Breathwork Safety & Contraindications

Kaisora Breathwork is a form of conscious connected breathwork (CCB)—a continuous, active breathing practice designed to support therapeutic journeys of healing, self-discovery, and insight.

➡ There are many different styles and approaches to CCB. Some emphasize deep, vigorous breathing over extended periods and can induce highly activated states (e.g., Holotropic Breathwork), while others offer a gentler, flowing rhythm that invites more subtle shifts.

➡ The intensity and approach of the practice can influence how significant certain contraindications become. More vigorous practices may carry greater risk for some conditions, while gentler approaches may be more accessible.

➡ How the breathing pattern is taught—especially the exhale—can also shape the intensity of the experience. A relaxed, passive exhale tends to promote smoother regulation, while a more forceful or actively engaged exhale may lead to stronger physiological shifts (e.g., faster loss of CO₂, more pronounced sensations).

As you assess whether CCB is right for you, it’s important to understand the specific approach of a facilitator or school, so you can make an informed choice that aligns with your intentions, needs, and safety.

In Kaisora Breathwork sessions, you will:

• Engage in a rhythmic, two-part inhale (into the belly, then chest), followed by a passive exhale–all through the mouth

• Sustain this breathing rhythm for up to 60-75 minutes

• Be guided by music and attuned facilitation in a supportive space

While generally less intense than Holotropic Breathwork, Kaisora Breathwork can still evoke strong physical, emotional, and psychological experiences. You are always encouraged to work within your window of tolerance—adjusting your pace, pausing, or resting as needed.

This guide is provided so that you and your licensed care provider can make an informed, empowered decision about whether this practice is appropriate for you at this time.

What Happens During Breathwork?

While each breathwork journey is unique and every individual responds differently, there are some common physiological patterns that can arise.

First, it’s important to understand that CCB is an active form of breathwork that tends to be up-regulating to the sympathetic nervous system, especially when compared to slower, down-regulating breathing techniques. Like exercise, CCB represents a form of acute, intentional stress: temporarily activating, but with the potential to lower baseline stress levels over time and enhance nervous system flexibility and resilience. This activation can also catalyze meaningful experiences of somatic release, energetic discharge, emotional processing, and gently expanded states of awareness.

The arc of a breathwork session often includes natural fluctuations in nervous system states. Many people experience sympathetic activation during the initial stages, with heightened energy, increased heart rate, and cardiovascular engagement. As the journey unfolds, the system may transition into parasympathetic dominance, bringing deep rest, spaciousness, and integration. Movements between these states are normal and intentional, contributing to a dynamic, embodied process.

Physiological Shifts You May Experience

• Sympathetic Nervous System Activation

  Like cardiovascular exercise, breathwork has the potential to raise heart rate and blood pressure, and may be accompanied by a temporary sense of physical arousal or activation. Without proper context and support, these sensations can sometimes feel intense or frightening, especially for those unfamiliar with this kind of practice.
  → Why this matters: For individuals with cardiovascular conditions, uncontrolled hypertension, or aneurysm risk, this temporary activation could present health concerns without medical clearance.

• Changes in Blood Chemistry

  Overbreathing (breathing in excess of metabolic needs) can lower CO₂ levels in the blood (hypocapnia) and shift blood pH toward alkalinity (respiratory alkalosis), particularly if the breath is more forceful or rapid. This may lead to temporary sensations such as tingling, lightheadedness, visual changes, or muscle cramping (tetany). These shifts may also affect the delivery of oxygen to tissues, even when blood oxygen levels appear normal.
  → Why this matters: While generally safe for most healthy individuals, these temporary changes can be destabilizing or contraindicated for people with epilepsy, pregnancy, or certain metabolic or neurological conditions.

• Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP)

  Breathwork—especially when mouth breathing, breath holds, or forceful exhalations are involved—can temporarily increase pressure within the chest and abdomen (intrathoracic pressure). This can in turn raise intraocular pressure (IOP) and place added strain on the optic nerve and blood vessels in the eye.
  → Why this matters: For individuals with conditions like glaucoma, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, or other eye conditions sensitive to pressure fluctuations, this temporary increase in IOP could pose a significant risk.

