Is SOMA Breath® Safe? - Contraindications and Safety Information

SOMA Breath® Breathwork is Safe for All People over the age of 12. The  Movement, Meditations, Chanting, and Rhythmic Breathing is Generally Safe for everyone. The Breath Holding or Intermittent Hypoxic Training (IHT) does have a few Contraindications to consider.

Just follow these simple safety guidelines:

Do not practice this breathwork during pregnancy, or if you are epileptic. People with cardiovascular issues or other serious health conditions or if you have a pacemaker or extremely high blood pressure that is not regulated you should always consult a medical professional before starting breathwork. These breathing exercises are a guide only, you should always listen to your own body and not push yourself, if you feel unwell STOP. Never practice breathing exercises before or during diving, driving, swimming, taking a bath, or in any other circumstance where the loss of consciousness could result in bodily harm. Deep breathing may cause tingling sensations, a ringing in the ears, and/or light-headedness. These are normal responses and are no cause for alarm. If you faint, however, you have gone too far and should take it more slowly. Those with Tinnitus or hernia may experience some discomfort so pay close attention to technique. SOMA Breath is best practiced when not on a full stomach.

Formal SOMA Breath Contraindications:

Slow rhythmic breathing techniques of SOMA Breath are safe to be used for anyone, and can be beneficial for all individuals.

Forceful mouth breathing, prolonged breath holds and extended intense fast breathwork/hyperventilation for more than 5 minutes, should NOT be practiced in the case of any of the following:

  • Severe/critical diseases or infections if it impairs your ability to breathe
  • Severe uncontrolled hypertension (usually after a heart attack)
  • Organ failure or late-stage terminal illness
  • Pregnancy

If you have epilepsy, a pacemaker, or irregular heart beat (Exception: your doctor gives you specific permission).

Some conditions (Eg: Tinnitus, hernias) may be aggravated by forceful mouth breathing, prolonged breath holds and prolonged, intense, rapid breathing/hyperventilation and careful attention to technique is required.

To learn how to do SOMA Breath® techniques correctly and to see which techniques are most suitable for your situation SOMA Breath® advises first consulting with a certified SOMA Breath® Instructor. Emerging Forward's Sarah Falter is a Certified ADVANCED Level SOMA Breath® Instructor.

The Simplest and best place to start is to attend our FREE beginner friendly Empowerment-igniting your Inner Power SOMA Breath® Energized Meditation Session. Currently we Offer this FREE session the second Saturday of each Month at 9 am US Central Time 10 am US Eastern

Register for this SOMA Breath Energized Meditation Session NOW. The Beginner friendly session features an extended explanation of technique and demonstrations. It also includes beginner level movement, chanting, and 2 rounds of SOMA Breath Breathwork Meditation. The Topic is EMPOWERMENT - Igniting your Inner Power

What if I am a person with any of the contraindications?

You will still gain enormous benefits from this course. The rhythmic breathing and visualization techniques will help you tremendously.

Simply stay away from the breath retentions unless you are supervised by your health professional.

***DO NOT practice this in water nor while driving or operating any kind of machinery.