Breathwork has contraindications because of its strong activation of the nervous system and gland (endocrine system) and intense physical and emotional experience. With some health conditions, we need to be attentive when practicing breathwork. However, with other health conditions, it is better not to get into the practice before your conditions have improved.
To be on the safe side, always let your facilitator know of your health conditions and the medication you are taking so he can be more mindful of your physiological and mental state and give you better support during your journey!
Health conditions that are safe to practice Breathwork with, yet bring them up with your facilitator anyway:
- Pregnancy – (let us know of your stage)
- Asthma – mild or medium (bring your inhalator!)
- High blood pressure
- History of surgery or physical injury
- Thyroid condition
- Diabetes– (bring your glucose)
- History of seizure
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychiatric condition
- Actively using recreational drugs or medication that alters brain chemistry – painkillers, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, stimulants, hallucinogens, etc.
- Recent surgery or recent physical injury – (depends, advice with your therapist
Contraindications that are not safe to practice Breathwork with:
- Cardiovascular disease (angina, previous heart attacks, or strokes)
- Detached retina
- Glaucoma
- Aneurysm in brain or abdomen
- Kidney disease
- Severe Asthma
- Epilepsy
- Any other medical, physical or psychiatric condition which would impair or affect the ability to involve in deep physical and emotional release. – (depends, communicate with your therapist)
