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Breathwork Contraindications: A Glossary and the Explanation Behind Each

Conscious Connected Breathwork is a profound modality that provides a wide array of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual benefits. It also empowers us to be our own healers, to shed layers of trauma, to connect to our inner wisdom, and to create positive lasting change. For individuals without pre-existing health conditions, Conscious Connected Breathwork is a safe modality, as you are not putting anything into your body – you’re simply utilizing your own breath to induce altered states conducive to deep healing and transformation. However, there are health conditions that are contraindicated for Conscious Connected Breathwork (or Breathwork for short), which are important to be aware of.

Discover the ‘Why’ Behind Breathwork Contraindications

Although Breathwork is booming in popularity around the world, there is not much info available as to why certain conditions are contraindicated for it. This article aims to fix that problem. Outlined below is a list of Breathwork contraindications and an explanation as to why they are contraindicated. 

Navigating Breathwork Contraindications: Potential Instances of Adaptation

Worth noting, is that with some contraindicated conditions (but not all of them), you may still be able to partake in Breathwork. But you must first gain approval from your medical care provider, and then find a knowledgeable and qualified Breathwork Facilitator who knows how to modify the breath for your condition in order to keep yourself safe. You also need to use your own inner wisdom and decide if this practice is right for you. For the conditions where Breathwork may still be possible, we will outline some recommendations for you to consider.

Disclaimer

We want to emphasize that we are NOT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS. The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are taking any medication or have any health condition, it is imperative to consult with your medical provider first. If they give you the green light, then consult with a qualified Breathwork facilitator and ensure they are prepared to hold space for your condition. 

This is a Glossary, Not a Blog

The following article is extensive, and there is redundancy due to the overlapping reasons behind the contraindications. This content is not intended for sequential reading unless you are a curious knowledge junkie, a Breathwork Facilitator, or a medical care provider seeking to enhance your understanding of why these conditions are contraindicated. For everyone else, consider it a handy glossary. You can quickly reference your condition to gain a general overview of how Breathwork may impact it. So let’s jump in!

Conscious Connected Breathwork Contraindications

Glossary

Asthma 

The potential risks of Conscious Connected Breathwork for people with Asthma are complex and debated. While some sources cite it as contraindicated, others present it as a possibility with considerations and modifications. In many instances, if the asthma is under control and you have your inhaler with you, the session can be completed safely and may even be beneficial for your asthma , so long as you have approval from your medical provider and the facilitator is aware of your condition. Here’s a breakdown of the main points to consider:

  • Hyperventilation: Breathwork emphasizes rapid, deep breathing, which can potentially trigger asthma attacks for some individuals. The increased airflow and demand on the respiratory system may lead to bronchospasm, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.

  • Emotional Stress: The intense emotional and physical experiences facilitated by Breathwork can potentially induce anxiety, panic attacks, or emotional dysregulation in people with asthma. This can exacerbate existing respiratory symptoms and lead to hyperventilation.

  • Physical Exertion: Breathwork sometimes involves movement and physical postures, which could be strenuous for individuals with asthma, especially those with severe or poorly controlled conditions.

  • Dehydration: The intense breathing and movement can lead to dehydration, which can thicken mucus and worsen asthma symptoms.

Recommendations:

  • Consider the Severity of Asthma: The severity of one’s asthma plays a crucial role in determining the potential risks. Individuals with mild, well-controlled asthma might be able to participate if they have approval from their medical provider and are under the guidance of a qualified facilitator.

  • Take an Individualized Approach: A careful personal assessment and consultation with a doctor and Breathwork facilitator experienced in working with individuals with asthma is essential before attempting this practice. Depending on the severity of your asthma, modifications to the breathing technique, postures, and emotional processing elements might be necessary to minimize risks.

