Breathwork Safety Standards for Online Practices
Ensuring Accountability and Informed Choices
Introduction:
As breathwork grows in popularity, the digital space has emerged as a convenient and accessible platform for both practitioners and participants. Online breathwork sessions and courses offer flexibility, allowing people to connect globally and practice from the comfort of their homes. However, the shift to virtual sessions introduces new challenges, particularly around ensuring safety, accountability, professionalism and ethical practices. Practicing breathwork, especially online, requires certain standards and guidelines to ensure it is done safely.
The Rise of Online Breathwork Practices
It is crucial when participants may engage in emotionally and physically intense practices from home. This article explores the do’s and don’ts of online breathwork safety, accountability for providers, and key things to check before signing up for an online session, workshop, or course.
This article delves into the essential standards for conducting safe and effective online breathwork, equipping both participants and facilitators with the knowledge to make informed choices.
The shift to virtual platforms has significantly expanded access to breathwork sessions, allowing people worldwide to explore this healing modality from their homes. However, this convenience comes with challenges, including the absence in some cases of direct supervision, increased reliance on technology, and limited personal interaction. To address these issues, both facilitators, practitioners and participants must adapt traditional safety measures to fit the online format, fostering accountability and informed choices.
Table of Contents
Addressing Safety Challenges in Free Online Breathwork Sessions
Free online breathwork sessions present unique challenges in upholding safety standards due to the larger group sizes and limited time available to manage individual needs. In many cases, proper participant screening and compliance with best practices are overlooked, as facilitators may not have the resources to provide individual assessments or address diverse health concerns. This can lead to a higher risk of adverse reactions or unsuitable participation. While free sessions aim to make breathwork accessible, they must still prioritize participant safety by implementing generalized safety guidelines, clear disclaimers, and safer breathwork techniques to minimize risks in these time-constrained settings.
Ethical standards and Accountability in Online Breathwork Practices
Ethical standards for online breathwork practices are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of participants, especially in virtual settings where physical presence is absent. These standards generally cover key areas such as consent, confidentiality, appropriate facilitation, and the need for clear communication.
- Informed Consent: Practitioners must obtain clear, informed consent from participants before beginning any session. This includes making participants aware of potential risks, contraindications, and what they can expect from the session.
- Confidentiality: Safeguarding participants’ personal information is crucial. Confidentiality should be respected in both private sessions and group settings, ensuring that participants feel secure in sharing sensitive experiences.
- Creating a Safe Space: In an online setting, establishing a sense of safety is paramount. Facilitators should guide participants through safe practices, respect their boundaries, and encourage participants to listen to their bodies, especially when dealing with potentially intense emotional releases.
- Contraindications and Precautions: Participants should be informed about any physical or mental health conditions that may not align well with certain breathwork practices. Proper screening before sessions can help avoid adverse reactions.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Breathwork often incorporates practices from various spiritual or cultural traditions. Ethical practitioners should handle these elements with respect and awareness, avoiding cultural appropriation and ensuring that the traditions are honored correctly.
- Continuous Education and Accountability: Practitioners must keep up with current best practices, seek supervision when necessary, and continually improve their skills. Ethical practitioners take responsibility for their role in facilitating a transformative but potentially vulnerable experience for participants. Accountability also extends to providing support post-session if any emotional or physical challenges arise.
- Facilitating Positive Change: Practitioners should empower clients to take responsibility for their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The breathwork process fosters self-awareness, and the practitioner’s role is to facilitate—not direct—clients’ journeys.
For example, the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance (GBPA) offer ethical guidelines to ensure professional conduct. Their standards emphasize the importance of maintaining boundaries, ensuring emotional safety, and offering appropriate aftercare. These guidelines are especially relevant for online practices, where body language cues may be harder to read, increasing the importance of clear communication and ethical responsibility.
When choosing a breathwork provider, it is wise to check their credentials, including certification from recognized bodies, their adherence to ethical standards, and whether they offer informed consent and post-session support. Always make sure that the provider has experience and training in facilitating breathwork safely, especially in an online environment.
As breathwork continues to gain popularity, ensuring ethical standards in online practices—such as events, workshops, and courses—is crucial. For breathwork providers, maintaining safety, professionalism, and transparency helps build trust with participants, especially when sessions are conducted virtually. Below are key ethical considerations and standards practitioners should adhere to, focusing on practitioner-client boundaries and overall accountability.
