Contraindications of Breathwork: A Complete Safety Guide

Breathwork is a powerful practice. Intensive techniques change blood chemistry, heart rate and blood pressure, and can bring strong emotions to the surface. For most healthy adults this is safe when guided by a trained facilitator. For some people, however, it carries real risk. This guide sets out the main contraindications so that participants can make an informed decision and facilitators can screen responsibly.

Research on breathwork safety is still limited. Until the evidence is stronger, the professional standard is caution: if a condition below applies to you, do not take part in an intensive session without written clearance from your doctor.

Absolute contraindications

In these cases intensive breathwork should not be practised.

• Pregnancy: deep, fast breathing makes the blood more alkaline, and its effect on the baby has not been studied. In later pregnancy it may also trigger contractions.
• Severe cardiovascular disease, including a previous heart attack: strong emotional release and physical movement place extra strain on the heart.
• Epilepsy or a history of seizures: faster, deeper breathing slightly increases the likelihood of a seizure.
• History of stroke or aneurysm, including aneurysms in your immediate family: breathwork changes blood circulation and oxygen levels.
• Detached retina or glaucoma: changes in pressure inside the eye during a session can cause lasting damage.
• Psychosis, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia: breathwork can trigger a manic or psychotic episode in people with these diagnoses.

Conditions that need medical clearance

With written approval from a medical professional, and a facilitator who is informed in advance, some people with these conditions can take part safely.

• High blood pressure: strong emotional release can raise it further. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is an absolute contraindication.
• Psychiatric hospitalisation or an emotional crisis in the past 10 years: the facilitator needs confidence that you are stable enough to meet intense experiences.
• Severe post-traumatic stress: breathwork can bring up memories before a person is ready for them. Ongoing professional support is strongly recommended.
• Diabetes or hypoglycaemia: oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood change during a session.
• Blood-thinning medication: consult your doctor before any intensive breathing practice.
• Osteoporosis, severe joint problems, recent injury, surgery or hospitalisation: people sometimes move strongly and involuntarily in altered states.
• Severe infections or acute illness: wait until you have fully recovered.

Asthma

Asthma is not a contraindication, and some breathing techniques can help. Always keep your inhaler within reach for the whole session and tell your facilitator beforehand.

How to practise safely

• Complete the health questionnaire honestly before every session.
• Practise with a trained facilitator, not alone, when using intensive techniques.
• Never practise in water, while driving or operating machinery.
• You remain in control: slowing your breath brings you back within a minute or two.
• Allow time afterwards to rest and integrate what came up.

Screening and safety are a core part of professional training. In InnerCamp's Holosomatic® Breathwork Facilitator Training, facilitators learn contraindications, consent and how to support strong reactions, so every session is held responsibly.

Read more in our guide Is breathwork dangerous? and see our health and safety page. This article is general information and is not a substitute for medical advice.