For more information on both the risks and benefits of Breathwork for Asthma: https://unitybreathwork.com/connected-breathwork-for-asthma-risks-benefits/

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is among the list of Breathwork contraindications due to the potential for it to trigger manic or depressive episodes. Here’s why:

  • Intense Emotional Experiences: Breathwork is a powerful technique that can lead to intense emotional experiences, including repressed memories, strong emotions, and altered states of consciousness. For people with bipolar disorder, these intense experiences can destabilize their mood and potentially trigger an episode.
  • Hyperarousal: Bipolar disorder often involves periods of hyperarousal, characterized by increased energy, racing thoughts, and impulsivity. Breathwork can further increase these symptoms and lead to mania or hypomania.
  • Depressive Dissociation: During depressive episodes, people with bipolar disorder may experience dissociation, a sense of detachment from oneself or reality. Breathwork can intensify this dissociation and deepen the depressive state.
  • Unpredictable Reactions: It’s difficult to predict how any individual will react to Breathwork and this unpredictability makes it a risky practice for people with a potentially destabilized mood.

Brain or Abdominal Aneurysm

Brain and abdominal aneurysms are both on the Breathwork contraindications list for the following reasons:

  • Increased blood pressure: Breathwork can cause an increase in blood pressure. This can be dangerous for people with aneurysms, as it can put additional strain on the weakened blood vessel walls.

  • Headaches: Breathwork can also cause headaches, which can be especially problematic for people with aneurysms.

  • Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP): The deep and rapid breathing involved in Breathwork can lead to increased oxygen intake and changes in blood flow. This may result in an elevation of intracranial pressure, which could be dangerous for individuals with a diagnosed brain aneurysm. Increased pressure in the brain can pose a risk of rupture or other complications.

  • Abdominal Aneurysm Risks: The increased intra-abdominal pressure caused by deep and forceful breathing may have implications for individuals with abdominal aneurysms. Abdominal aneurysms involve the weakening of the arterial wall in the abdomen, and increased intra-abdominal pressure could potentially lead to the enlargement or rupture of an existing aneurysm

Cardiovascular Disease or Existing Heart Conditions

Conscious, Connected Breathwork is contraindicated for people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart conditions due to the potential risks it poses to the heart and circulatory system. Here’s why:

  • Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Deep and rapid breathing leads to a rise in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular issues. Their hearts may not be able to withstand the extra workload, potentially leading to arrhythmias, angina, or even heart attack.
  • Reduced Blood Flow and Oxygen Supply: Hyperventilation can cause a decrease in the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, which can in turn impair the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. This can lead to a decreased oxygen supply to the heart and other vital organs, causing chest pain, dizziness, and fainting.
  • Increased Stress on the Arteries: The sustained elevated blood pressure can put additional strain on the walls of the arteries, potentially leading to tears or ruptures. This can be potentially dangerous for individuals with conditions like atherosclerosis, where artery walls are already compromised.
  • Angina: Hyperventilation can trigger angina episodes in individuals with this condition, characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart.

  • Heart Attack: The combination of increased heart rate, reduced oxygen supply, and stress on the arteries may increase the risk of a heart attack in individuals with CVD.

History of Stroke or Heart Attack

Here is why Conscious Connected Breathwork is contraindicated in people with a history of stroke or heart attack:

  • Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Breathwork can cause a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This can be dangerous for people with a history of stroke or heart attack, as it can increase their risk of another cardiovascular event.

  • Emotional Intensity: Breathwork can be a very emotionally intense experience. This can be overwhelming for people with a history of stroke or heart attack, and it may trigger anxiety or panic attacks.

  • Physical Exertion: Breathwork can be physically demanding. This may be too much for people with a history of stroke or heart attack, especially if they are not in good physical health.

High Blood Pressure (Uncontrolled)

Conscious Connected Breathwork is contraindicated for people with uncontrolled high blood pressure. Here’s why:

  • Hyperventilation: The rapid, deep breathing practiced in Breathwork can lead to hyperventilation, which creates a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood. This can trigger the fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.

