HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK

This technique involves breathing at a fast rate for a few minutes at a time. Studies have shown holotropic breathwork combined with psychotherapy can significantly reduce anxiety. Music is an important part of this exercise as it creates an added layer of cognitive ease. (The reason music is so calming, incidentally, is that its regular patterns create cognitive ease, telling the mind that all is as it should be and it can relax).

This method is advisable, however, only for the physically fit, under medical supervision. “Holotropic breathwork can benefit those who suffer from recurrent panic attacks and mild to moderate hypertension,” says Dr Vijay Surase, a cardiologist at Jupiter Hospital. “For those with severe symptomatic organic diseases, however, it can only be part of a treatment plan, and will not work without accompanying specialist intervention.”