Please read ALL the information below. 

Physical Contraindications

• Cardiovascular issues

• Glaucoma

• High blood pressure (Over time, if untreated, it can cause health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke) Deep-breathing lowers blood pressure. 

• Epilepsy

• Detached Retina (Retinal detachment separates the retinal cells from the layer of blood vessels that provides oxygen and nourishment). 

• History of strokes or seizures

• Aneurysm or family history of aneurysm. (Burst blood vessels in the brain). 

• Blood thinning medication. (Unfortunately, the blood thinners used to prevent such blood clots can increase the risk of bleeding in the brain, a cause of hemorrhagic stroke).

• Pregnancy or possible pregnancy

• Asthma

Mental Contraindications

• Substance dependence & addiction (Deep breathwork journeys are not always appropriate for those who are still addicted to a substance, as it tends to raise suppressed or repressed material for processing. However, if you’re currently in recovery, this can be extremely healing, and help you discover the deeper patterns that gave rise to this addiction. (Grof, 1985: 267 – 268).

• Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or psychosis

• Hospitalisation for emotional crises in the last 10 years 

• Psychological conditions and diagnoses, which preclude safe emotional release. 

If you are affected by any of the above, please inform the instructor.