WORKSHOPS
Holotropic Breathwork
Dive into the subconscious through breath.
$200 | 3 hours
Holotropic Breathwork, developed by Dr. Stanislav Grof, is a powerful technique of controlled, rhythmic breathing designed to facilitate deep self-exploration.
Often described as an intense form of meditation, Holotropic Breathwork helps you access altered states of consciousness for personal insight and healing. This workshop is ideal for those seeking non-ordinary experiences and deep self-discovery.
What to Expect
This is a guided workshop by Punam Rai, Singapore’s only certified Holotropic Breathwork coach, and supported by Chun
Punam Rai
I. Opening circle
Intention-setting and safety.
II. Breathing round (~2 hours)
The group breathes with evocative music. Your sitters (Punam and Chun) remain attentive throughout, responsible for water, tissues, bathroom support, and physical safety. Sitters do not breathe.
III. Integration circle
Each participant draws or writes a reflection of their experience, followed by a group sharing circle. Integration is part of the work, not optional, not skipped.
Group size is capped at 8 participants to ensure every breather is properly paired and held by Punam and Chun throughout both rounds.
Quick Breathing
Using music and prompts, you will be controlling your breath patterns to eventually enter into a state where your mental, emotional and physical self are influenced. Effects of hyperventilation are felt and are all under your control throughout the practice.
Altered States
As the breathing continues, it guides you beyond your ordinary 'thinking mind' and into a non-ordinary state of consciousness. This is a natural, safe, and internally-driven state, often compared to a vivid, waking dream. It is a state which allows you to access profound insights, sensory experiences, and deep emotional release that are not normally available in your day-to-day awareness.
Healing
Unresolved material, such as deep emotions or past trauma, may surface if it is ready to be processed and healed. This process is entirely self-directed and unfolds organically — it cannot be planned or predicted. You can trust that your psyche will only bring forward what is necessary for your unique journey as the breathing progresses.
Safety and Guidance
This workshop is led by Punam Rai, certified by Grof Transpersonal Training (GTT) — currently the only GTT-certified Holotropic Breathwork facilitator in Singapore. She is supported by Chun.
The session is conducted in accordance with the protocol established by Dr. Stanislav Grof: paired breather–sitter format, two rounds with role exchange, evocative music, optional focused bodywork on request, mandala drawing, and group integration. No element of the standard protocol is omitted or substituted.
Pre-workshop screening
Holotropic breathwork involves rapid, deep breathing and intense emotional release that significantly alters blood chemistry and cardiovascular stress. It is strictly contraindicated for individuals with severe cardiovascular disease, unmanaged high blood pressure, aneurysms, epilepsy, glaucoma, detached retinas, active psychosis or bipolar disorder, and pregnancy.
Physical Contraindications:
Cardiovascular Disease:
Includes a history of heart attacks, angina, or significant heart irregularities that cannot handle physical stress.
High Blood Pressure:
Uncontrolled hypertension can spike dangerously during emotional and physical release.
Aneurysms:
Any history of brain or abdominal aneurysms, or immediate family history.
Eye Conditions:
Glaucoma or a detached retina, as rapid breathing changes internal eye pressure.
Neurological Risks:
Epilepsy or a history of seizures.
Pregnancy:
The physiological changes and alkalosis pose risks to an unborn child.
Fragile Physical States:
Recent surgeries, severe osteoporosis, or use of prescription blood thinners.
Mental Health Contraindications:
Severe Mental Illness:
Diagnoses of schizophrenia, psychosis, or active manic phases of bipolar disorder.
Recent Crises:
Hospitalization for any psychiatric condition or severe emotional crisis within the past ten years.
Substance Dependence:
Active addiction or lack of grounding infrastructure to process altered states safely.
FAQ
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For anyone considering trying holotropic breathing, it is a good idea to discuss possible risks with your healthcare provider before embarking on this alternative practice, especially if you have any of the following conditions:
Aneurysms (or family history)
Cardiovascular disease or history of heart attack
High blood pressure and chest pains
Glaucoma or retinal detachment
Panic attacks or psychosis
Recent injury or surgery
Seizures
Severe mental illness
You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Any condition that requires you to take medication
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Yes, it is generally safe when conducted in a controlled environment with trained facilitators.
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Anyone seeking personal growth, healing from past traumas, or exploring their creativity.
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No, prior experience is not necessary at all!
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Yes. It is loud but not to the point of being uncomfortable.
Music plays a crucial role in Holotropic Breathwork sessions, and its volume can significantly enhance the experience. It stimulates emotions, influences your breathing pattern and intensity, sets a specific mood (calming or intense) and helps you focus on the internal experience by minimizing external distractions.
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The full Holotropic Breathwork process is a paired breather–sitter practice where participants take turns breathing and looking after each other. This is the format of our 6-hour workshop.
We do provide 2-3 hour condensed format is an individual-breather introduction, facilitator-supervised but without sitter pairing, designed as a first taste of the method while being overseen by the facilitators who will take care of your needs such as providing water, tissues, or using the bathroom.
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Participants are encouraged to share experiences to connect with others, gain insights and receive support. However there is no pressure to share if you're not comfortable doing so. The facilitators create a safe and supportive environment so you can choose to share as much or as little as you want.
Some people may prefer to reflect on their experiences privately before sharing at a later time. The most important thing is to tune in to your own needs and comfort level.
What people say about Holotropic Breathwork