Is breathwork for everyone + are there any contraindications?
While Breathwork is safe for most people, there are a few cautions to mention here.
First, if you’re working with a challenging time in life or new mental or physical health diagnosis, it is important that you be supported by a wider web of appropriate professional care, which may include a therapist and/or medical doctor and/or more.
This style of breathwork is not currently recommended for people with: pregnancy (unless you have already discussed it with you medical doctor), epilepsy, retinal detachment, glaucoma, high blood pressure not controlled by medication, cardiovascular disease including prior heart attack, family history of aneurysm, strokes and neurological conditions, and severe osteoporosis. If you have received a diagnosis of asthma, you may practice breathwork if your inhaler is within reach during your practice
This style of breathwork is also not currently recommended for people who have received a prior diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, or who have been hospitalized or sought out in-patient care for any psychiatric condition or mental health crisis during the past 10 years.
Please also note that a breathwork practice may lead to strong physical sensations and/or emotional releases, and that strong emotional releases can cause amnesia.
Many folks seek out breathwork as part of their process for working with trauma. If you are working with processing trauma, my suggestion would be to start with a private session (as opposed to a group workshop) to have focused support as you explore this modality and how it might feel and bring up in your body, mind, and emotions. It’s also important to be supported by a web of appropriate professional care, as mentioned above, especially if you are new to being in treatment for trauma, PTSD, or CPTSD.
If you have any questions about the above or are feeling at all unsure if this practice is a fit for you at this time, please do not hesitate to reach out via email and ask!
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