Hypopressives: when to modify or skip the breath hold
Hypopressives have three parts: lateral breathing (expanding the ribs sideways), alignment (the poses), and the apnea (the breath hold with the rib "vacuum").
Only the apnea has contraindications. Lateral breathing and the poses can be practised almost any time. If something on this list applies to you, skip the apnea and keep the breathing and alignment.
Skip the apnea if you have…
- Had lung or heart surgery. Changes in abdominal pressure may strain the surgical area. Stay with lateral breathing.
- Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Because of fragile arteries and organs, stay with lateral breathing and avoid pressure on the heart and lungs.
- Atrial fibrillation. Focus on lateral breathing and the poses. The apnea may be possible in some cases, for example a single episode with a known, treated cause. Ask your doctor.
- An incarcerated hiatal hernia. Lateral breathing only, to avoid tension around the trapped part of the stomach.
- Had ostomy surgery. Start with lateral breathing only, and wear a pad at first. Talk to a specialist before adding the apnea.
- Pregnancy. Lateral breathing and the poses are encouraged. Avoid the apnea. After the first trimester, avoid exercises lying on your back.
- Supraventricular ectopic beats. Gentle lateral breathing and the poses can help with stress and heart-rhythm symptoms. Skip the apnea.
Practise with modifications if you have…
- Spine or bone differences (e.g. scoliosis, spina bifida). Some poses may not suit you, for example Selene rolling for some conditions, and the spine-flexing Hera pose after a spinal fusion. Use the hip-hinge Artemis pose instead. Small cushions or a folded towel can help balance uneven ribs.
- Arthritis. Vary your posture through the day and keep holds short.
- Breast implants. Wait six weeks before lateral breathing work and the poses. Gentle breathing only until then.
- Cataract surgery. No apnea and no inverted positions for 12 weeks.
- Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). Week one: seated or standing lateral breathing. Weeks two to three: add short apneas.
- Glaucoma or a sliding hiatal (diaphragmatic) hernia. Avoid inverted positions, such as all fours on the elbows.
- A heart "umbrella" (septal closure) procedure, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, a PEG tube, or high blood pressure. Ask your doctor or a specialist before trying the apnea. Lateral breathing and alignment are usually fine.
- A herniated disc in the neck. Avoid the Hera pose.
- A hip operation. Lateral breathing without apnea until week six, then add gentle poses and the apnea, keeping your weight evenly spread.
- IBS or Crohn's disease. Skip the apnea during flare-ups.
- A neck injury. Keep the neck relaxed and the throat open, and treat the apnea as a gentle pause in the breath.
- Uterine fibroids. Some poses may feel uncomfortable with an enlarged abdomen. Skip any position that causes discomfort.
- A wheelchair. Hypopressives can be done seated, with extra arm, wrist and neck movements and resistance bands.
- Multiple sclerosis. What suits you depends on the stage of MS. Contact us for individual guidance.
Not sure?
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor or a qualified specialist before starting the apnea or changing how you practise.
Questions: support@moonrise.health