  • Valsalva maneuver: If you engage in a connected Breathwork session that also includes breath holds (not recommended), this breath holding can mimic the Valsalva maneuver which can increase blood pressure.

  • Cardiovascular stress: The intense physical sensations and emotional experiences during Breathwork can put strain on the cardiovascular system, potentially triggering spikes in blood pressure, and although this has never been reported to our knowledge, it could in theory lead to complications such as stroke.

  • Anxiety: Anxiety itself can elevate blood pressure, and the emotionally charged nature of Breathwork may temporarily increase feelings of anxiety as deep emotional experiences from the past are processed. This may further compromise blood pressure control.

Recommendations: 

If you have high blood pressure that is currently controlled with medication, you can most likely join a Conscious Connected Breathwork session but it’s critical that you first get approval from your medical provider. Also, selecting a skilled and seasoned facilitator is crucial. Ensure they have received training from a breathwork school that is certified by the GPBA, and that they possess awareness of potential risks for individuals with high blood pressure, and understand how to modify the experience accordingly. An important element of these modifications is leading you through a gentler approach and showing you how to dial back the intensity during a session, so you can ensure you never reach a state of overwhelm. 

Low Blood Pressure that is Extreme and Uncontrolled

With its intense breathing patterns and potential for emotional catharsis, Breathwork can pose risks for people with very low blood pressure. Here’s why: 

  • Hyperventilation: The rapid breathing in Breathwork can lead to hyperventilation, which can further decrease blood pressure by reducing carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting.

  • Increased Heart Rate: The intense breathing and emotional release can also elevate heart rate, adding stress to the cardiovascular system already struggling with low blood pressure.

  • Cerebral Blood Flow: The pressure changes caused by Breathwork can temporarily alter
    blood flow to the brain, which can be problematic for individuals with already low blood pressure due to the increased risk of fainting or dizziness.

  • Orthostatic Hypotension: Upon standing after lying down, individuals with low blood pressure can experience a sudden drop in blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension). This can be exacerbated by the rapid changes in body position during Breathwork, potentially leading to falls or injuries (which can be circumvented by not standing in the middle of the session or immediately afterwards).

Recommendations:

If your blood pressure is only moderately low or it is controlled with medication you may be able to participate in Breathwork. Make sure you get approval from your medical care provider first, do not stand up during the session (if you need to, call your facilitator over to help you), and make sure your facilitator is aware of your condition. Also select a proficient facilitator with training from a GPBA-certified Breathwork Facilitator school. Ensure that they possess awareness of potential risks for individuals with extremely low blood pressure, and the ability to modify the experience accordingly.

Detached Retina

Breathwork is contraindicated for people with a detached retina due to the potential for increased intraocular pressure. This pressure is created by the forceful breathing techniques used in the practice, which can put undue strain on the eye and potentially worsen or detach a weakened retina. Breathwork that also includes breath holds is even more risky and can add additional strain. Here’s how it works:

  • Increased intraocular pressure: Breathwork can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure and, consequently, intraocular pressure (the pressure within the eye). For individuals with a detached retina, even a slight increase in intraocular pressure can be dangerous. The already weakened retina can be further stressed or displaced, potentially worsening the detachment or causing new tears.
  • Additional risks: Additionally, the intense emotional and physical experiences associated with Breathwork can further elevate blood pressure and contribute to the risk of complications for individuals with a detached retina.

Diabetes

Conscious Connected Breathwork has some potential contraindications for people with diabetes. Here’s why:

  • Blood Sugar Fluctuations: The intense breathing in Breathwork can trigger the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which can raise blood sugar levels significantly. This can be dangerous for people with diabetes, especially if they’re not well-controlled or prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

  • Dehydration: The fast-paced breathing in Breathwork can lead to dehydration, which can further elevate blood sugar levels and worsen existing diabetic complications like neuropathy and nephropathy.

