Breathwork Contraindications

Is Breathwork right for you?

Below, you’ll learn about the most common experiences while breathwork journeying to give you a sense of what you’re signing up for. Additionally, there are contraindications, conditions in which breathwork may not be appropriate, listed in this blog.

While these lists are generally meant to help you personally decide if participating in a botanical breathwork ceremony with me, I also welcome you to schedule a consultation (free) with me to discuss your healing journey and needs. My goal is to be of service to those seeking help so if breathwork isn’t the right fit for you, I can recommend other healing modalities or gentler alternatives that are suitable.

Common Breathwork Experiences You Should Be Aware Of

Conscious, Connected Breathwork (CCB), such as Flow Breathwork and other popular styles, results in certain specific physiological changes in the body. These sessions are safe, illuminating, and transformative. Additionally, these journeys can sometimes cause the following:

• Tingling, buzzing, fuzzy or vibrating felt throughout the body

• Trembling, shaking or other physical sensations, including spontaneous physical movement

• Tetany, sometimes referred to as “lobster claws” (tightness in the hands or sometimes the jaw)

• Deep emotional experiencing, trauma release and catharsis 

• Experiencing life force energy (prana) moving through your body

• Unlocking repressed sensual and orgasmic

As your breathwork facilitator, I’ll guide you on how to release and work with things that may come up should any of these sensations or experiences ever feel uncomfortable or too much for you.

Breathwork Contraindications

Breathwork journeys can result in intense physical and emotional release. As a precaution, the following conditions are contraindicated in certain breathwork practices: 

• Pregnancy (at any stage)

• Severe PTSD or trauma

• Actively using recreational drugs

• Taking any medication that alters brain chemistry like anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, ADD, OCD medications, etc.

• Prescription blood thinners or anti-clotting medications

• Osteoporosis

• Detached Retina

• Glaucoma

• Kidney disease

• High Blood Pressure

• Cardiovascular disease, including angina, previous heart attack, or any other cardiovascular issues

• Strokes or TIAs

• Seizures, history of seizures or other brain/neurological condition or disease

• Diagnosis of aneurysm (of any kind)

• Uncontrolled thyroid conditions

• Diabetes (any type)

• Severe Asthma— for mild to moderate asthma, we can discuss but you must bring your inhaler to the session

• Epilepsy

• Prior diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or previous psychiatric condition

• Severe psychosomatic disorders

• Recent surgery, stitches or injury

• Hospitalization for any psychiatric condition or emotional crisis within the last 10 years

• Any other medical, psychiatric or physical conditions which would impair or affect ability to engage in any activities that involve deep physical and/or emotional release

If any of these contraindication relate to you, you are not a candidate for the full breathwork journey, which is usually between 45 - 60 minutes long. I’m happy to discuss a modified and shortened breathwork component to my botanical ceremonies.

If you choose to continue booking with me, you’ll be asked to specify if any contraindications apply to you and I always qualify participants before ceremonies take place to ensure the safest, accessible experience for all.