ONLINE Breathwork: Guidelines & Recommendations

GEneral Guidelines:

Sword & Lotus offers Breathwork sessions via Zoom, creating the opportunity for deep, transformative journeys from the comfort of your own home. Below are general guidelines and specific distinctions between 1:1 private sessions and group sessions to help you feel prepared and supported.

Platform: All online sessions are held via Zoom. If you're unfamiliar with Zoom, you’ll need to download it in advance. A session link and password will be emailed to you prior to your appointment.

Audio/Video Check: You’re encouraged to test your audio and video settings ahead of time to ensure a smooth experience. We strongly recommend using external speakers (not laptop speakers) or headphones/earbuds for a more immersive sound experience, as music is a significant part of the breathwork journey!

Setting: Find a quiet, private space where you can recline comfortably and not be interrupted. You might like to inform others in the house that you’re doing breathwork and could be making some sound during the session. If you’re so inclined, consider ways to make the space feel sacred and supportive, such as lighting a candle or creating a small altar.

Props & Comfort:

• Thick yoga mat or cushioned surface (futon, bed mattress, etc.)

• Thin pillow for your head, optional bolster or cushions under knees for more low back support

• Blanket(s), as body temperature can fluctuate

• Eye mask or bandana

• Water

• Chapstick, as lips can get dry with the open-mouth breathing

• Notepad/journal, should you wish to capture insights from the journey

1:1 SESSIONS

In private sessions, your camera and microphone will remain ON throughout the session so your facilitator can stay connected with you visually and verbally. This allows for real-time support, tracking your breath pattern and energetic state. Verbal guidance, music, and optional energetic work will be provided. Your facilitator may also offer tailored practices or integration suggestions post-session.

GROUP SESSIONS

For group sessions, microphones remain OFF during the breathwork journey. Cameras are optional—you may choose to have your video on or off and are welcome to toggle as you wish.

If your camera is on, please aim your device so your facilitator can see your torso (pelvis to head) while reclined. This helps them track your breath and offer attuned support.

If introductions and post-journey sharing are invited in your session, please note that sharing is always OPTIONAL.

PREPARATION & AFTER SESSION CARE

• Schedule buffer time. Give yourself time before and after the session to transition into and out of the journey space. We do not recommend scheduling any social commitments immediately following a breathwork journey, as this work can go deep and you might benefit from time to reflect and integrate.

• Hydrate with water and electrolytes. Drink plenty of water AFTER your session to hydrate well and support the detox aspects of this work.

• Nourish. Refrain from eating a large meal prior to the journey, but you might work up an appetite, and it can feel grounding to have a protein-rich snack on hand for after the session.

• Ground and integrate. After a journey, it can feel supportive to take a slow walk outside, journal, take an Epsom salt bath, or do some gentle yoga or stretching.

• Share and process. It can feel supportive to talk about your experience with a trusted friend, partner, therapist, or with your breathwork facilitator. If you have ANY questions or need support integrating your experience, please contact your session guide.

ARE THERE ANY PRECAUTIONS TO CONSIDER?

While Breathwork can be valuable to anyone interested in healing and personal growth, it can induce strong states of physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual experience. As such, there are some conditions that are not recommended for this form of breathwork, or that may require modification of the baseline breathing technique.

Contraindicated Conditions for Breathwork:

• pregnancy

• glaucoma, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, or any eye condition that could be worsened by increased intraocular pressure

• epilepsy

• aneurysm

• recent surgery or major injury

• psychiatric conditions including:

  • Schizophrenia or other psychotic spectrum disorders

  • Schizoaffective disorder

  • Bipolar disorder (especially if unmedicated or recently unstable)

  • Dissociative disorders (e.g., Dissociative Identity Disorder, Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder)

  • Current or recent history of psychosis or psychotic episodes

  • Severe PTSD with uncontrolled flashbacks or dissociation

  • Active suicidal ideation or recent suicide attempt

  • Borderline Personality Disorder (case-by-case, depending on stability and support)

  • Any condition that significantly impairs reality testing, impulse control, or capacity to self-regulateit is contraindicated for those who are pregnant, have severe hypertension or cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, bipolar disorders or schizophrenia, and recent major surgeries and/or communicable diseases. If any of these apply to you, I encourage you to contact me to discuss potential modifications, and assess whether this process will be beneficial.

Conditions that may require modification or caution:

• high blood pressure or history of cardiovascular disease

• history of severe trauma (Type 1 or Type 2)

• history of panic attacks

• recent significant loss or life crisis

• asthma

• severe osteoporosis

• children and teens (generally under 16 years of age)

• any condition that could be aggravated by acute physical stress, strong emotional release, or expanded states of consciousness

A note on virtual breathwork and trauma. As this work can catalyze fairly intense somatic release processes, those who have experienced significant trauma may prefer to do a one-on-one session where your facilitator can be fully present to your individual experience. In some cases, it might be beneficial to wait until you’re able to schedule an in-person session, so that you are fully supported to engage this deep work.

Waiver & Release of LIability

In registering for a breathwork session with Tai, you must read and agree to the terms of the release and waiver of liability.

Breathwork INstruction & OVerview:

This 28-minute video serves as an introduction to breathwork for all virtual breathwork sessions and ceremonies. The breathwork technique is demonstrated, as well as ways to deepen and enrich your experience. As this information WILL NOT be addressed in our online meeting, please ensure to watch the video in full if this is your first time doing breathwork with Tai.

The gifts of entering into a sacred, experiential process for healing and growth are many, and I look forward to sharing this profound work with you!

For reference articles on breathwork, somatic healing, trauma, and general healing and development, please visit the Resources page.