Important Safety Information

Medical Disclaimer

Please read this important safety information before beginning any Ilma practice.

Consult Your Doctor

Medical Clearance Required: Before beginning any breathwork, cold exposure, heat therapy, meditation, NSDR, or binaural beats practice, you must consult with a qualified healthcare provider. This is especially important if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Not Medical Advice: The information and programs provided through Ilma are for educational and wellness purposes only. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.

Cold Exposure Safety

Do NOT practice cold exposure if you have:

  • Heart disease or cardiovascular conditions
  • High or low blood pressure
  • Raynaud's disease or poor circulation
  • Cold urticaria (cold allergy)
  • Open wounds or recent surgery
  • Pregnancy
  • Epilepsy or seizure disorders

Never practice cold exposure alone. Always have someone nearby, especially when practicing in natural bodies of water. Hypothermia and cold shock can be life-threatening.

Start gradually. Begin with short durations (30 seconds) and work up slowly over weeks. Never force yourself to stay in cold water if you feel unwell.

Sauna Safety

Do NOT use sauna if you have:

  • Heart disease or recent heart attack
  • Unstable angina
  • Severe aortic stenosis
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Fever or acute illness
  • Pregnancy (consult doctor first)
  • Alcohol intoxication

Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during, and after sauna sessions. Dehydration can be dangerous.

Exit if unwell. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or unwell, exit the sauna immediately and cool down gradually.

Breathwork Safety

Do NOT practice intensive breathwork if you have:

  • Epilepsy or history of seizures
  • Heart conditions or arrhythmias
  • High blood pressure
  • History of stroke or aneurysm
  • Severe anxiety or panic disorders
  • Pregnancy
  • Recent surgery

Practice in a safe position. Always practice breathwork sitting or lying down. NEVER practice while driving, swimming, or in water.

Hyperventilation warning. Some techniques can cause lightheadedness, tingling, or altered states. This is normal but should be approached with caution.

Binaural Beats Safety

Do NOT listen to binaural beats if you have:

  • Epilepsy or history of seizures (auditory stimulation can trigger episodes)
  • A pacemaker or other implanted medical device
  • Severe anxiety or dissociative disorders
  • Traumatic brain injury or recent concussion

Never listen while driving or operating machinery. Binaural beats can induce deeply relaxed or altered states of consciousness that impair alertness and reaction time.

Use headphones responsibly. Keep volume at a comfortable level. Prolonged listening at high volume can cause hearing damage. If you experience headaches, nausea, or discomfort, stop immediately.

Not a medical treatment. Binaural beats are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any medical or psychological condition. Any reported benefits are subjective and not guaranteed.

Meditation & NSDR Safety

Exercise caution with meditation and NSDR if you have:

  • Psychosis, schizophrenia, or active psychotic symptoms
  • Severe PTSD or trauma-related disorders (deep relaxation can surface traumatic memories)
  • Dissociative disorders
  • Severe depression (consult your therapist before beginning)
  • Epilepsy (certain guided visualisations may be contraindicated)

Not a substitute for therapy. Meditation and Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) are wellness practices, not treatments for mental health conditions. They do not replace professional psychological or psychiatric care.

Emotional responses are normal. Deep relaxation practices may bring up unexpected emotions. If you experience persistent distress, discontinue and consult a healthcare professional.

Practice in a safe environment. Always practise in a comfortable, safe location. Never practise guided meditation or NSDR while driving or in situations requiring your full attention.

Assumption of Risk

By using Ilma and participating in any of our practices, you acknowledge that breathwork, cold exposure, heat therapy, binaural beats, meditation, and NSDR carry inherent risks of injury, adverse psychological effects, or death.

You agree that you are voluntarily participating in these activities and assume all risk of injury to yourself. You agree that Ilma, its owners, operators, employees, and affiliates shall not be liable for any injury, loss, or damage arising from your use of our services.

You confirm that:

  • You have consulted with a healthcare provider before beginning
  • You have no contraindicated medical conditions
  • You will follow all safety guidelines provided
  • You will stop immediately if you feel unwell
  • You are at least 16 years old (with parental consent if under 18)

Practice Safely

When practiced safely and mindfully, these traditions can be profoundly beneficial. Start slowly, listen to your body, and enjoy the journey.