Chakra poster by Sri Rammurti Mishra, M.D. – Depicting chakras & 3 main nadis.
Ayurveda and Yoga on Holotropic Breathwork
Here, we explore the ancient links found in Ayurveda to what we now call “holotropic breathwork” and how we use breathwork to awaken kundalini via saraswati nadi.
Holotropic breathwork is traditionally taught as open-mouth pranayama. This breathing practice is rarely taught in yoga and Ayurveda, except when using the breath to increase the rise of kundalini through Saraswati nadi. Saraswati nadi runs alongside the well-known Sushumna nadi, so as we move prana through Saraswati nadi, we often awaken dormant kundalini. Saraswati nadi runs from the navel centre to the tip of the tongue. The open-mouth breath is said to increase Kapha, mainly Bodhaka Kapha, increasing fluids in the mouth.
Saraswati nadi runs from abdomen to tip of the tongue image source
Ayurveda offers insights into how emotions and trauma are stored in the breath and lungs. Vata (air and ether) is stored up high in the lungs (fear), pitta (fire and water) is stored in the middle of the lungs (anger, resentment), kapha (water and earth) at the base of the lungs (grief, greed and attachment). Pranayama and breathwork help to relieve the body of the past karma and the emotions that are stored in the body and breath. There are many ancient scriptural references that support the modern science of how trauma is stored in breath and body.
“The idea of past karma sustains the body”
– Vivekchudamani verse
This verse in an ancient Advaita Vedanta text has captured a truth now explored by Western medicine. Modern medicine now needs to consider the science of how the memories of the past are also stored in the breath, not only the body. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in chapter 1, verse 31, remind us that pain and suffering from the past are stored in the face, the body, the breath and the limbs. (Yoga Sutra 1.31). Any agitated breathing, shakiness, or shortness of breath shows us the nervous system is holding onto the past and the individual is not in the state of Yoga.
Holotropic Breathwork, as Developed by Stan Grof
Holotropic breathwork, advocated by Stan Grof, a psychiatrist with over 50 years of experience, is employed to facilitate the entry into holotropic states of consciousness for therapeutic purposes. Grov had a history of exploring altered states of consciousness not only through holotropic breathwork but also through Hinduism, Vedanta, Yoga and Kashmir Shaivism with Guru Swami Muktananda. Muktananda has been affectionately named by his long-term student, Sally Kempton, in My Life of Devotion, as a “Radical Kundalini Master”. Dr Grov transformed Yogic pranayama exercises he learned from Swami Muktananda into a form of holotropic luminous experience with remarkable benefits. With this technique, Dr Grov facilitates the expansion of consciousness in practitioners through rapid and repetitive breathing.
Watch Stan Grov as he explores “holotropic” states of consciousness, challenging fundamental assumptions in modern psychiatry, psychology, and psychotherapy.
Listen to Dr Grov’s insights into Kundalini Shakti, Yoga, Kashmir Shaivism, Yogic Pranayama and connection to Guru, Swami Muktananda.
What are some other ways we can experience expanded states of consciousness?
What can be currently seen through research is an increase in high-amplitude gamma brain wave frequency that seems to be present during these significant experiences of expanded consciousness.
Gamma wave frequencies are seen to increase in these five ways:
- Near-death experiences (NDEs),
- Cardiac arrest,
- Wim Hof Breathing and certain forms of SOMA Breathwork[2],
- Long dark retreat, which is an ancient practice in Eastern yogic traditions, and
- Gamma waves can also be increased from bhramari pranayama[1].
(Listen to the ABC Health report to understand Gamma wave amplification at the point of death: “Researchers observed the cardiac and neural signals from a small number of ICU patients when ventilatory support was withdrawn. They recorded the new phenomena of electrical activity in a particular brain area.” Listen on Apple Podcasts)
October 4 – Breathwork – A Journey of Superconsciousness States with Alisa Craig & Celia Roberts.
For ways to use such expanded consciousness breathwork, please join Senior Yoga and Meditation Teacher Celia Roberts and Australian Breathwork practitioner Alisa Craig for the Friday meditation retreat on October 4 – Breathwork – A Journey of Superconsciousness States with Alisa Craig & Celia Roberts.
4 days of Ayurvedic Massage, Kundalini Bodywork & Pranic Healing with Celia Roberts BSc
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Friday 10 May – Monday 13 May 2024
Daily 9:00am – 5:00pm
Uncover the therapeutic potency of this traditional practice, utilising neuroaffective touch at Marma points—”mystical points on the body”. The awakened prana of the Ayurvedic practitioner becomes instrumental in directing energy for healing or Shaktipat, establishing a profound connection between the therapist and the patient, awakening the healing force of Kundalini Shakti.
Explore Ayurvedic Energetic Anatomy, Nadis, Chakras, Kundalini and Emotional Release Bodywork. Gaining insights into disease processes, clinical examinations, and detailed constitutional assessments, this holistic approach aligns with the long-held Vedic truth, “Massage is medicine”.
Find out more (online, face to face and part of Biyome’s Ayurvedic training)
References
1. Vialatte FB, Bakardjian H, Prasad R, Cichocki A. EEG paroxysmal gamma waves during Bhramari Pranayama: A yoga breathing technique. Conscious Cogn. 2009;18(4):977-988. doi:10.1016/j.concog.2008.01.004
2. Lewis-Healey E, Tagliazucchi E, Canales-Johnson A, Bekinschtein TA. Breathwork-Induced Psychedelic Experiences Modulate Neural Dynamics. Published online 2024. doi:10.1101/2024.02.19.580985
3. Frawley, David. Yoga and Ayurveda for Self Realisation.
If you would like to contact Celia to learn more about the meditation teacher training journey, please do visit our Meditation Teacher Training Page or find us on Facebook or Instagram or contact Celia directly.
