Holotropic Breathwork & Breathwork Sessions in San Francisco

Transform your consciousness and unlock deep healing through the power of breathwork at Altar Of Now. Our experienced breathwork practitioner offers both Holotropic Breathwork and personalized breathing sessions in San Francisco, guiding you through profound experiences of emotional release, stress relief, and spiritual awakening.

The "answer" rarely approaches us in a halo of light. It's rarely revealed in a peak experience. The solution to our woes and the framework for a new way of seeing the world comes not in a flash but in thoughtful exfoliation. The key to our contentment, our creativity, and our consciousness has been with us since the moment we were born and will be there until we pass on: our breath.

What is Holotropic Breathwork?

Holotropic Breathwork is a powerful psychotherapeutic breathing practice developed by Dr. Stanislav Grof that involves rapid, deep breathing in conjunction with evocative music. This transformative technique is designed to facilitate emotional healing, personal growth, and expanded states of consciousness.

Originally created as a legal, safe, and repeatable alternative to LSD therapy, Holotropic Breathwork can be as expansive and transformative as a psychedelic exploration while offering you complete control over your experience. By altering the depth and cadence of your breath or holding it, you maintain a degree of autonomy that's not available when under the influence of chemical substances.

The word "holotropic" means "moving toward wholeness," reflecting the practice's intention to integrate all aspects of your being—mind, body, and spirit—into a unified experience of healing and self-discovery.

Our Breathwork Approach in San Francisco

At Altar Of Now, we honor breathwork as both an ancient wisdom practice and a modern healing modality. Our San Francisco-based sessions combine traditional techniques with intuitive guidance, creating a safe container for your inner exploration and transformation.

Our practitioner brings:

• Extensive training in Holotropic Breathwork with certified facilitators

• Deep understanding of altered states of consciousness

• Experience in psychedelic integration and non-ordinary states

• Compassionate, trauma-informed approach to healing

• Years of personal breathwork practice and inner work

We recognize that breathwork can access the same healing territories as plant medicines and psychedelics, but with the added benefit of your conscious participation and control throughout the entire journey.

Types of Breathwork Sessions Available

Holotropic Breathwork Sessions

Individual Holotropic Breathwork: A personalized 2-4 hour facilitated session available both online and in-person in San Francisco. These private sessions allow for deep, uninterrupted inner work with full practitioner support.

Group Holotropic Breathwork: Monthly 4-hour facilitated sessions for groups up to 25 participants. Experience the powerful container of community breathwork, where the collective energy amplifies individual healing. Group sessions include preparation, breathwork journey, integration, and mandala drawing.

Breathwork One Sessions

Personalized Breathwork Training: A 1-hour introduction to various breathwork and pranayama techniques designed to open your mind, body, and spirit. We work together to identify and practice breathing methods best suited to your personal goals and healing journey.

These sessions cover:

• Breathwork for physical health and vitality

• Breathing techniques for emotional regulation

• Practices for expanding consciousness and spiritual awareness

• Integration of breathwork into daily life

What to Expect in Your Breathwork Session

Before Your Session

• Comprehensive intake to discuss your intentions and any concerns

• Guidance on preparing mentally, emotionally, and physically

• Overview of the breathwork process and what may arise

• Safe, comfortable space in our San Francisco location or online

During Holotropic Breathwork (2-4 hours)

• Initial sharing circle and intention setting

• Relaxation and preparation techniques

• Guided breathing instruction and music journey

• Continuous practitioner support and presence

• Opportunities for movement, sound, and expression

• Integration time and sharing

During Breathwork One (1 hour)

• Personalized assessment of your breathing patterns

• Introduction to specific techniques for your goals

• Guided practice with real-time instruction

• Take-home practices for continued development

After Your Session

• Integration guidance to support ongoing healing

• Recommendations for incorporating breathwork into daily life

• Follow-up support as your process unfolds

• Connection to ongoing breathwork community in San Francisco

Benefits of Breathwork and Holotropic Breathwork

Regular breathwork practice can create profound shifts across all dimensions of your being:

Emotional and Psychological Benefits:

• Release of stored trauma and emotional blockages

• Processing of grief, anxiety, and depression

• Increased emotional resilience and regulation

• Access to suppressed memories and insights

• Enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities

• Greater self-awareness and authentic expression

Physical Benefits:

• Improved respiratory function and lung capacity

• Enhanced oxygenation and circulation

• Release of physical tension and chronic pain

• Strengthened immune system response

• Increased energy and vitality

• Better sleep quality and stress management

Spiritual Benefits:

• Expanded states of consciousness and awareness

• Connection to inner wisdom and guidance

• Experiences of unity and transcendence

• Deepened sense of purpose and meaning

• Integration of spiritual insights into daily life

• Enhanced intuition and psychic abilities

Integration and Personal Growth:

