Mind altering breathing techniques used by James Arthur Ray at Sedona retreat

October 22, 4:30 PMAllentown Health and Happiness ExaminerMary Ann Maxwell-Hebbert

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What were the mind altering breathing techniques used at
Angel Valley Retreat Center in Sedona, AZ?
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

According to  CNN, James Arthur Ray plans to continue with his retreats even though three people have died as a result of attending his last Spiritual Warrior Retreat.  If you read the articles written about Ray's Sedona retreat you find similar quotes to this:  "More than 50 followers of spiritual guru James Arthur Ray had just endured five strenuous days of fasting, sleep-deprivation and mind-altering breathing exercises when he led them into a sweat lodge ceremony (read more per ABC's Northern Arizona News Nicole Beyer)."  Three lives were lost to that incident.

If you search for exactly what "mind-altering breathing exercises"  were used it is hard to find references that tell about them.

Examiner Cassandra Yorgey states that her inside sources said that the mind altering breathing techniques being used were holotropic breathwork.  She also says they were required to purchase the book, The Holotropic Mind by Stanislov Grof and read it before the retreat.  Her sources are not mentioned to protect them.  In her breaking news article on October 15th, just days after the initial tragedy, Yorgey says:  "Today I received a transcript of this call from a victim that wishes to remain anonymous. I have great respect and sympathy for all the victims, their families, and what they are going through in this trying time, so I will not post the transcript in its entirety. I want to protect the victims that are not yet ready to speak out but I will gladly post everything James Ray and his staff said though, because it is inexcusable and he must be brought to accountability (read more)"

What exactly is holotropic breathwork and is it safe?  This article will report information on what it is and some contraindications.  This article is not endorsing or defending holotropic breathwork, nor is it saying it is bad, neither will this article discuss whether James Ray was qualified to use it in his retreat.  The purpose of this article is to bring a better understanding of what the participants were asked to do at the retreat.  A website for GTT (Grof Transpersonal Training) gives a description of holotropic breathwork that states: "The process itself uses very simple means: it combines accelerated breathing with evocative music in a special set and setting. With the eyes closed and lying on a mat, each person uses their own breath and the music in the room to enter a non-ordinary state of consciousness (read more)."

Contraindications for holotropic breathwork:

A website simply called, Holotropic Breathwork, (that lists no author's name)  has more detailed information on holotropic breathwork.  It cites The Breathwork Experience by Kylea Taylor saying, "Breathwork is contraindicated in the following cases:

1. Cardiovascular Problems including abnormal and untreated blood pressure
2. Glaucoma
3. Pregnancy
4. Recent surgery
5. Epilepsy (Some cases may be allowed if okayed by healthcare practitioner and breathwork facilitator.)
6. Asthma with any slight cardiovascular problem. If used, inhalers should be brought.
7. Mental Illnesses may contraindicate breathwork participation, particularly in cases of Bipolar Depression and paranoid personality disorder. Breathwork may be contraindicated in cases of mental illness where there is not on-going support either in a residential setting or outpatient treatment. Consult with the breathwork facilitator for more information." 

As mentioned earlier the participants in the retreat were told to purchase the book, The Holotropic Mind by Stanislov Grof.  According to a review of The Holotropic Mind by Augustus Rose: "Grof was among the first (and became among the last) to seriously experiment with and map the effects of LSD-25. His most recent experiments bypass the need for LSD, using breathing and music to invoke experiences that emulate descriptions of neardeath and birth recall experiences." 

For more info: 

• James Ray uses teen wilderness program techniques on adults: Interview with Brett Merle
• Breaking news: Transcript of private call between James Ray and sweat lodge victims
•