  • Cardiovascular Strain: The physical demands of Breathwork, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, can put additional strain on the cardiovascular system. This can be risky for people with diabetes who already have a higher risk of heart disease.

Recommendations:

Conscious Connected Breathwork may be safe for people with well-controlled diabetes so long as they have permission from their healthcare provider and they do it under the guidance of an experienced Breathwork Facilitator who is aware of the condition. In these instances, it’s important to drink a lot of water before and after the session to prevent hydration and to eat a fiber or protein-rich meal to help stabilize blood sugar before the session (do not eat too much though as this may hinder your breathing).

Epilepsy or History of Seizures

Epilepsy and a history of seizures are both Breathwork contraindications due to the potential risk of triggering a seizure through several mechanisms:

  • Hyperventilation: The intense, controlled breathing exercises in Breathwork can lead to hyperventilation, causing rapid changes in blood CO2 and O2 levels. These changes can alter brain electrical activity, potentially increasing the risk of seizure in people with epilepsy or seizure susceptibility.

  • Psychological Stress: Breathwork sessions can be emotionally intense, leading to strong emotional and psychological responses. This mental stress can be another trigger for seizures in some individuals.

  • Sensory Overload: The combination of hyperventilation, strong emotions, and altered states of consciousness in Breathwork can create a state of sensory overload. This overload can also trigger seizures in those susceptible.

  • Physical Exertion: The physical movements and postures involved in some Breathwork practices can be strenuous. This physical exertion can put additional stress on the body and brain, potentially increasing seizure risk.

Recommendations:

If you have epilepsy or a history of seizures, you may still be able to participate in a Breathwork Session but it’s vital that you first get approval from your doctor and that you consult with the Breathwork facilitator first. It’s also essential to choose a qualified and experienced facilitator who trained with a Breathwork school that is certified by the GPBA and who is aware of the potential risks for people with seizures and can modify the experience accordingly.

Glaucoma

Conscious Connected Breathwork is contraindicated for people with glaucoma due to the potential for increased intraocular pressure. This pressure change can be dangerous for individuals with glaucoma, as it can worsen their condition and put them at risk of vision loss. Here’s why:

  • During Breathwork, participants engage in controlled, rapid breathing techniques. This hyperventilation can lead to several physiological changes, including:

    • Increased heart rate and blood pressure: These changes can temporarily elevate intraocular pressure in the eyes.
    • Changes in blood carbon dioxide levels: Hyperventilation lowers carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which can cause blood vessels to constrict. This constriction can affect blood flow to the optic nerve, which is crucial for vision.
    • Emotional and physical intensity: Breathwork can bring about intense emotional and physical experiences, which may further elevate blood pressure and intraocular pressure.

  • For individuals with glaucoma, even small increases in intraocular pressure can be dangerous. Glaucoma weakens the optic nerve, and high pressure can further damage it, leading to vision loss. Therefore, any activity that significantly elevates intraocular pressure, like Breathwork, is not advised for people with this condition.

Lung Conditions

While it can be beneficial for some people, it’s important to understand why Conscious Connected Breathwork is contraindicated for individuals with lung conditions like asthma, COPD, or emphysema. Here’s a breakdown of the reasons:

  • Increased Physical Stress: Breathwork involves rapid, deep breathing, which can significantly increase the demand on the respiratory system.

  • Bronchospasm: In individuals with asthma, rapid breathing can trigger involuntary muscle contractions in the airways, narrowing them and making it difficult to breathe.

  • Hyperventilation: Intense breathing can lead to shifts in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, potentially causing dizziness, lightheadedness, and tingling sensations.

  • Lung strain: The forceful breathing can put undue stress on the already compromised lungs, which could in theory, lead to lung damage or exacerbate existing conditions.

  • Psychological Effects: The intense nature of Breathwork can induce strong emotional and psychological responses, which can be overwhelming or destabilizing for people with lung conditions.