Mention What to look for in a Breathwork Service Provider article to learn more
What to Check for in a Breathwork Provider Before Signing Up
Before committing to a breathwork event, workshop, or course, it’s essential to vet your provider. Here’s a checklist of things to confirm:
Before signing up for an online breathwork event, workshop, or course, it’s essential to verify the provider’s credentials and approach to safety. Here’s what you should check for:
Before committing to a breathwork event, workshop, or course, it’s essential to vet your provider. Here’s a checklist of things to confirm:
When selecting a breathwork provider, especially for online sessions, consider the following:
Breathwork Service Providers
- Certification and Credentials: Ask for the provider’s qualifications and certifications. Ensure that their training aligns with industry standards and the type of breathwork they’re offering. Also ensure ensure they have sufficient experience in leading sessions, especially online.
- Ethical Guidelines: Does the provider follow a set of ethical standards, including confidentiality, informed consent, and respect for participant boundaries? Ethical guidelines should be clearly stated on their website or during initial communications.
- Client Testimonials or Reviews: Look for feedback from previous clients. Authentic testimonials and reviews give you an insight into the provider’s experience, professionalism, safety practices and support.
- Safety Precautions: Before signing up, the provider should outline safety precautions and contraindications both in person & especially for online sessions. They should inquire about your health history and ensure that their breathwork is suitable for your needs.
- Trauma-Informed Practice: Check whether the provider advertises that they are trauma-informed. This means they have the knowledge and skills to guide participants through emotional or traumatic releases with care and understanding both in-person & especially online.
- Clear Structure and Agenda: A professional breathwork provider will outline the structure of the session, including what to expect, how long it will last, and how to prepare. Avoid providers who are vague about these details.
- Aftercare or Integration Support: Ask about follow-up support or integration resources after the session. Responsible providers should offer guidance on how to process the experience and check in with participants afterward.
- Cancellation and Refund Policies: Ensure the provider has clear policies regarding cancellations and refunds. This is especially important for paid workshops or courses.
- Transparency: Look for clear, honest communication about the practitioner’s methods, fees, and session expectations.
- Ethical Standards: Ensure the provider adheres to ethical standards regarding consent, confidentiality, and inclusivity. Checking for a published Code of Ethics is a good sign of professional conduct.
By maintaining these standards, both breathwork practitioners and participants can enjoy a safe, transformative, and professional environment that fosters growth, self-awareness, and healing.
For more information on breathwork ethics, refer to the IBF’s Ethical Guidelines for Breathwork Practitioners and GBPA’s Code of Ethics
Accountability for Breathwork Providers
Ethical breathwork providers must take ownership, accountability and responsibility for creating a professional, safe, transparent environment, particularly in an online setting where in-person cues are limited. Here’s what a responsible providers includes:::
- Ongoing Education: Continuous training and adherence to evolving ethical standards are necessary. Providers should keep up with best practices in trauma-informed care, emotional safety, and group facilitation.
- Personal Integrity: Living what is taught is key. Practitioners must embody the principles they teach, showing authenticity and integrity in every session.
- Supervision and Support: Ongoing professional supervision ensures that practitioners are reflecting on their practice and addressing any challenges they may face in working with clients.
- Informed Consent: Before a session, the practitioner must provide a clear outline of potential risks, contraindications, and the session structure. This enables participants to make informed decisions about their involvement.
- Client Empowerment: Encourage clients to listen to their own bodies and adjust their practices as needed. Practitioners should always honor and respect the pace at which the client wants to move forward.
- Confidentiality: The practitioner must protect any shared personal information and session content, ensuring data protection laws such as GDPR which needs to be followed.
Professional Certifications and Licensing: Providers should hold certifications from recognized accrediting bodies (e.g., Global Professional Breathwork Alliance, International Breathwork Foundation) and be transparent about their level of training and qualifications.
Adherence to Ethical Guidelines: Ethical guidelines should be the foundation of any breathwork practice. Providers need to ensure confidentiality, respect participant boundaries, and avoid pushing people beyond what feels comfortable.
