-day event where participants pair up and have two separate roles during the day – Sitter and Breather. The “Sitter” is considered to be integral to the experience. Holotropic Breathwork® must be done in person with one trained facilitator available for approx. every 8 to 10 participants. 

As a breather, the participant lays down with the sitter beside him/her, and engages in deeper, faster breathing. The breather’s experience needs to be a minimum of 2 1/2 hours long, for it to be called Holotropic Breathwork®. During that time, the sitter holds space, hands the breather tissues, water, etc. The sitter does not interfere in the breather’s process in any way unless specifically asked to do so. 

After the breathing session, there is a mandala drawing as part of the integration process. Then, the two people switch roles and there is another 3-hour breathing session. After both people have breathed, there is a sharing circle and then an integration talk to close the day. The sharing circle is designed whereby participants share their experiences and the facilitator and other breathers just listen and hold space. There are no comments or feedback allowed with the shares.

What is Neurodynamic Breathwork (NDB)?

Neurodynamic Breathwork (NDB) was created by Michael Stone. Michaël comes from a science background and was a Holotropic Breathwork® Facilitator for decades. He created NDB in order to make breathwork more accessible. He wanted to allow people from around the world to experience the benefits of regular breathwork sessions in a convenient, low-cost format. The COVID pandemic amplified the need for online supports.

NDB can be done in-person or online, in a group or as a private session. Neurodynamic Breathwork Workshops generally take about 2-2.5 hours if done online and about 3-4 hours if done in person. They include an intro talk, a 60-minute breathing session with everybody breathing at the same time, a sharing circle, an integration talk and/or activity. During an NDB breathing session, the facilitator is available to participants via private chat should the breather need or want support.

After participating on a regular basis for a period of time, breathers have reported much better access to their ‘inner intelligence‘, ‘intuition’, or ‘inner guidance’, as new neural pathways strengthen from regular use. ‘Inner Intelligence’ or ‘higher self’ or ‘source’, or whatever is most meaningful for the participant, is that part of the psyche that is connected to the subconscious inner knowing. Our breathwork participants who join regularly are also resolving issues more quickly, less reactive emotionally, and have better access to creative expression.

Key Differences Between Neurodynamic Breathwork & Holotropic Breathwork®

• NDB can be safely done online. Holotropic Breathwork must be done in-person.
  
• NDB sessions last 2-2.5 hours, while Holotropic Breathwork workshops can last 10 hours.
  
• NDB is much more affordable.
  
• NDB can be done from the comfort of your own home, so there is no need to get in your car and drive home after the session.
  
• NDB participants are not distracted by other things going on in the room since it is online and they are in their own space.
  
• Michael discovered that just one hour of breathing enabled individuals to attain deep, expanded states of awareness online. This shorter duration of NDB makes it accessible even to busy individuals who may struggle with the typical day-long sessions for Holotropic Breathwork®.
  
• Anybody, anywhere in the world can participate in NDB, they just need an internet connection. In Holotropic Breathwork®, you have to find a facilitator, potentially fly to where the person is, get a hotel room, have the experience, and then find your way back home. Even if there is a facilitator in your hometown, you still need to get up quite early, drive to a venue, and then drive home after an all-day session.
  
• The purpose of our sharing circle is not just to allow participants to share their experience but to allow the facilitator to actively support the breather in bringing the benefits of their experience into their lives and support them in integration. In Holotropic Breathwork®, the sharing circle does not include feedback from a facilitator – it is only for the participants to share about their experiences.

Similarities Between Neurodynamic Breathwork & Holotropic Breathwork®

Both modalities share a core belief in the existence of an inherent “inner intelligence” within every individual. This underlying principle asserts that answers reside within oneself, and the facilitator’s role is to establish a secure and nurturing environment, enabling participants to tap into their inner wisdom and attain the specific experience they require in the present moment. Additionally, there is a notable similarity in the breathing techniques employed in both modalities.

As with any modality that potentially taps into our inner world, beliefs, emotions, and/or worldview, there are inherent risks. Consulting a trusted medical professional or therapist prior to participating is highly encouraged to weigh the risk vs benefit of participation. For breathwork, there are contraindications that exclude potential participants, and a Waiver/Release form must be signed to acknowledge your understanding of the risks involved. Safety of all participants is a priority. These include the following:

Acknowledgment of Risks
I understand that breathwork may involve physical and emotional release, including but not limited to:

• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Tingling sensations, discomfort, or expanded states of consciousness
• Emotional intensity including resurfacing of past memories or trauma
• Temporary changes in heart rate or breathing patterns

I acknowledge that breathwork is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment and that I should consult a healthcare professional if I have any concerns.

Contraindications
Breathwork results in certain specific physiological changes in the body and also can result in intense physical and emotional release. Therefore, for safety purposes, we do not allow persons with the following conditions to participate in a breathwork session:

• Aneurysms – either you have had an aneurysm, or more than one person in your immediate family (parent, child, or sibling) has had one.
• Asthma – must bring your rescue inhaler
• Cardiovascular disease and/or irregularities including prior heart attack
• Detached Retina
• Epilepsy/Seizures
• Glaucoma
• Hypertension/High Blood Pressure not controlled with medication
• Stroke
• Osteoporosis – normally OK if sudden movement would not injure your body
• Pregnancy
• Prescription blood thinners/anti-clotting medications, such as Coumadin or Plavix
• Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia diagnosis
• Any hospitalization for any psychiatric condition or emotional crisis in the past 10 years, such as an attempted suicide, ‘nervous breakdown’, or concerns of harm to yourself or others. If there is any history of an inpatient psychiatric stay – you must connect and discuss this with the facilitator prior to any participation.
• PTSD/Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – you must connect with the facilitator prior to participation to discuss any natural supports that currently exist.
• Any other medical, psychiatric or physical conditions which would impair or affect ability to engage in activities involving intense physical and/or emotional release. 

Any concerns about participation for any reason can be discussed with the facilitator by scheduling a consult. There are accessible modalities for anyone and everyone who wishes to learn a mind-body skill. Please email selfcare1st@zmail.com, and we can schedule a call.