Using the Method of Special Breathwork and Ideomotor Exercises for Psychocorrection of Adaptation-Related Disorders in Flying Personnel

Abstract

After medical examination, members of flying personnel were divided into a group of essentially healthy people (control) and a group with the risk of preneurotic disorders due to lowered mental adaptability to the flying environment. A rehabilitation program consisting of a system of person-centered rational psychotherapy supported by a course of holotropic breathwork (breathing and ideomotor exercises) proved to be effective in abating preneurotic disorders. Altered states of consciousness achieved by holotropic breathwork have helped to correct rigid dominant mental conditions that distort the sense of professional motivation and deform behavioral typology. Therefore, holotropic breathwork recovers adaptability of pilot’s personality as a whole.