01
What it is
Cleveland Clinic describes breathwork as "breathing techniques that intentionally channel and focus on the breath" (Cleveland Clinic). The word covers practices that have little in common beyond that.
02
Common forms
Slow or paced breathing. Breathing deliberately slowly, often with a count. This includes diaphragmatic breathing, box breathing, 4-7-8 breathing and alternate-nostril breathing (Cleveland Clinic). The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) groups breathing exercises with relaxation techniques built on "slow, deep breaths" (NCCIH).
Fast or connected breathing. Rapid breathing sustained over a session, usually led by a facilitator.
- Holotropic Breathwork "uses rapid, controlled breathing patterns to promote a dream-like experience." It was developed by Stanislav and Christina Grof in the 1970s (Cleveland Clinic). Cleveland Clinic says it is "one you shouldn't try without a trained facilitator" (Cleveland Clinic).
- The Wim Hof Method's breathing "combines periods of hyperventilation" with breath-holds (Citherlet et al., 2021).
The two families are different enough that it helps to ask which one a session uses before you book.
03
Who it may not suit
For holotropic breathwork, Cleveland Clinic says to avoid it if you have a history of "cardiovascular issues", "high blood pressure", "recent injury or surgery", "any condition requiring regular medication", "panic attacks", or "psychosis and seizure disorders". It adds that it "isn't recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding" (Cleveland Clinic).
For the Wim Hof Method, the method's own safety page says never to do the exercises "before or during diving, driving, swimming, or taking a bath", and not to practice while pregnant. It also says anyone with cardiovascular issues or another medical condition should consult a doctor (Wim Hof Method).
For slow breathing exercises, NCCIH says relaxation techniques "are generally considered safe for healthy people". It notes rare reports of worsened symptoms in people with epilepsy, "certain psychiatric conditions," or "a history of abuse or trauma" (NCCIH).
If any of this could apply to you, talk to your doctor first. A facilitator who doesn't ask about your health before a fast-breathing session is worth noticing. What a Contraindication Is explains the word.
04
Credentials, and whether Arizona licenses it
We found no Arizona license for breathwork. Training varies from a few days to years.
- Global Professional Breathwork Alliance (GPBA).
- "Certified Professional Breathwork Practitioner" requires at least 400 hours of breathwork training over two years, plus 8 hours of ethics.
- "Ethically Compliant Breathworker" requires at least 50 hours, plus 8 hours of ethics.
- Applicants' documentation is "reviewed by our administrative team" (GPBA).
- Grof Transpersonal Training (Holotropic Breathwork). Certification takes "a minimum of two years in training", including seven six-day modules and a certification intensive. Certified facilitators then report their own continuing development every three years (GTT information pack).
05
What a listing here shows for this kind of work
Because there is no state license, a breathwork listing shows:
- the certification, confirmed with the body that issued it, with the date
- the line "Arizona behavioral health license: none held", where that is the case
- the practitioner's insurance and record checks
A certificate tells you how someone trained. It doesn't tell you whether a style suits your health. That part is between you and your doctor.
Common questions
Is breathwork safe?
NCCIH says relaxation techniques are generally considered safe for healthy people. Fast styles come with a published list of people advised to avoid them.
Who should not do breathwork?
For holotropic breathwork, Cleveland Clinic's list is in the guide above.
Do breathwork facilitators need a license in Arizona?
We found no Arizona license for breathwork. Certifications vary.