Breathwork is transformative, but like all powerful tools, it needs to be used with intention and awareness. While many people can benefit from breathwork, certain conditions may make it less appropriate or require caution. At Mastry, we emphasize the importance of knowing when breathwork is right for you—and when it might not be. This covers how to safely engage in breathwork and what to consider if you’re dealing with certain health conditions.
When Breathwork is Beneficial:
- For Stress and Anxiety: If you feel overwhelmed, breathwork can shift you from fight-or-flight mode into calm, centered awareness. Techniques like box breathing or 4-7-8 are particularly effective in these situations.
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- For Focus and Clarity: Breathwork can be a powerful tool to improve concentration, especially during busy or mentally demanding times. Try alternate nostril breathing before diving into a creative project or challenging task.
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- For Emotional Release: Deep, intentional breathing can release stored emotions and help you process trauma. Holotropic breathwork is a potent tool for this but should be done under professional guidance.
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- For Manifestation & Intuition: Due to the deep brain wave state and unique three part breath technique that you can access in one of our Hypno Breathwork® sessions. This type of breathwork can help you more easily access your intuition. Allowing you to speed up your manifestations and act in alignment with your highest self.
When Breathwork May Not Be Suitable
- Cardiovascular Issues: If you have a heart condition or high blood pressure, certain techniques like rapid breathing (Wim Hof or holotropic) may elevate your heart rate too much. Stick with gentler methods like diaphragmatic breathing.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, avoid intense breathwork that includes breath retention or rapid inhalation. Gentle, rhythmic breathing is safe, but always consult your healthcare provider.
- Mental Health Conditions: People dealing with conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder should avoid breathwork that induces altered states of consciousness unless under professional supervision.
- Epilepsy: Breathwork techniques that alter brainwave patterns could trigger a seizure in individuals with epilepsy. Consult a professional before trying new techniques.
How to Determine if Breathwork is Right for You
- Consult with a Doctor: If you have any underlying health conditions, always consult a medical professional before starting breathwork.
- Test the Waters: If you’re new to breathwork, start with simple techniques like box breathing or 4-7-8 to see how your body responds.
- Monitor Your Reactions: If you feel lightheaded, anxious, or physically uncomfortable during a session, slow down or stop altogether.
Conclusion
Breathwork is powerful practice, but it’s essential to understand when it’s appropriate and when it’s best to take a gentler approach. By knowing your body’s limits and listening to its signals, you can enjoy the full benefits of breathwork in a safe, supportive way. At Mastry, we’re here to help you find the practices that are right for your unique body and mind.
Explore one of our HypnoBreathwork® sessions that is designed for every mental state or situation you’re wanting clarity on. Where we combine the power of breath with hypnotic suggestion to help you break free from limiting patterns and manifest the life you desire.
Ready to use the power of your breath to transform your life?
Start your breathwork journey with Mastry today by clicking here.
