Contents
Introduction
Deep breathing is one of the best ways to slow down and destress. For most people, it’s safe, yes. For some? Not so much. When living with a health condition, it is much better to know breathwork risks. As well as safety tips you can follow to avoid them. Because being safe while practising is what makes breathwork so powerful.
Can Breathwork Be Harmful?
Breathwork is generally considered to be a safe and effective practice. Still, we have to remember that certain risks still exist. For those with health conditions like heart diseases, respiratory issues, balance disorders, epilepsy, pregnancy or intense mental health struggles, wrong techniques can be dangerous. Some possible breathwork risks include:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Worsened symptoms of existing health conditions
- Emotional overwhelm
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Nausea
When not to do Breathing Exercises?
During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a beautiful yet challenging time during which your body goes through a lot of changes. In this state, you need gentle care. And Intense breathwork? It can have the opposite effect as it may put unnecessary strain on your body. The oxygen shifts and risk of dizziness can put stress on both you and the baby.
With Heart Disease
If you are dealing with cardiovascular issues, it is much better to be cautious with breathwork. Sure, deep breathing exercise can sometimes do wonders in supporting blood pressure levels. But certain techniques can also spike your heart rate and cause sudden swings in blood pressure. This puts a strain on your heart which is why cardiovascular disease is considered one of the most important breathwork risks to be aware of.
Having Breathing Issues
For anyone with respiratory issues like Asthma, it’s better to skip intense breathing exercise. When your lungs are already working overtime, harsh techniques can be risky. Yes, gentle breathing helps. But pushing too hard? It can make your symptoms worse. You may experience shortness of breath along with a risk of wheezing or fainting.
During Intense Mental Health Episode
When the mind feels overdriven, breathwork can add fuel instead of calm. So, if you are experiencing Psychosis, Schizophrenia or an intense episode of any mental illness, talk to a professional first. Some techniques can worsen anxiety or panic. They may also trigger dissociation or leave you emotionally overwhelmed. This is exactly when breathwork is unsafe and trying it alone can be difficult to regulate by yourself.
Post Surgery or Sickness
Your body is already fragile when you are recovering from a surgery or getting better after an illness. And in this state, they can strain your body, slow your recovery and even trigger your pain, making you feel even worse.
With Vertigo or Balance Disorder
Are you someone who is dealing with vertigoes or balance issues? It’s better to keep your feet steady before you dive into breathwork. Because if the room feels like it’s spinning, breathing can make it spin faster. This puts you at a risk of nausea and dizziness which could lead to an injury.
Safety Tips to Avoid Breathwork Risks
- Talk to a Doctor: Dealing with a condition mentioned above? Consult the doctor immediately
- Get Expert Guidance: practice under the guidance of an expert especially if you are just starting out as they can teach you safe techniques.
- Listen to Your Body: If you feel uneasy during any point in your breathwork session, don’t be hesitant to pause. And always start slow with practices that are suited for beginners.
- Consider Alternate Practice: There is a breathing exercise for everyone out there. So, if one doesn’t fit, you try something else that is better for you.
- Find a Comfortable Setting: Breathwork? It’s not supposed to be chilly like an ice bath or hot like a sauna. So, don’t try it in environments that are too cold or overheated to avoid exhaustion.
- Get Enough Rest: Always get enough rest before you begin your practice to avoid dizziness or mental overload.
Wrapping it Up!
Breathwork can truly do wonders for your wellbeing. But as with any and all therapies, we do encourage you to be cautious when you are starting out. Knowing the risks means that you stay on the safe side. And the safest option? Booking a breathwork session in Dubai with Home of Wellness. Here, our experts offer a free initial consultation where they help you understand the risks and also support you through the whole process.