Create Informed Consent: Before a session begins, providers must offer a clear disclaimer outlining potential risks and obtain informed consent from participants. This includes discussing health concerns, possible emotional triggers, and expectations for the session.
Emergency Protocols in Place: Even in online sessions, breathwork providers must have an action plan for emergencies. Participants should know what to do if they experience discomfort, panic, or physical symptoms, including instructions on how to leave the session safely.
Continuing Education: Accountability means staying updated with new developments in breathwork techniques and safety standards. Providers should engage in continuing education to maintain the integrity and safety of their practice.
Offer Clear Communication Channels: Participants should have a way to reach out with concerns before and after sessions. Providers must be responsive to feedback and inquiries, ensuring that participants feel supported throughout their breathwork journey.
Accountability is the cornerstone of professionalism in any practice, and breathwork is no exception. Online breathwork, in particular, presents challenges in maintaining safety and trust due to the lack of physical presence. Here’s how breathwork providers should maintain accountability to their participants:
1. Professional Certification and Training
Providers should hold valid certifications from recognized organizations like the GPBA, IBF, or other respected accrediting bodies. Their qualifications should be relevant to the type of breathwork they are teaching, and they should maintain ongoing education to stay current on best practices, safety protocols, and new developments in breathwork research.
2. Adherence to a Code of Ethics
Accountable breathwork providers must adhere to a clear code of ethics, including principles of confidentiality, respect, consent, and transparency. This means:
- Respecting participant privacy and maintaining confidentiality about health conditions, personal details, and session experiences.
- Ensuring participants are well-informed about what the practice entails, potential risks, and the scope of the instructor’s expertise.
- Practicing non-judgmental listening and empathy, especially when working with individuals dealing with trauma or emotional releases.
3. Creating Informed Consent Processes
Before the start of any breathwork session, the provider should offer an informed consent form that clearly outlines the potential risks and benefits of breathwork. This document should include:
- Health-related contraindications (e.g., heart conditions, pregnancy, respiratory issues).
- Potential emotional or psychological effects.
- The participant’s rights to stop or modify their practice at any time without judgment.
The provider should ensure that participants fully understand what they’re engaging in and that they agree to proceed with full awareness.
4. Proper Screening and Health Assessments
It is crucial for providers to screen participants beforehand, particularly when offering intensive breathwork practices. This involves gathering information about:
- Physical health conditions.
- Mental health status and any history of trauma.
- Medications or treatments that could interact with breathwork.
Providers who skip this step or fail to offer modifications for participants with health conditions are not upholding their duty of care.
5. Emergency Protocols in Online Sessions
Accountability also means having an emergency plan in place. In online breathwork, providers should communicate what participants should do if they experience distress during the session, such as:
- How to pause or exit the session safely.
- How to ground themselves using a calming technique.
- When to seek medical or psychological assistance if a concerning reaction arises.
Providing clear instructions and making sure participants know how to contact the provider afterward is part of taking ownership of the safety process.
6. Transparency in Marketing and Program Descriptions
Responsible breathwork providers must avoid misleading participants through exaggerated claims or vague descriptions. They should clearly define what participants can expect from a session, including:
- The type of breathwork being practiced.
- The length, format, and goals of the session.
- Any potential risks or limitations.
Providers who make unsubstantiated promises (e.g., instant healing or guaranteed transformation) are not acting with integrity. They must manage participant expectations in a transparent, realistic way.
7. Regular Feedback and Self-Reflection
An accountable provider welcomes feedback and is committed to improving their practice. They should provide opportunities for participants to give honest input on their experience and reflect on that feedback to refine their offerings. This could involve follow-up surveys, post-session discussions, or even anonymous reviews.
8. Continuing Professional Development
Breathwork is an evolving field, and responsible providers engage in continuous professional development. This includes attending workshops, conferences, or additional certifications to stay updated on new techniques, research, and safety protocols. Breathwork providers who fail to refresh their knowledge run the risk of using outdated or potentially unsafe methods.
With the increase in online offerings, accountability has become more important than ever. Breathwork providers must take ownership of the safety and well-being of participants. Here’s what responsible providers should do:
Professional Certifications and Licensing: Providers should hold certifications from recognized accrediting bodies (e.g., Global Professional Breathwork Alliance, International Breathwork Foundation) and be transparent about their level of training and qualifications.
