Breathwork Waiver and Participation Information
This information applies to all sessions delivered by Breathing Space, both online and in person, including individual sessions, group sessions and workshops.
Our sessions may include breath awareness, slower breathing, breath holds, movement, sound and Conscious Connected Breathwork (CCB). Different practices have different considerations. Please read this information alongside any guidance provided for your particular session.
If you have questions or would like to discuss your participation, contact breathe@makesomebreathingspace.com or speak privately with your facilitator before taking part.
Understanding the Practice
Breathwork involves paying attention to or deliberately changing your breathing. Some practices are gentle; others, including active CCB, can produce stronger physical and emotional experiences.
Possible effects include changes in bodily sensations, temperature, emotions, attention or perception. Active breathing may also cause dizziness, tingling, breathlessness or muscle cramps, including involuntary tightening of the hands or feet. Some people may feel anxious, overwhelmed or faint.
These effects are not necessary for a worthwhile experience. Benefits cannot be guaranteed, and there is no particular response you can expected to achieve.
Your Choices During a Session
Participation is always voluntary.
You can:
Ask questions before or during the practice (in live sessions)
Choose an offered adaptation or leave out an exercise.
Keep your eyes open, change position or move.
Return to ordinary breathing, pause or stop at any time.
Decline touch, sharing or any other optional activity.
Our facilitators will explain the practices and available options, work within their training and respond to concerns. They may recommend an alternative, ask you to stop or advise that a particular session is not appropriate for you.
Before You Take Part
Please tell your facilitator privately about any relevant health condition, injury, pregnancy, medication effect or previous difficult response to breathwork that could affect your participation.
You do not need to share personal medical details with the group. If you are unsure what is relevant, contact us before the session.
Where needed, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your circumstances. A facilitator cannot provide medical clearance, and acceptance of your booking does not confirm that every practice is appropriate for you.
Please update us if your health or circumstances change between sessions.
Conscious Connected Breathwork and More Active Practices
Active CCB and practices involving forceful breathing or extended breath holds require particular consideration.
Do not take part in active CCB while pregnant or while experiencing mania, psychosis or an acute mental health crisis. Contact us about whether a different practice or setting may be appropriate.
If any of the following apply, do not begin active CCB until you have discussed the practice with your healthcare professional and the facilitator:
Cardiovascular disease, including angina, a previous heart attack or stroke.
An aneurysm or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Epilepsy or a history of seizures.
Glaucoma or retinal detachment.
Significant respiratory illness or poorly controlled asthma.
Recent surgery, fractures or injuries that could be affected by breathing or movement.
A history of bipolar disorder, psychosis or schizophrenia, or recent psychiatric hospitalisation.
Another condition that could be affected by intense physical or emotional activity.
Also seek advice if you experience recurrent fainting, symptomatic low blood pressure, or medication effects that could affect your breathing, alertness or participation.
This list is not exhaustive. These considerations do not mean that every form of breathwork is unsuitable. They mean that the practice and support need to be considered individually.
Breathing through the nose or reducing intensity does not automatically remove a contraindication.
Joining Online
Choose somewhere you can sit supported or lie down without risk of falling or injury. Never practise while driving, in water or operating equipment.
Online facilitation has limitations: the facilitator may not see everything you are experiencing and cannot provide physical assistance. Follow any session-specific arrangements for camera use, communication and emergency support. Discuss accessibility needs or concerns beforehand.
If the connection drops, stop the active practice, return to ordinary breathing and rest. If you need urgent help, contact your local emergency services rather than waiting for the facilitator to reconnect.
Alcohol, Drugs and Medication
Please attend without being under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.
Continue prescribed medication as directed by your healthcare professional. Do not stop or change medication to participate in breathwork. If medication affects your alertness, breathing or ability to take part, seek advice beforehand.
After the Session
Allow time to return to ordinary breathing, rest and feel alert before driving or undertaking activities that require concentration.
Emotions or thoughts may continue after the session. You may find rest, gentle movement, reflection or talking with someone helpful.
Persistent physical symptoms or significant distress should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional and should not be dismissed as part of integration.
The Scope of Our Sessions
Breathing Space sessions are offered for education, personal exploration and wellbeing. They do not provide medical diagnosis, treatment or psychological therapy, and should not be relied on to treat or cure a condition.
Participation does not replace professional healthcare or advice. Please continue any care or treatment recommended by your healthcare professional.
Your Agreement
By confirming your acceptance when registering or booking, you acknowledge that:
You have read and understood this information and have had the opportunity to ask questions.
You understand that breathwork can involve physical and emotional risks and that outcomes vary.
You will review the guidance for the particular practice and raise relevant health considerations before taking part.
You will seek individual healthcare advice where needed before beginning a practice.
You are participating voluntarily and can withdraw from an exercise or session at any time.
You will inform us of relevant changes before future sessions.
For questions, contact breathe@makesomebreathingspace.com.