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We genuinely care about your mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and we want to ensure that breathwork sessions are both safe and supportive for all participants.

We are here to assist you in finding the right practice that promotes your health and vitality. If you have any contraindications and would still like to experience breathwork, you are welcome to try one of our shorter sessions. You can find out more by clicking here.

By taking these contraindications into account, you can make informed decisions that prioritize your overall health and stability. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to us at support@breathworkplus.com.

  • If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, participating in breathwork sessions could potentially trigger a manic episode. It is important to prioritize your mental health and consider alternative practices that are better aligned with managing your condition.

  • If you have been hospitalized for any psychiatric condition or experienced an emotional crisis within the past 10 years, we kindly ask you to contact us before participating in breathwork. Obtaining written approval ensures that you are in a grounded state to navigate the intense emotional and physical releases that may occur during the session. Your well-being is of utmost importance to us, and we want to support you in engaging in activities that promote your overall stability and healing.

  • While many participants have experienced profound healing in relation to PTSD through breathwork, it is essential to consider the severity of your condition and whether you are currently under the care of a therapist. We request that you seek approval from your therapist to participate in breathwork, as it may involve revisiting and releasing the experiences that caused your PTSD. This approval ensures that you have the necessary grounding and support to navigate any potential emotional challenges that may arise during the session.

  • We encourage you to consider your well-being first and foremost. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider or relevant professionals to determine if breathwork is suitable for your specific circumstances. Your safety and comfort during the session are our primary concerns.

Psychiatric Contraindications

  • If you have experienced an aneurysm in the past or if multiple immediate family members (such as parents, children, or siblings) have had aneurysms, we advise against participating in breathwork. While most of the session involves internal processing, there are moments when participants may spontaneously move or vocalize during the release of emotional material. Such movements could potentially strain the arteries in the brain. If you have previously suffered from an aneurysm, this type of experience may increase the risk of recurrence. It's worth noting that brain aneurysms are typically not hereditary, and familial cases are rare. However, individuals in families with a history of aneurysms may have a higher risk.

  • Individuals with asthma are more than welcome to participate in breathwork sessions. However, we kindly request that you keep your inhaler readily available. Occasionally, during breathwork, psychosomatic illnesses like asthma may manifest or intensify as the mind attempts to alleviate the condition. Having your inhaler on hand ensures your comfort and safety throughout the session.

  • We advise individuals with cardiovascular conditions or irregularities, as well as those who have experienced a heart attack in the past, to refrain from participating in breathwork. The process of intense emotional release and physical movement involved in breathwork can exert stress on the cardiovascular system. Prioritizing your heart health is crucial, and we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider regarding suitable activities for you.

  • For individuals with a detached retina, it is not recommended to participate in breathwork sessions. This is because faster and deeper breathing, which occurs during breathwork, can increase intraocular pressure. Such an increase in pressure may pose a risk of permanent vision damage.

  • Individuals with epilepsy should be aware that there is a slightly higher chance of experiencing a seizure during breathwork due to the faster and deeper breathing involved. Therefore, it is advised to exercise caution and consider alternative practices that are better suited to your needs.

  • If you have glaucoma, it is important to note that intense breathwork processes may cause internal stress and strain. This, in turn, could temporarily raise intraocular pressure, potentially worsening the symptoms of glaucoma. Additionally, if you experience blurred vision after a breathwork session, it could indicate an undiagnosed case of glaucoma. It is crucial to have your eyes examined by a professional before continuing with breathwork.

  • For individuals with high blood pressure that is not adequately controlled with medication, it is recommended to avoid breathwork sessions. The strong emotional release and intense physical movement associated with breathwork may further exacerbate high blood pressure, potentially elevating it to even higher levels. Prioritizing your cardiovascular health and discussing suitable activities with your healthcare provider is essential.

  • If you have a history of strokes or seizures, it is advisable to refrain from participating in breathwork sessions. Engaging in active movements during breathwork could potentially pose risks to your well-being. It is essential to prioritize your safety and explore alternative practices that align with your specific health needs.

  • If you have osteoporosis to the extent that active movements could cause physical harm to your body, it is not recommended to engage in breathwork sessions. Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance, and it is advisable to seek alternative practices that are better suited for your condition.

  • For the safety of both the mother and the fetus, we do not recommend pregnant women to participate in breathwork sessions. The deeper breathing involved in breathwork leads to physiological changes in the body, including an increase in blood alkalinity. It's important to note that this altered blood, which circulates through the fetus, has not been extensively studied for its potential impact on fetal health. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, we advise against pregnant women engaging in breathwork. Additionally, during the later stages of pregnancy, a "rebirthing" style experience during breathwork could potentially trigger premature contractions. Prioritizing the well-being of both mother and child is our utmost concern, and we encourage expecting mothers to explore alternative practices that are more suitable for this stage of life.

  • If you are taking prescription blood thinning or anti-clotting medications, such as Coumadin, we advise caution when considering breathwork participation. During breathwork sessions, individuals may engage in active movements, and if, for example, accidental head injury occurs, it may result in internal bleeding. The body's natural healing mechanism of clotting may face challenges or become ineffective due to the medication. It is important to prioritize your safety and consult with your healthcare provider regarding suitable practices that align with your medication regimen.

Medical Contraindications

We want to make sure you have a positive experience during the Holotropic Breathwork® and Neurodynamic Breathwork™ sessions.

We kindly request that individuals with the following conditions refrain from participating in Holotropic Breathwork® and Neurodynamic Breathwork™.

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.

It's important to be aware that the session may involve intense physical and emotional release, as well as specific physiological changes.

Please take into consideration any medical and psychiatric conditions that could potentially pose risks during the session.

Medical and Psychiatric Considerations for Holotropic Breathwork® and Neurodynamic Breathwork™ Participation

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