Adherence to Ethical Guidelines: Ethical guidelines should be the foundation of any breathwork practice. Providers need to ensure confidentiality, respect participant boundaries, and avoid pushing people beyond what feels comfortable.
Create Informed Consent: Before a session begins, providers must offer a clear disclaimer outlining potential risks and obtain informed consent from participants. This includes discussing health concerns, possible emotional triggers, and expectations for the session.
Emergency Protocols in Place: Even in online sessions, breathwork providers must have an action plan for emergencies. Participants should know what to do if they experience discomfort, panic, or physical symptoms, including instructions on how to leave the session safely.
Continuing Education: Accountability means staying updated with new developments in breathwork techniques and safety standards. Providers should engage in continuing education to maintain the integrity and safety of their practice.
Offer Clear Communication Channels: Participants should have a way to reach out with concerns before and after sessions. Providers must be responsive to feedback and inquiries, ensuring that participants feel supported throughout their breathwork journey.
Accountability is the cornerstone of professionalism in any practice, and breathwork is no exception. Online breathwork, in particular, presents challenges in maintaining safety and trust due to the lack of physical presence. Here’s how breathwork providers should maintain accountability to their participants:
1. Professional Certification and Training
Providers should hold valid certifications from recognized organizations like the GPBA, IBF, or other respected accrediting bodies. Their qualifications should be relevant to the type of breathwork they are teaching, and they should maintain ongoing education to stay current on best practices, safety protocols, and new developments in breathwork research.
2. Adherence to a Code of Ethics
Accountable breathwork providers must adhere to a clear code of ethics, including principles of confidentiality, respect, consent, and transparency. This means:
- Respecting participant privacy and maintaining confidentiality about health conditions, personal details, and session experiences.
- Ensuring participants are well-informed about what the practice entails, potential risks, and the scope of the instructor’s expertise.
- Practicing non-judgmental listening and empathy, especially when working with individuals dealing with trauma or emotional releases.
3. Creating Informed Consent Processes
Before the start of any breathwork session, the provider should offer an informed consent form that clearly outlines the potential risks and benefits of breathwork. This document should include:
- Health-related contraindications (e.g., heart conditions, pregnancy, respiratory issues).
- Potential emotional or psychological effects.
- The participant’s rights to stop or modify their practice at any time without judgment.
The provider should ensure that participants fully understand what they’re engaging in and that they agree to proceed with full awareness.
4. Proper Screening and Health Assessments
It is crucial for providers to screen participants beforehand, particularly when offering intensive breathwork practices. This involves gathering information about:
- Physical health conditions.
- Mental health status and any history of trauma.
- Medications or treatments that could interact with breathwork.
Providers who skip this step or fail to offer modifications for participants with health conditions are not upholding their duty of care.
5. Emergency Protocols in Online Sessions
Accountability also means having an emergency plan in place. In online breathwork, providers should communicate what participants should do if they experience distress during the session, such as:
- How to pause or exit the session safely.
- How to ground themselves using a calming technique.
- When to seek medical or psychological assistance if a concerning reaction arises.
Providing clear instructions and making sure participants know how to contact the provider afterward is part of taking ownership of the safety process.
6. Transparency in Marketing and Program Descriptions
Responsible breathwork providers must avoid misleading participants through exaggerated claims or vague descriptions. They should clearly define what participants can expect from a session, including:
- The type of breathwork being practiced.
- The length, format, and goals of the session.
- Any potential risks or limitations.
Providers who make unsubstantiated promises (e.g., instant healing or guaranteed transformation) are not acting with integrity. They must manage participant expectations in a transparent, realistic way.
7. Regular Feedback and Self-Reflection
An accountable provider welcomes feedback and is committed to improving their practice. They should provide opportunities for participants to give honest input on their experience and reflect on that feedback to refine their offerings. This could involve follow-up surveys, post-session discussions, or even anonymous reviews.
8. Continuing Professional Development
Breathwork is an evolving field, and responsible providers engage in continuous professional development. This includes attending workshops, conferences, or additional certifications to stay updated on new techniques, research, and safety protocols. Breathwork providers who fail to refresh their knowledge run the risk of using outdated or potentially unsafe methods.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Breathwork Safety for Online Practices
Do’s:
- Ensure a Safe Environment: Breathwork can evoke powerful emotional and physical responses, so it’s vital to practice in a calm, safe space where you won’t be interrupted. Make sure the provider emphasizes this before the session.
