Things to Consider

Safely Practice Breathwork

While conscious connected breathwork can be valuable to anyone interested in healing and personal growth, it can induce strong states of physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual experience.

As such, there are some conditions that are not recommended for this form of breathwork, or that may require modification of the baseline breathing technique.

Conditions that are NOT recommended for breathwork:

Not Recommended:

  • pregnancy

  • glaucoma, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, or any eye condition that could be worsened by increased intraocular pressure

  • epilepsy

  • aneurysm

  • recent surgery or major injury

Psychiatric Conditions, including:

  • Schizophrenia or other psychotic spectrum disorders

  • Schizoaffective disorder

  • Bipolar disorder (especially if unmedicated or recently unstable)

  • Dissociative disorders (e.g., Dissociative Identity Disorder, Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder)

  • Current or recent history of psychosis or psychotic episodes

  • Severe PTSD with uncontrolled flashbacks or dissociation

  • Active suicidal ideation or recent suicide attempt

  • Borderline Personality Disorder (case-by-case, depending on stability and support)

  • Any condition that significantly impairs reality testing, impulse control, or capacity to self-regulate

Conditions that require caution or modification:

  • high blood pressure or history of cardiovascular disease

  • history of severe trauma (Type 1 or Type 2)

  • history of panic attacks

  • recent significant loss or life crisis

  • asthma

  • severe osteoporosis

  • children and teens (generally under 16 years of age)

  • any condition that could be aggravated by acute physical stress, strong emotional release, or expanded states of consciousness

If any of these apply to you, you are welcome to contact me to discuss potential modifications and to request the information needed to take to your licensed care provider.

A note on trauma:

While breathwork is a somatic healing modality that can be supportive in trauma resolution, it may NOT be appropriate for some histories of significant trauma. Please contact me if you have any questions about how to proceed mindfully and compassionately in your breathwork journey.