• Resolution of long-standing life patterns

• Improved relationships and communication

• Greater clarity on life direction and purpose

• Healing of ancestral and generational trauma

• Integration of psychedelic experiences

• Ongoing personal and spiritual development

Preparing for Your Breathwork Experience

Proper preparation enhances the depth and safety of your breathwork journey:

Physical Preparation

• Avoid heavy meals 3-4 hours before your session

• Stay well-hydrated in the days leading up to breathwork

• Limit alcohol and stimulants for at least 24 hours prior

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing

• Consider any medications that might affect your breathing

Mental and Emotional Preparation

• Set clear intentions for what you'd like to explore or heal

• Journal about what's present in your life currently

• Practice meditation or other centering techniques

• Clear your schedule for the day to allow full integration

• Arrange for gentle, supportive activities afterward

Creating Sacred Space

• Approach the session with openness and reverence

• Release expectations about what "should" happen

• Trust in your body's innate wisdom and healing capacity

• Prepare to encounter all aspects of your inner landscape

• Cultivate curiosity and compassion for your experience

Safety Considerations and Contraindications

While breathwork is generally safe for most people, certain conditions require caution or may contraindicate participation:

Please consult with us before participating if you have:

• Cardiovascular conditions or heart disease

• High or low blood pressure

• History of seizures or epilepsy

• Recent surgery or serious injury

• Pregnancy or nursing

• Severe mental health conditions or active psychosis

• History of aneurysms or glaucoma

We conduct thorough intake assessments and provide modified approaches when needed to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the breathwork experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Holotropic Breathwork safe? When practiced with qualified facilitators and proper screening, Holotropic Breathwork is very safe. We follow all established safety protocols and provide continuous support throughout your session.

What will I experience during breathwork? Experiences vary widely and may include emotional releases, physical sensations, visual imagery, memories, insights, or profound states of peace. Some people have minimal experiences initially, which is completely normal.

How is this different from meditation? While meditation typically calms the mind, breathwork actively engages the breath to access non-ordinary states of consciousness and facilitate emotional and energetic release.

Do I need prior experience with breathwork? No experience is necessary. We provide complete instruction and support for beginners, while also offering advanced techniques for experienced practitioners.

How often should I do breathwork? This varies by individual goals and life circumstances. Some people benefit from monthly sessions, while others prefer intensive periods of more frequent work.

Can breathwork help with trauma? Breathwork can be very effective for trauma healing, as it allows the nervous system to release stored tension and trauma in a safe, controlled way. We use trauma-informed approaches throughout our work.

Client Testimonials

"The holotropic breathwork sessions with Bholenath have been life-changing. His skillful guidance and compassionate presence created the perfect container for me to access healing I didn't even know I needed."

"I was skeptical about breathwork at first, but the experience was more profound than I could have imagined. The integration support afterward helped me make lasting changes in my life."

"The monthly breathwork circles have become an essential part of my healing journey. The community aspect adds such a beautiful dimension to the work."

Breathwork Training and Ongoing Practice

Beyond individual sessions, we offer opportunities to deepen your breathwork practice:

Breathwork Circles: Monthly community gatherings for ongoing practice and connection with other practitioners in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Integration Sessions: Follow-up sessions focused on incorporating insights and healing from your breathwork experiences into daily life.

Advanced Techniques: Specialized training in specific breathwork modalities for experienced practitioners seeking to expand their practice.

Book Your Breathwork Session in San Francisco

Ready to embark on a transformative journey of healing and self-discovery through breathwork? Whether you're new to conscious breathing practices or seeking to deepen your existing practice, our experienced guidance and safe container support your unique path of growth.

Schedule your breathwork session today:

• Phone: (937) 838-1227

• Setup an intial, short complimentary conversation: https://calendly.com/altarofnow/30min

• Email: Bholenath@altarofnow.com

Located in San Francisco, Altar Of Now serves clients throughout the Bay Area with both in-person and online breathwork sessions.

We also offer complementary services including Reiki energy healing, therapeutic bodywork, and psychedelic integration therapy for a comprehensive approach to healing and consciousness expansion.

About Your Breathwork Facilitator

Bholenath studied Holotropic Breathwork with Michael Stone and brings years of experience in facilitating non-ordinary states of consciousness. His approach combines traditional breathwork techniques with intuitive guidance, trauma-informed practices, and deep respect for the healing intelligence of the breath.

As a trained psychedelic integration specialist and experienced consciousness guide, Bholenath understands the profound territories that breathwork can access and provides skillful support for navigating these inner landscapes safely and effectively.

His integrated practice draws from multiple healing modalities, ensuring that each breathwork session is tailored to your unique needs and healing journey. Whether you're seeking emotional healing, spiritual awakening, or personal transformation, you'll find guidance and compassionate support at Altar Of Now.

Altar Of Now is San Francisco's destination for authentic Holotropic Breathwork, consciousness exploration, and transformative healing. Serving the Bay Area with professional breathwork facilitation and integration support since 2022.