Before you breathe
Safety information
Please read this before any 9D Breathwork session. It explains how your body may respond, who should talk to me first, and what we each take responsibility for.
Medical and legal disclaimer
This information is educational only and isn’t medical advice. 9D Breathwork sessions are not a medical treatment, and aren’t intended to diagnose, treat or cure any physical or psychological condition.
If you have health concerns, a pre-existing condition, or take prescription medication, speak with your doctor before taking part.
Taking part is voluntary. By joining a session you acknowledge that you’re choosing to participate, that you understand breathwork can be emotionally and physically intense, and that you take responsibility for your health and wellbeing during and after the session. Your facilitator provides guidance and safety monitoring, but you remain the authority over your own body and experience.
Types of breathwork
Not all breathwork affects the body the same way. 9D Breathwork has four categories.
- Basic breath training
- Foundational techniques that build awareness, regulation and resilience in daily life.
- Down-regulation
- Gentle breathing designed to calm the nervous system and restore balance.
- Hybrid breathwork
- A blend of calming and activating breathing, in rhythmic waves.
- 9D Activation sessions
- High-intensity patterns designed to release stored emotion and move into altered states.
The considerations below apply mainly to Activation and Hybrid sessions, though some people respond strongly to gentler techniques too.
What you might experience
Some people describe it as riding a wave: sometimes smooth, sometimes raw and intense. For others it’s subtle, or it feels like nothing happened. That’s valid too.
In your body
- Tingling, pulsing or vibration
- Feeling hot, cold, or both
- Stiffness or cramping, often in the hands, feet or jaw
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Shaking, trembling or twitching
- Deep relaxation or a floating feeling
- Surges of energy
Emotionally and mentally
- Sudden emotion or unexpected tears
- Feeling vulnerable or open
- Strong resonance with others in the room
- Waves of different emotions
- Deep peace or connection
- Memories, images or insights surfacing
All of these are welcome. Because breathwork can be intense, it’s important it’s right for your current health.
Contraindications and medical considerations
These aren’t here to keep you out. They’re here so you have the safest experience possible. If any of these apply to you, reach out to me before you book and we’ll talk it through. I’ll also ask you to check in with your doctor. Often there’s still a way in, and a calming journey may be the better fit.
Physical health
- Pregnancy, any stage
- Gentle breathing only. Avoid activating sessions.
- High or low blood pressure
- Tell your facilitator. Breathwork can change blood pressure.
- Cardiovascular disease
- Including heart attack, angina or a history of stroke. Medical clearance required.
- Aneurysm, any type
- Medical clearance required, because of pressure changes.
- Thyroid conditions
- Changes in energy and metabolism may affect thyroid stability.
- Diabetes, type 1 or 2
- Blood sugar can fluctuate. Check with your doctor.
- Eye conditions
- Such as glaucoma or detached retina. Increased pressure can aggravate them.
- Asthma or COPD
- Gentle practice only. Bring your inhaler.
- Recent surgery, injury or childbirth
- Avoid activation sessions until you’re fully healed.
Neurological and mental health
- Epilepsy or seizures
- Intense breathwork can trigger seizures. Avoid activation sessions.
- Fainting or vasovagal episodes
- Practise only under supervision, with a modified pace.
- Severe PTSD or trauma history
- Gentle or down-regulation sessions only. Trauma-informed support recommended.
- Bipolar, schizophrenia or psychosis
- Avoid high-intensity breathwork unless medically cleared and supported.
- A mental health admission in the last month
- Reach out to me before booking, and check in with your doctor or treating team.
In short
- Chronic or medically managed condition: doctor’s clearance required.
- Mild or non-chronic condition: modify the technique and self-regulate.
- Safe for everyone: down-regulation sessions.
Talking to your doctor
If you need to check with your doctor, you could say something like this:
I’m interested in a guided breathwork session for stress and personal development. The facilitator guides specific breathing patterns, which may include deep, rhythmic breathing that activates my nervous system. Given my [condition or medication], is there any reason this might not be safe for me?
Guidelines for participants
- Choose a safe place
- Never practise intense breathwork while driving, swimming or bathing.
- No forcing
- Breathwork should never feel pressured or competitive.
- You’re in control
- Slow down, return to natural breathing, or stop whenever you need to.
- Speak up
- Tell your facilitator about any discomfort, emotion or boundary.
- Afterwards
- Drink water, rest and give yourself time to integrate.
Touch and consent
Some 9D sessions may include supportive touch, such as grounding pressure or light help with positioning. Your facilitator will ask for clear verbal consent before any contact and will respect your boundaries. No touch is ever required. You can decline at any moment, and you’re encouraged to speak up straight away if something doesn’t feel right.
Roles and responsibilities
- Facilitators
- Give clear information about possible experiences, hold a safe space, and honour your boundaries at all times.
- You
- Read this information, disclose any relevant health conditions, and speak with your doctor when needed. You’re responsible for your choices, pace and wellbeing during the session.
By attending a 9D Breathwork session, you confirm you’ve read and understood this information and take responsibility for your participation.
If you’re in crisis or feeling unsafe, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 any time, or 000 in an emergency.
