Breath Practice & Contraindications

Mainly, breath practice is a safe, gentle activity, but because the breath is experiencing retention or regulation, it's necessary to be aware of some contraindications that could arise.

Please remember to never overexert the body. Stay within the comfortableness of the body and what feels unpressured and relaxed.

If you would like to share times of breath practice with friends or family, stay aware of your body's conditions during breath practice and be attentive to others if they are beginning to feel unease or exhaustion during practice. This is a sign to intervene with practice and investigate the matter. Quite possibly, this may be an indication for the individual undergoing abnormal discomfort during practice to disengage altogether.

Do not conduct breath practice or any similar activities beyond your personal scope of understanding in order to avoid breathing incorrectly or causing unnecessary strain to the body. When incorrect breathing is being done, it can induce hyperventilation or rapid over-breathing, and unusual exhalation leaving an individual feeling breathless.

Over-breathing can cause an individual to breathe out too much CO2. Low CO2 levels may activate a narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, leading to the feeling of lightheadedness. Also, it may create changes in vision, difficulties with concentration, headaches, convulsive movements or unconsciousness. This type of breathing may be to extremities at times in individuals experiencing escalated periods of anxiousness and those during panic attacks.

It's quite common to see someone offer a small paper bag to an individual that is hyperventilating, so they can breathe into it. Breathing into the small paper bag actually creates an environment where the individual can breathe back in the CO2 that is being released out. This same action may be completed by an individual cupping their hands around their nose and mouth and breathing into their cupped hands.

Hypoventilation is the opposite of hyperventilation. Hypoventilation is when respiratory depression occurs, causing the breaths to be too shallow or slow, establishing an unaccommodating environment toward the body's needs. When this takes place, there's a more limited ability for respiratory gas exchange, establishing an increase in the concentration of CO2.

Hypoventilation is introductory to Hypoxia. Hypoxia occurs when the body doesn't have adequate oxygen to supply its cells in order to maintain homeostasis and may cause damage to the body's tissues. Individuals experiencing hypoxia may feel disoriented. Coughing, an increase in breathing and heart rate, lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting may occur, which are also symptoms of hyperventilation. Regarding severe, minacious breathing conditions of any kind, please contact emergency services.

There are some medical conditions that may not be conducive to breath practice, such as asthma, glaucoma, or high blood pressure because some practices cause increased pressure in the head due to the holding/retention of breaths.

For the most part, breath practice is considered safe, but be mindful of the body's response during practice and apply the necessary precautions to provide a more suitable environment for safety.

Breath practice does not require an individual to hold their breath for long periods of time. The practice should always be beneficial and not harmful. If an individual has a medical condition, it's most beneficial to consult with their licensed healthcare provider for further support.

Anytime there are unusual symptoms, such as a racing heart or breathlessness, it's always beneficial to arrange a physician's visit to inquire if breath practice is suitable.

Reminders

Understand that engagement with the above is of sole discretion. Refer throughout this program for some general considerations regarding breath practice and pranayama. Initially, searching for a local qualified guide may be most beneficial for a more personable monitored experience, especially considering the state of health or condition. Inquire with your licensed healthcare provider if there are any existing conditions that may not be conducive to practice, being that only a few are mentioned in this community or on this site.

This information is provided for general informational purposes and is not a substitute or definitive to replace physicians' care.