The contraindications of CCB breathwork
Breathwork can be deeply supportive — and it should always feel safe. Your wellbeing comes first, always. If anything below applies, we’ll pause, adapt, or choose a gentler practice.
When CCB isn’t suitable right now
CCB is not appropriate at this time if you have any of the following:
Pregnancy (CCB is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to the intensity and physiological shifts it can create).
Epilepsy or a history of seizures.
Aneurysm (history of aneurysm or known aneurysm risk).
Serious cardiovascular conditions, including:
history of heart attack
angina
significant arrhythmias
heart failure or other clinically significant heart disease
Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Glaucoma, retinal detachment, or other serious eye conditions where pressure changes may be a concern.
Severe asthma or respiratory illness that is not well controlled, or where breath restriction/over-breathing could increase risk.
Recent major surgery, recent stroke, or an acute medical condition where strong physiological activation isn’t advised.
Current intoxication (alcohol or recreational drugs) — breathwork is safest with a clear system.
When CCB may be possible, but only with care (and sometimes medical sign-off)
These don’t always mean “no”, but they do mean we need a slower, more considered approach:
Mental health / nervous system considerations
A history of panic attacks or severe anxiety (we can often work safely, but we may choose a gentler breath or a more contained format).
PTSD / trauma history (CCB can be supportive, but only if it’s trauma-informed, consent-led, and paced gently).
A history of psychosis, mania, bipolar disorder (Type I), or periods of losing touch with reality — CCB can be destabilising for some people. If this is part of your history, we’ll usually require clinical sign-off and may suggest a different approach.
Current severe depression with high vulnerability — we may choose breath practices that are regulating rather than activating.
Physical considerations
Controlled high blood pressure (medicated and stable) — often fine with a modified approach, but we’ll screen carefully.
Asthma that is controlled — we may still adapt the breath and ensure you bring your inhaler.
Diabetes or conditions where dizziness/light-headedness needs extra care — we’ll keep sessions gentle and grounded.
Chronic fatigue / long COVID or other conditions where strong activation can flare symptoms — we’ll choose regulation first.
Breastfeeding / postpartum (especially early postpartum): your nervous system can be tender; we’ll choose what feels supportive, not intense.
When we’ll postpone (timing-based contraindications)
Sometimes it’s not a “no” — it’s simply “not today.”
If you’re unwell (fever, infection, flu-like symptoms).
If you’ve had very little sleep, feel emotionally raw, or are in the middle of acute stress — we may choose a softer practice.
If you’re in a period of fresh grief or shock, we’ll decide together what feels safest and most supportive.
If you’ve had a recent concussion/head injury.
Important safety notes (what can happen in CCB)
CCB can create strong sensations. These can be normal, but they should always be held with care:
Tingling in hands/face, warmth/cold, light-headedness
Emotional release (tears, laughter, shaking, waves of feeling)
A sense of activation followed by deep calm
You are always in control. You can slow down, pause, or return to normal breathing at any time — and we’ll build your session around safety, consent and grounding.
If you’re unsure
Please always reach out before booking. I’ll ask a few simple, respectful questions and we’ll decide together what’s best — whether that’s CCB, or something gentler like coherence breathing (still powerful, often more soothing, and beautifully supportive for everyday nervous system care).
If you’re exploring Conscious Connected Breathwork (CCB), it’s important to understand when this style of breathwork may not be suitable. This guide shares the key CCB breathwork contraindications, including pregnancy, epilepsy or seizures, uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart conditions, glaucoma/retinal issues, severe asthma, recent surgery, and certain mental health considerations. At A Quiet Return in Brighton & Hove, every session is held with care, consent, and nervous system safety—so you can choose the right breath practice for you, at the right time.
