Medical notice and contraindications
Breath is a powerful tool. Read this before your first practice
Effective from 2026-05-23. Read carefully. Your safety depends on it.
The School of Wisdom is not a medical service and does not replace consulting a doctor. If you have any of the conditions listed below – consult your treating physician before beginning any breathing practice. If any doubt arises – do not begin.
General contraindications (all practices)
Do not perform the practices if you have:
- Pregnancy (especially the first trimester and the third trimester)
- Epilepsy or a history of seizure disorder
- Severe cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, recent heart attack
- Glaucoma, retinal detachment, recent eye surgery
- Acute psychotic states, severe depression in an active phase, bipolar disorder in an acute episode
- Acute respiratory infections, severe asthma in an acute episode
- Recent surgical operations (especially on the chest or abdomen)
- Under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances
Environmental safety
Never perform breathing practices:
- While driving, on a bicycle, or while operating any vehicle
- In water, near water, in the bath – especially with breath retention (risk of shallow water blackout)
- At a height (a balcony, a staircase, the edge of a platform)
- Standing up, if you are prone to fainting or dizziness
- Alone, if it is your first time doing an intense practice (Wim Hof, Bhastrika, holotropic)
Categories of practice by risk level
Entry (intro) – low risk
Calm practices, safe for most adults provided the general contraindications are observed.
Examples: Coherent Breathing (5.5 breaths/min), Box Breathing, Cyclic Sighing (Stanford 2023), Resonant Breathing, 4-7-8.
Standard – moderate risk
Traditional pranayamas and techniques that alter the state of consciousness. They require attentiveness and good tolerance of the intro level.
Examples: Nadi Shodhana, Ujjayi, Bhramari, Sitkali, Sheetali, Surya Bhedana, Chandra Bhedana, HeartMath Focused, Misogi, Tonglen.
Advanced – high risk, requires preparation
These practices are NOT AVAILABLE in the free tier. In the subscription they open after you have mastered the intro and standard levels (a caring gate). Do not perform them without understanding the safety technique.
Examples: Bhastrika, Kapalabhati, Wim Hof Method, Tummo, Tummo Vase, Holotropic, Rebirthing, Soma Breath, Nine Breathings Purification, Lion's Breath with retention, and any with prolonged breath retentions (kumbhaka).
These practices can cause: hyperventilation, dizziness, loss of consciousness, tetanic spasms, emotional catharses, flashbacks. Do not try them for the first time alone. Do not repeat them if a previous attempt left you feeling unwell.
What to do if you feel unwell
- Stop the practice immediately
- Sit or lie down in a safe place
- Switch to calm nasal breathing
- Drink some water
- If the symptoms do not pass within 10-15 minutes – call emergency services
- Signs requiring urgent help: loss of consciousness, persistent chest pain, speech or vision disturbances, seizures, confusion
Prana is an educational voice, not a doctor
The voice of Prana leads you through breathing patterns based on shared traditions and scientific research. Prana does not know your medical history, cannot assess your condition, and bears no responsibility for the decision to begin or continue a practice. The decision is always yours. If Prana suggests deepening the practice and you feel discomfort – ignore it and stop.
Children
The School is not intended for children under 16. Adolescents aged 16-18 – only with the permission and under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
Consent
By using the School of Wisdom, you confirm that you have read and accepted this notice, understand the risks of breathing practices, and take responsibility for the decision to perform them. The School bears no responsibility for injuries or damages arising from ignoring this notice.