Panic Disorder or Recent Panic Attacks

Panic Disorder and recent Panic Attacks are sometimes regarded as contraindications for Breathwork depending on who you ask. However, it is crucial to emphasize that, in most cases, with the approval of a medical professional and the guidance of a skilled Breathwork Facilitator, Breathwork can prove highly beneficial for individuals experiencing panic attacks. In fact, it may contribute to resolving such attacks by addressing their underlying causes. Here are the reasons why some argue Panic Attacks are contraindicated:

  • Temporarily Increased Anxiety and Panic: Breathwork involves rapid, sustained breathing, which can lead to physical sensations like lightheadedness, tingling, and muscle tension. These sensations can be misinterpreted as the beginnings of a panic attack, potentially triggering one due to anxiety.

  • Loss of Control: During Breathwork, participants often experience altered states of consciousness and intense emotions. This loss of control can be overwhelming and frightening for someone prone to panic attacks, exacerbating their anxiety and potentially leading to a full-blown episode.

  • Difficulty Self-Soothing: Panic attacks often involve difficulty calming oneself down. During Breathwork, the facilitator may not be readily available to intervene if a participant starts to panic. This lack of immediate support can worsen the situation for someone who struggles with self-soothing during panic attacks.

Recommendations:

Breathwork and the altered states of consciousness it induces can potentially benefit individuals with panic attacks. The practice can help regulate the autonomic nervous system, release pent-up emotions, integrate body and mind, enhance mindfulness, and provide cathartic release, offering a holistic approach to addressing the root causes of panic attacks. However, prior to participation, it’s crucial to seek approval from a medical professional and ensure the guidance of an experienced, trauma-informed Breathwork Facilitator who understands panic attacks and can modify sessions to provide optimal support.

Pregnancy

Early stage pregnancy and complicated pregnancies’ are both Breathwork Contraindications due to several potential risks which we will outline below. And regardless of what stage you are in, you should always consult your medical provider and let your Breathwork facilitator know before partaking in a session.

Physiological Changes:

  • Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: Breathwork involves deep, rapid breathing and specific postures, which can elevate blood pressure and heart rate. This can be dangerous for pregnant women, especially those with pre-existing hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions, as it could put additional stress on the circulatory system.

  • Uterine Contractions: The intense breathing and movement patterns in Breathwork may, in theory, trigger uterine contractions, which could pose a risk of miscarriage or preterm labor, especially in the first trimester or with a complicated pregnancy.

  • Changes in Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Levels: Rapid breathing can affect the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, potentially influencing the baby’s oxygen supply. This can be particularly concerning in pregnancies with complications like intrauterine growth restriction or placental insufficiency.

Psychological Stress:

  • Emotional Intensity: Breathwork can evoke strong emotions and uncover repressed memories, which could be overwhelming for pregnant women and potentially lead to anxiety or distress. This could be detrimental to both the mother’s and the baby’s well-being.

  • Loss of Control: The breathing techniques and movements used in Breathwork can induce altered states of consciousness, potentially leading to a feeling of losing control, particularly if the session is not led by a well-trained facilitator. This can be unsettling for some pregnant women, especially those with a history of anxiety or mental health concerns.

Recommendations:

If you are in your 2nd or 3rd trimester and your pregnancy is healthy, you may potentially be able to join a Breathwork session so long as you have approval from your medical provider and the Breathwork facilitator. It is important that you work with an experienced facilitator who understands how to modify the breath in order to keep your safe, that you have no preexisting health conditions, and your blood pressure is stable. Taking a gentler, softer approach and a prior practice of Breathwork (or having done other trauma release work) is also beneficial as it will reduce the likelihood of having an intense cathartic experience. For more information on Breathwork during pregnancy, click here.

