Breathwork Safety & Contraindications

Your safety always comes first.

At Shakra Flow, every breathwork experience is designed with your wellbeing in mind.

While conscious connected breathwork is an incredibly powerful practice for reducing stress, regulating the nervous system, releasing stored tension, and supporting emotional healing, it is also an intense physiological experience that isn't appropriate for everyone.

Your health and safety are far more important than participating in a session.

Before every session, you'll complete a confidential health questionnaire so we can determine whether conscious connected breathwork is appropriate for you or whether a modified breathing practice would better support your needs.

Many people can safely participate with modifications, while others may need medical clearance or should postpone participation until their condition has stabilized.

Your Privacy Matters

Your health information is kept confidential and is used solely to ensure your safety and provide the most supportive experience possible.

If there is ever uncertainty about whether conscious connected breathwork is appropriate, we will work together to determine the safest path forward.

Sometimes that means modifying the session. Sometimes it means waiting. Either choice is an act of honoring your body's wisdom.

Additional Educational Resource

For those interested in learning more about breathwork safety and contraindications, I also recommend reviewing the comprehensive educational resource provided by my breathwork training organization:

Unity Breathwork – Breathwork Contraindications

Health Conditions that Require Medical Clearance or Session Modifications

If you have any of the following conditions, please discuss them with your healthcare provider before participating and notify your facilitator during your intake.

    • High blood pressure that is not well controlled

    • Heart disease

    • Previous heart attack

    • Angina

    • Cardiac arrhythmias

    • History of stroke

    • Other significant cardiovascular conditions

    Breathwork may temporarily influence heart rate and blood pressure, making medical guidance important.

    • Severe asthma

    • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

    • Emphysema

    • Pulmonary fibrosis

    • Other significant lung conditions

    Many people with mild respiratory conditions can still participate using modified breathing techniques.

    • Epilepsy or seizure disorders

    • History of seizures

    • Brain aneurysm

    • Recent concussion

    • Significant neurological disorders

    Because breathwork can temporarily alter oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, these conditions require additional precautions.

  • If you are pregnant, conscious connected breathwork is generally not recommended in the first trimester. Must have approval from your healthcare provider.

    Gentle breathing practices are often wonderful during pregnancy and can be recommended as an alternative.

  • Please let us know if you have experienced or are currently experiencing:

    • Bipolar disorder

    • Schizophrenia

    • Active psychosis

    • Dissociative disorders

    • Severe PTSD

    • Recent psychiatric hospitalization

    • Active suicidal ideation

    This does not automatically exclude you from breathwork. It simply helps determine whether additional support, modifications, or collaboration with your mental health provider would create the safest experience.

    As a trauma-informed practitioner, I prioritize creating an environment where every participant feels safe, supported, and empowered.

  • Please postpone participation if you have experienced:

    • Recent surgery

    • Significant fractures

    • Acute injuries

    • Hernias

    • Detached retina

    • Recent eye surgery

    Breathwork may place temporary pressure on the body during deep breathing.

  • Inform your facilitator if you have:

    • Osteoporosis

    • Glaucoma

    • Uncontrolled diabetes

    • Active infection or fever

    • Recent hospitalization

    • Chronic pain conditions

    • Any medical condition that may be affected by increased breathing intensity

  • Wait to schedule your session if you are experiencing:

    • Fever or active illness

    • Contagious infection

    • Significant alcohol or drug intoxication

    • Severe sleep deprivation

    • Immediately after major surgery

    • Immediately following a traumatic event where additional stabilization is recommended

  • At this time, conscious connected breathwork is generally not appropriate for individuals experiencing:

    • Active psychosis

    • Current seizure activity that is not medically controlled

    • Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease

    • Uncontrolled hypertension

    • Recent stroke or heart attack

    • Brain aneurysm without medical clearance

    • Detached retina or recent retinal surgery

    • Pregnancy without medical approval and specialized facilitation

    Alternative breathing practices may still be appropriate depending on your individual circumstances.

A Trauma-Informed Approach

Healing is never about pushing through.

It is about creating enough safety for your nervous system to unwind at its own pace.

At Shakra Flow, every session is guided with compassion, consent, and respect for your unique experiences. There is never pressure to breathe beyond what feels safe for your body.

Medical Disclaimer: Breathwork is intended to support overall wellness and is not a substitute for medical care, psychotherapy, or emergency treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns before participating in breathwork. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or seek immediate professional assistance.