Breathwork is not for everyone, and can unsafe for people with certain medical and psychological conditions.

The style of breathwork facilitated involves deep, rapid breathing for an extended period of time (generally 30–35 minutes, known as the “active breath” portion). This differs significantly from most pranayama practices taught in yoga studios and can produce intense physical, emotional, and psychological experiences.

Consultation with Healthcare Provider

Participants are strongly encouraged to consult their healthcare provider before beginning any breathwork practice, especially if they:

• Have a medical, psychological, or neurological condition.

• Are currently taking prescription medications.

• Have any concerns about the impact of breathwork on their health.
  

Participation in breathwork sessions indicates that the individual has either:

1. Received clearance from their healthcare provider, or

2. Chosen to participate voluntarily, acknowledging and accepting any associated risks.

Medical Contraindications

Participants should NOT engage in breathwork if they have, or suspect they may have, any of the following conditions unless they have received prior clearance from their healthcare provider:

• Pregnancy (at any stage)

• Cardiovascular disease, including prior heart attack, angina, or unmanaged high blood pressure

• History of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or other cerebrovascular events
  Aneurysms (including family history)

• Epilepsy or seizure disorders

• Asthma (unless the participant brings their prescribed inhaler and has discussed breathwork safety with a provider)

• Recent surgery or physical injury (especially to the head, neck, spine, chest, or abdomen)

• Severe osteoporosis

• Detached retina or glaucoma

• Uncontrolled diabetes or other serious metabolic disorders
  

Psychological & Neurological Contraindications

• History of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder type I

• Severe PTSD without established therapeutic support

• Dissociative disorders

• Severe anxiety or panic disorder

• Current major depressive episode with suicidal ideation

• Neurodivergent conditions (such as autism spectrum disorder or ADHD) if intense sensory/emotional experiences may be destabilizing without adequate support

• History of traumatic brain injury where intense breathing may pose risk

This list is not exhaustive. 

If unsure whether breathwork is safe, participants should consult their healthcare provider before attending.

Below is a helpful resource document you can print out and review with your provider. It contains an important Medical Screening and Clearance form that need to be completed if you have any of the above listed conditions.

Written Breathwork Resource for Providers