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Contraindications For Doing Circular Breathwork

Like most types of therapy, Breathwork isn’t appropriate for everyone. It’s recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider (including any mental health provider), and also let your teacher know about any health concerns before participating in a Breathwork session. 

Breathwork can result in an intense physical and emotional release. Therefore, it is not advised for persons with a history of cardiovascular disease, including angina or heart attack, high blood pressure, glaucoma, retinal detachment, osteoporosis, any significant recent physical injuries or surgeries. 

Breathwork is not advised for persons with severe mental illness or seizure disorders or for persons using major medications. It is also unsuitable for anyone with a personal or family history of aneurysms. 

Pregnant women are advised against practicing breathwork without first consulting and getting approval from their primary care physician. 

Persons with asthma should bring their inhaler and consult with their primary care physician and the Breathwork facilitator before their first session.

Here are the common contraindications for Breathwork:

  • Cardiovascular problems

  • High or abnormal blood pressure

  • History of aneurysms

  • Epilepsy or history of seizures

  • Anyone on heay medication

  • Severe psychiatric symptoms (psychosis or paranoia)

  • Bipolar depression

  • Osteoporosis

  • Glaucoma

  • Pregnancy

  • Recent surgery

  • Active addiction

  • Any person with mental illness who is not in treatment or lack adequate support

  • Those who have experienced recent trauma or are in a highly emotional or sensitive state may not be an appropriate candidate for Breathwork.

Breathwork sessions can sometimes bring up intense emotions and memories, which can be overwhelming and difficult to process without proper support. Make sure you are ready to face the difficult feelings that may come up and that you have a solid support network to help you process these feelings after the session is over. 

Some people may feel uncomfortable or even experience anxiety while participating in breathwork, especially if they have a fear of losing control or losing consciousness. 

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