Safety & Contraindications

Breathwork is safe for most people and many find it deeply supportive for stress release, emotional balance, and inner clarity. However, it's important to understand if it's the right time for you.

Common short-term effects may include tingling, warmth, coolness, dizziness, emotional release, or mild physical discomfort. These are normal responses as your body processes stored tension.

Who should consult their healthcare provider first?
If you have cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, or mental health conditions, please get medical clearance before participating.

Questions? Book a Free Consultation or email eromi@innerdeepdive.com — I'm happy to discuss whether breathwork is appropriate for your current needs.

Please review the Safety and Contraindications list below.

Do Not Participate If any are Applicable:

  • Spontaneous movement or vocalization during breathwork can strain brain arteries. If you've had an aneurysm, breathwork could increase the risk of another. When two or more first-degree relatives (parent, child, or sibling) have confirmed aneurysms (called "familial aneurysm"), risk may be higher.

    Learn more: Brain Aneurysm Foundation

  • Breathwork can trigger manic or depressive episodes. Intense emotional release, hyperarousal, or dissociation may destabilize mood, and reactions are unpredictable.

  • Intense emotional release and physical movement may stress the cardiovascular system.

  • Faster, deeper breathing can lower intraocular pressure, which may increase the risk of permanent vision damage.

    Learn more: 

    Effect of hypercapnea and hyperventilation on human intraocular pressure general anaesthesia following acetazolamide administration.

    Ocular Hypotension During Short- and Long-Term Hypocapnia

  • Faster, deeper breathing may increase the likelihood of a seizure.

    Learn more:

    Hyperventilation in functional seizures: Evidence for subtypes

    Hyperventilation and Seizures: Not a New Sense: A Literature Review

    If you have epilepsy and choose to participate with your doctor's approval, you must sign a legal release.

  • Intense breathwork may temporarily raise intraocular pressure and worsen symptoms. If you experience blurred vision after a session, it may indicate undiagnosed glaucoma—please have your eyes examined before continuing.

  • Strong emotional release or physical movement may elevate blood pressure further. If your blood pressure is managed with medication, this is generally not a concern.

  • Breathwork can significantly raise heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of another cardiovascular event. The emotional intensity may also trigger anxiety or panic.

  • Do not participate if you have any medical, psychiatric, or physical condition that could impair your ability to engage in intense emotional or physical releases.

  • You may not participate if you are under 18 without prior written parental consent.

  • Under the influence of alcohol or other mind altering substances.

  • Intense movement could worsen existing injuries.

May Participate with Precautions:

  • You may participate if you keep your inhaler readily available. In some cases, symptoms may temporarily intensify as part of the healing process.

  • Osteoporosis is usually not a concern unless it's severe enough that vigorous movement could cause injury.

    During sessions, participants may sometimes move vigorously, which increases the risk of injury in such cases.

  • Breathwork creates physiological changes, including making the blood more alkaline. Since no studies have examined the impact on fetal health, we do not permit pregnant women to participate. Later in pregnancy, the practice could also potentially trigger premature contractions.

  • Active movement during breathwork combined with blood thinners could prevent normal clotting if internal bleeding occurs, potentially leading to serious injury.

    For example, if a participant hit their head and experience internal bleeding, the body could struggle, or be unable to stop it through normal clotting.

May Participate with Consultation:

  • For:

    • Suicide attempt

    • Nervous breakdown

    • Psychotic episode

    If this applies to you, please contact me before participating and provide written medical approval. You must be currently grounded and able to safely navigate intense emotional or physical releases.

  • Breathwork can be deeply healing but also intense. A strong support system and willingness to process emotions are essential. In breathwork we say, "You feel it to heal it"—sometimes this means revisiting the original trauma, not to relive it, but to release what's been held inside.

    Please have support in place (therapist, trusted friend, or support group). You're also welcome to email me for integration support after your session.

    If you have severe PTSD/CPTSD and are under a therapist's care, please obtain their approval before participating. This ensures you're grounded enough to safely navigate intense experiences.

    Many participants have experienced profound healing in relation to PTSD/CPTSD through breathwork.

Disclaimer

I am not a medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you're taking medication or have a health condition, please consult your healthcare provider first.

Breathwork creates specific physiological changes in the body and may lead to intense physical or emotional release. For safety reasons, individuals with the above conditions are not permitted to participate.

If you're uncertain whether any of these apply to you, please email me at eromi@innerdeepdive.com or Book a Free Consultation before participating.