Informed Consent for Breathwork Practice

Last updated: May 2026 · Please read carefully before participating

Important Notice

Breathwork is a powerful somatic practice. By using Keys to Your Breath, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and voluntarily consent to the information below. If you are unsure whether breathwork is appropriate for you, consult a qualified healthcare provider before proceeding.

1. Nature of Breathwork

Breathwork encompasses a range of intentional breathing techniques including, but not limited to, slow coherent breathing, box breathing (4-4-4-4), 4-7-8 breathing, Wim Hof Method, holotropic breathing, and pranayama practices from yogic tradition (e.g., Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati, Bhramari, and Bastrika).

These practices directly modulate the autonomic nervous system by altering blood carbon dioxide (CO₂) and oxygen (O₂) levels, heart rate variability (HRV), blood pH, and neurological activity. Their effects are real, physiological, and sometimes profound.

Breathwork is not a replacement for medical treatment, psychiatric care, or emergency services.

2. Altered States of Consciousness

Certain breathwork techniques — particularly hyperventilation-based methods (e.g., Wim Hof, holotropic, Bastrika) — can produce temporary altered states of consciousness. These are a recognized and expected outcome of the practice and may include:

Tingling or numbness in the hands, feet, or face (tetany)
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Feelings of emotional release, euphoria, or altered perception
Visual changes or tunnel vision
Feelings of floating, dissociation, or depersonalization
Involuntary muscle contractions (carpopedal spasm)
Temporary loss of motor control
In rare cases: brief loss of consciousness (syncope)

These effects result primarily from hypocapnia (reduced CO₂) and transient cerebral vasoconstriction. They are generally temporary and resolve upon returning to normal breathing. You should always practice breathwork while seated or lying down in a safe environment, never while driving, swimming, operating machinery, or in any situation where loss of consciousness could cause injury or death.

3. Contraindications — When NOT to Practice

You should NOT engage in intensive breathwork (especially hyperventilation-based techniques) if you have or suspect any of the following conditions. Please consult your physician first:

Cardiovascular & Circulatory

Cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, or recent heart attack
Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
History of stroke, TIA, or cerebrovascular disease
Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
Aneurysm (aortic, cerebral, or peripheral)
Thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (blood clots)

Respiratory

Asthma (active or poorly controlled) — breathwork may trigger bronchospasm
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema
Spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung history)
Active respiratory infection or severe lung disease

Neurological & Psychiatric

Epilepsy or seizure disorders — hyperventilation can be a seizure trigger
History of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder (Type I)
Severe PTSD, complex trauma, or dissociative disorders (without professional supervision)
Active suicidal ideation or severe depressive episodes
Recent head injury or concussion

Other Medical Conditions

Pregnancy — certain techniques may be contraindicated; consult your OB/GYN
Diabetes mellitus with blood sugar instability
Detached retina or glaucoma (with breath-hold or pressure-intensive techniques)
Recent surgery (within 6 weeks) or active internal bleeding
Severe anxiety disorders where intense somatic experiences may be destabilizing
Osteoporosis (with vigorous physical breathwork)

Medications & Substances

Blood thinners (anticoagulants) — consult your physician
Never practice breathwork while under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other substances
Some psychiatric medications may interact with the physiological effects of breathwork

If you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, heart palpitations, loss of consciousness, or any other alarming symptoms during practice — stop immediately and seek medical attention.

4. Guidelines for Safe Practice

Always practice in a seated or lying position on a stable, safe surface
Never practice near water (baths, pools, oceans) or while driving
Begin with shorter sessions and gentler techniques before advancing
If you feel overwhelmed, return to natural breathing immediately
Practice in a quiet, comfortable, distraction-free environment
Consider having a trusted person nearby when first attempting intensive techniques
Stay hydrated and avoid practicing on a full stomach
Allow time after intense sessions before resuming normal activities

5. Not a Medical Service

Keys to Your Breath provides educational and wellness content only. Nothing on this platform constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content is provided for general wellness and informational purposes. We are not licensed healthcare providers and do not claim to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new wellness practice, particularly if you have any pre-existing health conditions.

6. Voluntary Participation & Assumption of Risk

Your participation in breathwork sessions on this platform is entirely voluntary. By using Keys to Your Breath, you acknowledge that:

You are in adequate physical and mental health to engage in breathwork
You have read and understood the contraindications listed above
You voluntarily assume all risks associated with breathwork practice
You will immediately stop any practice that causes discomfort or alarm
You will seek professional medical advice if you have any concerns about your suitability for breathwork

In Case of Emergency

If you or someone you know experiences a medical emergency during or after breathwork practice, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. Do not attempt to continue the session. Move to a safe position (lying on the floor away from furniture) if you feel faint.