Origins
Holotropic Breathwork was developed in the 1970s by psychiatrist Stanislav Grof and Christina Grof. “Holotropic” means “moving toward wholeness”.
The Holosomatic® Method was created by Alexis Alcalá and is taught by InnerCamp, founded in 2018. It brings breathwork together with somatic bodywork, energy work, psychology and manifestation.
Technique
Holotropic Breathwork is known for faster, deeper breathing with evocative music, lying down with eyes closed, followed by creative expression such as drawing a mandala and sharing.
The Holosomatic® Method uses conscious connected breathing as one of four layers, alongside bodywork, energy activation and manifestation, with music through wireless headphones and a facilitator guiding each phase.
Session format
Holotropic sessions are typically long group sessions in which participants work in pairs, one breathing and one sitting beside them, swapping roles.
Holosomatic® sessions are guided by a facilitator from start to finish. InnerCamp's live Holosomatic® Experience workshops last three and a half to four hours, City Retreats run over two or three days, and certified facilitators also hold one-to-one and group sessions.
Intensity
Both can be intense, physically and emotionally. In a Holosomatic® session you can slow down or rest whenever you need to, the team is there to support you, and grounding techniques are taught. Both approaches have contraindications, so read them before taking part.
Training path
Holotropic facilitators train through the Grof lineage in a modular programme, usually over a longer period.
InnerCamp's Holosomatic® facilitator trainings are 300-hour certifications over 4 months, online or hybrid near Málaga, with 300 CPD credits for breathwork and bodywork and CMA accreditation. For breathwork, online editions cost €2,250 to €2,500 and hybrid editions cost €3,250 to €3,500.