Prescription Medications, Alcohol, or Substance Use

Breathwork should never be done after consuming drugs or alcohol. While many prescription medications are completely safe to combine with Breathwork, this is a complex topic and it should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. Here’s why consulting a healthcare professional is crucial if you are own prescription medication:

  • Individual Interactions: The way medications interact with Breathwork can vary greatly depending on the specific substance, dosage, and individual factors like metabolism and health conditions. 
  • Underlying Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as heart problems, high blood pressure, or epilepsy, can be exacerbated by Breathwork. A healthcare professional can determine if the Breathwork is safe for you based on your medical history.
  • Psychological Effects: Breathwork can induce intense emotional and psychological experiences, sometimes surfacing repressed memories or trauma. This may potentially be overwhelming or destabilizing, especially for individuals with mental health conditions or under the influence of substances. A healthcare professional can provide guidance and support throughout the process.

Schizophrenia or Psychosis

Schizophrenia and Psychosis are two Breathwork Contraindications that should not be taken lightly due to several potential risks:

  • Increased Psychosis: Schizophrenia is characterized by episodes of psychosis, involving hallucinations and delusions. The intense emotional and sensory experiences induced by Breathwork can exacerbate these symptoms, potentially triggering psychotic episodes or worsening existing ones. 
  • Loss of Control: The altered state of consciousness brought on by Breathwork can lead to a loss of control and difficulty distinguishing between reality and internal experiences. This is particularly concerning for individuals with schizophrenia or psychosis, who may already struggle with these boundaries.
  • Emotional Distress: The process of re-experiencing past traumas or buried emotions, a common aspect of Breathwork, can be distressing and overwhelming, especially if the facilitator is not trauma-informed and does not ensure the participants remain within their windows of tolerance. For individuals with schizophrenia, navigating such intense emotions without proper support can worsen their condition.
  • Dissociation: The altered state of consciousness induced by Breathwork can lead to dissociation, where one feels disconnected from their body and surroundings. This can be overwhelming and difficult to manage, especially for people with a history of trauma or mental health conditions.

Recent Surgery or Intense Physical Injury

There are several reasons why Breathwork is contraindicated for people who recently had surgery or physical injury:

  • Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Breathwork involves controlled hyperventilation, which can significantly raise heart rate and blood pressure. This could be dangerous for someone recovering from surgery or an injury, especially if they have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

  • Exacerbated Pain: The physical movements and intense emotional releases experienced during Breathwork can put strain on healing tissues and exacerbate existing pain.

  • Risk of Internal Bleeding: For individuals with recent surgery or internal injuries, the sometimes forceful movements that occur in breathwork could put them at risk of internal bleeding.

  • Emotional intensity: Breathwork can induce intense emotional experiences, including past traumas, grief, and anger. These emotions can be overwhelming for someone still recovering from surgery or an injury, potentially hindering the healing process.

  • Dissociation: The altered state of consciousness induced by Breathwork can lead to dissociation, where individuals disconnect from their physical and emotional experiences. This can be detrimental for individuals already dealing with the shock and stress of recent surgery or injury.

Recommendations

While generally safe for healthy individuals, Breathwork can have unpredictable outcomes, especially for individuals in delicate physical and emotional states. Prior to engaging in Breathwork, it is crucial to consult with a doctor and ensure clearance for strenuous activity based on the specific nature and recovery timeline of the surgery or injury. Also, make sure to let you Breathwork Facilitator know about your surgery or injury prior to booking a Breathwork session.

Thyroid Disorders

Grave’s Disease

Graves’ disease is on the Breathwork Contraindications list for a few reasons:

  • Stress on the Cardiovascular System: Breathwork involves deep and rapid breathing, which can increase oxygen intake and affect the cardiovascular system. Individuals with Graves’ disease may already have an increased heart rate due to the overactivity of the thyroid gland. Introducing additional stress through rapid breathing could potentially exacerbate cardiovascular symptoms.

