Breathwork Precautions,
Risks and Benefits

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Transformational breathwork is a type of breathing technique that is claimed to have a range of benefits for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Some of the potential benefits of transformational breathwork include:

 

• Stress reduction: Breathwork can help to relax the body and mind, leading to a reduction in stress and tension. Intensive breathwork activates the sympathetic nervous system and moves adrenaline and cortisol so that it can be used by the body then come into parasympathetic relaxation, leaving you feeling lighter and more relaxed after. 

• Energy body activation: Breathwork builds up a lot of energy in the body and can induce a ‘kundalini awakening experience’, as well as generally increasing the amount of energy a person has during and after the session. 

• Lowering Inflammation. Recent studies with Wim Hof have shown that breathwork techniques can lower inflammation markers in the blood 

• Emotional release: Breathwork can be used as a tool for releasing suppressed emotions, such as anger, sadness, or grief. This allows you to feel lighter, more integrated and free when you have felt and digested the emotions. 

• Improved sleep: By calming the mind and body, breathwork may help to improve sleep quality.

• Improved physical health: Some research has shown that certain breathwork techniques can help to improve various physical conditions, such as asthma, high blood pressure, and chronic pain.

• Increased self-awareness: Breathwork can help to increase self-awareness and introspection, allowing individuals to gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

• Integration of body, mind and spirit: Breathwork is an EMBODIED yet TRANSCENDENT practice, which can give us an experience of being totally in and of the body, while also being more than the body. It’s a holistic practice that creates a feeling of integration of these various layers of self. 

 

It is important to note that the benefits of breathwork may vary from person to person, and more research is needed to fully understand the potential effects of this technique.

 

Transformational breathwork, also known as "conscious connected breathing," is a type of breathing technique that aims to facilitate emotional and physical healing by allowing individuals to release stored up tension and emotions. While it can be a powerful tool for self-improvement, it is important to be aware of the precautions, risks, and contraindications associated with this practice.

 

Precautions:

 

As with any physical activity, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning transformational breathwork if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are pregnant. Make sure you let your facilitator know if you have any conditions that may impact your breath journey. 

 

It is also important to choose a trained and certified breathwork practitioner who has received proper training in the technique.

 

It is recommended to have a support person present during the breathwork session, as the process can be emotionally intense and having someone there can provide a sense of comfort and security.

 

You should never get up and walk in the middle of a session, for risk of fainting and harming yourself. Please always ask for support if you need it. 

 

Risks:

 

Transformational breathwork can also bring up intense emotions and memories, which can be overwhelming for some individuals. There is a risk of flashbacks in folks who have PTSD, so you should open your eyes if you start to have uncomfortable images arising and aim to stay present.

 

It is important to have a support system in place for your integration and to take breaks as needed during the session.

 

The breathing can cause light-headedness, dizziness and even fainting. It’s important to not get up and move around while in the process and to stay in contact with your body and your limits. 

Contraindications:

 

Transformational breathwork is not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions, including:

• Heart disease (cardiac arrhythmia, slow heart rate, high blood pressure, angina or chest pain, a recent heart attack, heart disease, or any other heart condition)

• Epilepsy

• Psychotic disorders

• Severe anxiety or panic disorders 

• Bipolar disorder

• Osteoporosis

• History of aneurysms

• Recent injuries or surgeries- cramping and excessive energy flow can cause issues with the healing area. 

 

If you have Respiratory issues such as asthma, a different style of breathing may be needed so please reach out if you have any specific breathing issues. 

 

Common side effects

• Dizziness- This is very common due to the change in oxygen in your body. Do NOT stand up and walk in the middle of breathwork or you risk fainting and falling. 

• Tingling of extremities- You’ll likely notice tingling in your hands/feet/face etc due to the effect on your blood flow

• Chest pain- Slow down or stop the breathwork if you feel chest pain, if it persists seek medical help.

• Cramps and muscle spasms- ‘Tetany’ is the term used when your hands (and often face or other body parts) cramp up and it can be uncomfortable but not dangerous. Usually, this only happens in the first few times doing continuous breathwork. It is likely due to excessive oxygen without enough carbon dioxide in the blood to transport the oxygen into the muscle tissue. I recommend doing a breath hold to get more C02 into your blood to help ease the cramping. 

• Fast or irregular heartbeat- Palpitations, an increase in heart rate or other feelings in your heart are somewhat common to experience. It’s recommended to slow the breath down if this happens to you. 

• Blurry vision, ringing in your ears- Like lightheadedness, it can be common to have other unusual sensations in your head like ringing or blurred vision. This is temporary and will return with time. 

• Strong emotions, flashbacks or distress- Breathwork can bring to the surface repressed or hidden material that can be distressing. This is generally therapeutic but can be re-traumatising if it is too much to integrate and you lose presence. It’s recommended to open your eyes and slow the breathing if things become overwhelming and to focus on getting grounded in the present moment. 

• Nervous system overwhelm- If you have a particularly sensitive nervous system (including having dysautonomia) then there is a risk of overwhelming the system with sustained breathwork and emotional expression. Allow some pauses, letting the system come to rest in between and try to stay within your window of tolerance, less can be more!

 

In conclusion, while transformational breathwork can be a powerful tool for self-improvement, it is important to be aware of the precautions, risks, and contraindications associated with this practice. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional and choose a trained and certified practitioner to ensure a safe and beneficial experience.