- Check for Qualified Providers: Only attend sessions led by certified breathwork professionals. Their qualifications should be clear, and they should be willing to share their credentials. Providers should have experience and training in both breathwork techniques and safety procedures, especially for online formats.
- Tailored Breathwork to Individual Needs: Every individual’s capacity for breathwork is different, and practices should be adapted accordingly. The instructor should assess your comfort level, experience, and any physical or psychological conditions before proceeding.
- Clear Guidelines and Precautions: Look for providers who clearly outline safety precautions. For example, some types of breathwork may not be suitable for pregnant women, those with cardiovascular issues, or individuals with severe mental health conditions. Instructors should explain these limitations before sessions start.
- Follow a Trauma-Informed Approach: Breathwork can activate intense emotions, memories, and traumas. Providers should have training in trauma-informed practices, ensuring they can guide participants safely through emotional releases. It’s important that they know how to support participants who may feel overwhelmed.
- Offer Integration Time and Support: Post-breathwork integration is essential. After deep sessions, instructors should provide time to process the experience and offer guidance for emotional support. A follow-up session or availability for questions afterward is a sign of a responsible provider.
- Use of Safe Online Platforms: Ensure that sessions are hosted on secure and reliable online platforms. The provider should also inform participants about how to protect their privacy and safeguard their data.
Do’s:
Ensure a Safe and Private Environment: Breathwork can evoke strong physical and emotional reactions, so practicing in a calm and private space where participants feel safe is essential. Instructors should encourage participants to prepare their environment ahead of the session.
Choose Certified, Qualified Providers: Breathwork instructors must have proper certification from recognized bodies such as the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance (GPBA) or the International Breathwork Foundation (IBF). They should be transparent about their qualifications and training, ensuring they are equipped to guide participants safely.
Assess Participant Readiness: Instructors should gather essential information from participants before beginning any session, including health history, emotional state, and experience level. This helps tailor the practice to individual needs and ensures that the participant is ready for the specific type of breathwork offered.
Offer Clear Instructions and Guidelines: Breathwork practices can vary in intensity, so it’s vital that instructors provide clear instructions. Participants should understand the breath techniques, pacing, and any necessary safety precautions before starting the practice.
Promote Integration and Aftercare: Responsible providers will allocate time for post-session integration, where participants can process their experience. Instructors should offer resources or be available to answer questions and provide emotional support afterward.
Focus on Trauma-Informed Approaches: Breathwork can sometimes release stored trauma, and instructors should be trained to manage these experiences. Using a trauma-informed approach ensures participants are safely supported through emotional releases without overwhelming them.
Do’s:
Ensure a Safe and Private Environment: Breathwork can evoke strong physical and emotional reactions, so practicing in a calm and private space where participants feel safe is essential. Instructors should encourage participants to prepare their environment ahead of the session.
Choose Certified, Qualified Providers: Breathwork instructors must have proper certification from recognized bodies such as the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance (GPBA) or the International Breathwork Foundation (IBF). They should be transparent about their qualifications and training, ensuring they are equipped to guide participants safely.
Assess Participant Readiness: Instructors should gather essential information from participants before beginning any session, including health history, emotional state, and experience level. This helps tailor the practice to individual needs and ensures that the participant is ready for the specific type of breathwork offered.
Offer Clear Instructions and Guidelines: Breathwork practices can vary in intensity, so it’s vital that instructors provide clear instructions. Participants should understand the breath techniques, pacing, and any necessary safety precautions before starting the practice.
Promote Integration and Aftercare: Responsible providers will allocate time for post-session integration, where participants can process their experience. Instructors should offer resources or be available to answer questions and provide emotional support afterward.
Focus on Trauma-Informed Approaches: Breathwork can sometimes release stored trauma, and instructors should be trained to manage these experiences. Using a trauma-informed approach ensures participants are safely supported through emotional releases without overwhelming them.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Pushing Participants Beyond Their Comfort Zone: Breathwork should never be a forced experience. Providers should not push participants to go deeper or faster than they feel comfortable, especially in online settings where real-time monitoring is limited risk causing harm. Breathwork should be a participant-led experience and individuals should be allowed to adjust or stop when necessary, respecting individual boundaries and readiness.