  • Potential for Hyperventilation: Breathwork may involve hyperventilation, a condition where there is rapid breathing leading to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This can have various physiological effects, including changes in blood pH and electrolyte balance. Individuals with Graves’ disease may be more susceptible to these changes, and hyperventilation could potentially trigger or worsen symptoms.

  • Impact on Stress Hormones: The altered states of consciousness induced by Breathwork may involve the release of stress hormones. In individuals with Graves’ disease, who may already have heightened stress responses due to their condition, this additional stress could potentially have adverse effects on their overall health.
    *You may be able to do breathwork in some instances, see recommendations below

Hyperthyroidism

Breathwork is generally contraindicated for people with hyperthyroidism due to its potential to exacerbate existing symptoms and put undue stress on the cardiovascular system. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of hormones, leading to a range of symptoms such as increased heart rate and palpitations, anxiety, and elevated blood pressure. The intense inner journeys that Breathwork sessions can evoke may be a concern for individuals with hyperthyroidism for several reasons:

  • Increased Cardiovascular Stress: The deep, rapid breathing and emotional intensity can elevate heart rate and blood pressure, further straining the already overworked cardiovascular system in hyperthyroidism.

  • Exacerbation of Anxiety: The experience can involve confronting buried emotions and trauma, which can trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms already present in hyperthyroidism.

  • Unpredictable Outcomes: The unpredictable nature of a Breathwork journey can be overwhelming and destabilizing for someone with hyperthyroidism, potentially leading to emotional dysregulation.
    *You may be able to do breathwork in some instances, see recommendations below

Hypothyroidism

Breathwork might be contraindicated for people with hypothyroidism because of the following reasons:

  • Increased Stress: Breathwork can be temporarily stressful on the body and mind as layers of tension and trauma are peeled back and processed for release. This stress may potentially worsen symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue and anxiety.

  • Heart Problems: Hypothyroidism can increase the risk of heart problems. Breathwork can raise heart rate and blood pressure, which could be dangerous for people with heart conditions.
    *You may be able to do breathwork in some instances, see recommendations below

Thyroiditis, Thyroid Cancer, and Other Thyroid Conditions

Conscious Connected Breathwork is contraindicated for uncontrolled thyroid conditions for the following reasons:

Stress on the Endocrine System: Breathwork can be physically and emotionally intense, leading to increased stress on the body, including the endocrine system. The thyroid, as part of the endocrine system, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. Individuals with thyroiditis or thyroid cancer may already have compromised thyroid function, and additional stress may exacerbate their condition.

Risk of Hyperventilation: Deep and rapid breathing, as encouraged in Breathwork, can lead to hyperventilation. This can affect the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, potentially causing symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and tingling sensations. People with thyroid issues may be more sensitive to changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and hyperventilation could potentially worsen their symptoms.

Recommendations for Breathwork with Thyroid Conditions:

In some instances, it may be possible to do a Breathwork session with a thyroid condition. Whether it is hyper or hypothyroidism, Graves, or Thyroiditis, if your condition is controlled and you have approval from a medical provider, you may proceed, but make sure to choose a qualified and experienced facilitator. It’s also critical you let your Breathwork facilitator know about your condition so they can modify your breathing pattern and the experience accordingly. 

Closing Thoughts

It’s essential to underscore that while certain Breathwork contraindications exist, Breathwork is a generally safe and valuable practice for the majority of individuals. When approached mindfully and in consultation with healthcare professionals, it can unlock numerous physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual health benefits. Remember to choose an experienced Breathwork Facilitator that trained with a school that is certified by the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance (GPBA). Also make sure to let your Facilitator know about any acute or chronic health conditions, even if they are not in this glossary. Finally, listen to your body and inner wisdom, seek guidance when needed, and enjoy the profound and positive impacts that Breathwork can bring to your life.

If you would like to partake in a Unity Breathwork session with a highly experienced and knowledgeable trauma-informed Breathwork facilitator; or train to become a Breathwork Facilitator with a GPBA certified school, please reach out to us here.

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