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.