Medical disclaimer

Breathe Cadence is a timer, not medical advice. Nothing on this site is a substitute for professional medical care, and nobody who builds it is a clinician. If you have a question about your own health, ask a doctor who knows your history.

In an emergency, stop reading and call your local emergency number. Do not use this site, or any breathing exercise, in place of urgent care.

Talk to a doctor before you practice if

• you are pregnant;
• you live with a heart or lung condition, or with high or low blood pressure;
• you have epilepsy or any history of seizures;
• you have ever fainted, or you faint easily;
• you have a history of panic attacks;
• you are recovering from surgery or a recent injury;
• you take medication that affects your heart rate or blood pressure.

This is not a complete list. If you are unsure, ask.

Never practice breath holds

• in water, or anywhere near it;
• while driving, cycling, or operating machinery;
• while standing — sit or lie down.

Techniques with breath holds or with fast, forceful breathing can make people lightheaded and can cause fainting. Where you practice matters: fainting in water, while driving or while standing is how people get hurt.

Stop the session if you notice

• lightheadedness or dizziness;
• tingling in your hands, face or feet;
• pressure or pain in your chest;
• a racing or irregular heartbeat;
• blurred vision;
• nausea;
• anxiety rising rather than settling.

Breathe normally, sit down, and let it pass. Do not push through any of these to finish a cycle. If a symptom does not settle quickly, or it worries you at all, seek medical attention.

Warnings on the technique pages

This page is the general version. Each technique carries its own warnings next to its own instructions, because that is where they are actually read — a rule written down in our editorial policy.