- Don’t Ignore Medical and Emotional History: Breathwork can be intense, and certain health conditions (e.g., cardiovascular issues, asthma, or severe trauma) may require modifications. It is unsafe to participate in breathwork without acknowledging your personal medical conditions. Providers should always request relevant medical and psychological information and avoid offering one-size-fits-all techniques.
- Avoid Offering Overly Intense Techniques to Beginners: Not all breathwork techniques are suitable for everyone, particularly beginners. It is unsafe to praticipate in breathwork without acknowledging your personal medical conditions. Providers should gradually introduce participants to breath practices and avoid jumping into more intense modalities without proper assessment and preparation.
- Don’t Overpromise Results: Breathwork has many potential benefits, but responsible providers will avoid making exaggerated claims. Promising dramatic life changes or miraculous healing can mislead participants and create unrealistic expectations. Breathwork is a supportive practice but not a cure-all. Be cautious of any provider who oversells its effects.
- Avoid Improper Use of Technology: Online breathwork sessions should always be conducted on secure platforms. Providers must ensure that participant privacy is protected, and that technical issues (e.g., poor audio, video lag) won’t compromise the safety or effectiveness of the session.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
One prevalent misconception about breathwork is that it merely involves deep breathing exercises. While intentional breathing is a fundamental aspect, breathwork encompasses a diverse range of techniques, each serving specific purposes. From conscious connected breathing to pranayama and holotropic breathwork, the practices vary widely, offering unique benefits beyond simple deep breathing.
There’s a misconception that breathwork is exclusively for individuals on a spiritual journey or those immersed in esoteric practices. In reality, breathwork is a versatile tool accessible to people of all backgrounds, regardless of their spiritual beliefs. Its inclusive nature makes it suitable for anyone seeking physical, mental, or emotional well-being.
Contrary to the belief that breathwork follows a universal approach, there are diverse techniques catering to individual preferences and needs. What works for one person may not resonate with another. Tailoring breathwork practices to individual preferences ensures a personalized and effective experience.
Some individuals perceive breathwork as a quick-fix solution for immediate stress relief. While breathwork can indeed provide instant relaxation, its true power lies in consistent practice over time. Long-term benefits, such as improved mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall well-being, unfold gradually with regular engagement.
While relaxation is a common outcome of breathwork, it oversimplifies the practice to associate it solely with stress reduction. Breathwork has the potential to unlock various states of consciousness, promote emotional release, and contribute to personal growth. Its effects extend beyond relaxation to encompass a holistic approach to well-being.
Conclusion:
Breathwork is a powerful tool for self-healing and transformation, but it must be approached with caution and respect. By ensuring that providers follow safety standards and ethical guidelines, you can participate in a way that supports your well-being. Before signing up for any online event, workshop, or course, do your due diligence to verify that the provider is qualified, responsible, and has your safety at the forefront of their practice.
Breathwork is a powerful tool for self-healing and transformation, but it must be approached with caution and respect. By ensuring that providers follow safety standards and ethical guidelines, you can participate in a way that supports your well-being. Before signing up for any online event, workshop, or course, do your due diligence to verify that the provider is qualified, responsible, and has your safety at the forefront of their practice.
Breathwork is a powerful tool for self-healing and transformation, but it must be approached with caution and respect. By ensuring that providers follow safety standards and ethical guidelines, you can participate in a way that supports your well-being. Before signing up for any online event, workshop, or course, do your due diligence to verify that the provider is qualified, responsible, and has your safety at the forefront of their practice.
Breathwork can be a transformative tool for self-healing, but it must be approached responsibly and ethically, especially in an online setting. Providers are accountable for the safety and well-being of their participants, and participants should take the time to verify their qualifications, practices, and ethical standards before signing up. By ensuring you work with accountable and trained breathwork professionals, you can experience the benefits of breathwork safely and effectively.
BreathFinder Editorial Team
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and are for informational purposes only. This information is not to be taken as medical advice. Please consult your physician / doctor and read the warnings before joining or participating in any published breathwork information on our website.
