Holotropic Breathwork literally means “moving towards wholeness”, with Greek etymology (holos meaning whole, and trepein meaning moving in the direction of something). Breathwork refers to the accelerated breathing that comprises the process.

This increased rate of breathing helps the client remember to breathe consciously and with intention. The participant is encouraged to keep breathing through any emerging emotions or resistance. The breather organically surrenders to a natural breathing rhythm to experience the wonderful sensation of the breath ‘breathing’ them!

A session usually lasts for 3 hours. Mari will explore with the participant whatever the presenting issue for that session is, with the emphasis on positive changes. However, the breather can also release held negative patterns or thoughts. Once a clear direction is available the client lies down on a mattress covered warmly and to the sound of strong music is encouraged to breathe faster and more deeply than normal.

Expertly selected cross-cultural music supports the breathwork session, beginning with drumming rhythms, which then flow into epic breakthrough or journeying style music to end off with soft melodic relaxing melodies as the cycle of release is completed and the breather relaxes into peace. The session is often accompanied by profound insights or creative thinking and in this holotropic state emotions may gently unravel. The actual breathwork aspect of the session lasts about 90 minutes.