• Altered States of Consciousness

  Breathwork can shift the brain and body into non-ordinary states of consciousness, often through mechanisms like transient hypofrontality and changes in brainwave activity. This can quiet familiar cognitive patterns, allow subconscious material to surface, and create a sense of expanded or fluid identity. Participants may experience dreamlike states, expanded awareness, emotional release, or spiritual insight—similar in some ways to light psychedelic work or long-form meditation.
  → Why this matters: While this can be profoundly meaningful, these altered states may feel disorienting or destabilizing for individuals with psychotic-spectrum disorders, severe dissociation, or without strong external support systems. The same cautions that apply to psychedelic therapy or intensive meditation retreats are relevant here.

Psychological Considerations

Breathwork is not simply a relaxation practice. It can induce altered states of consciousness, akin to a light psychedelic journey, where the sense of self may expand, shift, or dissolve temporarily.

This can offer profound insight, spiritual connection, and emotional release—but requires a stable psychological foundation.

Ask yourself:

• Am I in a place of general psychological stability, or am I navigating acute stress, loss, or crisis?

• Do I have support systems (therapy, community, integration practices) in place to process what may arise?

If you are currently destabilized, or navigating a major life transition or extreme anxiety, gentler modalities may better serve you at this time. Breathwork is best entered into with readiness, spaciousness, and strong support.

Trauma and Breathwork

Breathwork can be a powerful support in trauma healing and integration, helping reconnect with the body’s wisdom, access subconscious material, and regulate the nervous system.

However:

• Trauma healing often requires a slow, titrated, moment-to-moment process. Integration happens best at a pace the body and psyche can safely digest.

• While some dysregulation is normal and can be productive, our aim is for participants to leave feeling resourced and supported, not overwhelmed.

• Breathwork facilitators are not somatic therapists, unless separately credentialed. Breathwork is not a substitute for clinical trauma care.

If you have a significant trauma history:

• Please consult your licensed mental health provider before participating.

• Choose an experienced facilitator with specialized experience working with trauma.

• Ensure you have ongoing clinical support alongside your breathwork journey.

Contraindications — When to Avoid Breathwork Without Medical Clearance

At Kaisora, the following conditions are contraindicated for participating in breathwork:

• Pregnancy

• Glaucoma, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, or significant eye conditions

• Epilepsy or seizure disorders

• Aneurysm or recent stroke

• Recent major surgery or significant injury

• Diagnosed psychiatric conditions including:

  • Schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

  • Dissociative identity disorder

  • Bipolar disorder (especially unmedicated or recently unstable)

  • Current or recent psychotic episodes

  • Severe PTSD with uncontrolled flashbacks or dissociation

  • Active suicidal ideation or recent attempt

Conditions that may require modification or medical consultation and approval:

Please consult your provider and/or facilitator before participating if you have:

• High blood pressure or cardiovascular concerns

• History of panic attacks or severe anxiety

• Recent major loss, trauma, or life crisis

• Asthma (please bring your inhaler)

• Severe osteoporosis

• Are under 18 years old

• Any condition that could be worsened by acute stress, emotional release, or expanded states

Format and Support Considerations

• 1:1 sessions provide the highest level of personalized support.

• Group sessions offer less direct attention; proceed thoughtfully if you have concerns about managing intensity.

• In-person sessions provide more tools (e.g. touch, co-regulation) to support safety and integration.

Your Responsibility

• Consult with your physician or mental health provider using this guide.

• Communicate relevant conditions to your facilitator.

• Work within your window of tolerance—you may rest or adjust the breath at any time.

• Sign the Waiver & Release of Liability.

Your safety, sovereignty, and well-being are our highest priorities. Please contact us with questions or for further guidance.

Breathwork is an experiential, body-based practice intended to support self-awareness and wellbeing. It is not a substitute for medical or mental health care, and participants are encouraged to work within their own limits and consult qualified providers as needed.

Written by Tai Hubbert for Kaisora Breathwork. All rights reserved.