Breathwork Contraindications
While breathwork offers many benefits, it's important to realize that it's not always suitable for everyone. Certain medical and psychological conditions can make breathwork risky. Below is an overview of the most important limitations of breathwork.
- Pregnancy (at any stage)
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular diseases, such as angina, previous heart attack or stroke
- Diagnosis of an aneurysm of any type
- Uncontrolled thyroid disorders
- Diabetes - gentle breathing exercises are preferred and can be discussed
- Severe asthma - for mild to moderate asthma we can discuss this
- Recent surgery, stitches or injury
Mental disorders
- Severe PTSD or trauma
- Active use of (recreational) drugs, including alcohol
- Medications that alter brain chemistry, such as anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, ADHD medications, OCD medications, etc. Please note, in many cases participation is possible!
- Epilepsy
- History of attacks
- Previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychiatric conditions
- Serious psychosomatic disorders
- Hospital admission for a psychiatric disorder or emotional crisis in the past 10 years
Precautions and Recommendations
- Consult a doctor 🩺: Before starting breathwork, especially if you have a medical or psychological condition, it is important to consult your (treating) doctor.
- Start slowly 🐢: Begin with gentle breathwork exercises and gradually increase the intensity. This helps your body adapt to the new techniques and experience.
- Trust yourself 🌟 : Due to our current healthcare system, we've lost touch with ourselves and our bodies. At InnerSeed, we believe you can trust yourself again. Do you have one of the above limitations, but feel deep down that breathwork could still offer a solution? Contact us to discuss what's possible for you.