What can be the dangers of meditation and who should not practice it

Meditation is a great way to relax, slow down and fill with energy. It relieves stress and frees the mind from negative thoughts. But if meditation techniques are neglected, the practice can turn into health problems.

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Meditation is a tool, but it is not for everyone. One needs to observe moderation, time intervals and watch one’s breathing. That way meditation will be safe.

What is important when meditating?

Emotional state

If you are a very sensitive, emotional person, during meditation you may feel anxious and even see unrealistic images. Once you realize that this is happening, it is worth stopping the practice or choosing another direction.

Duration

Here it is important not to overdo it. If you are a beginner, you should not devote 30 minutes of breathing practice at once – start gradually. Start practicing with an experienced instructor who will be able to help in case of unforeseen situations.

Frequency

When you try to do practice as often as possible, the brain directs all its attention inward and gets used to this state. And it is dangerous and completely unnatural for our consciousness – it can lead to a mental disorder.

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It is good when after a few weeks or months you start to see a positive effect from meditation. But if things get worse, it’s worth stopping or changing your technique so you don’t hurt yourself.

Sometimes people get deeply in touch with painful points of consciousness during meditation. This can provoke severe hysterics and cause panic attacks.

Improper breathing is another stumbling block in sessions. Too sharp a breath or a large air retention leads to loss of consciousness, and subsequently to fainting.

Therefore, it is important to have an instructor by your side to help you avoid mistakes and prevent negative consequences. This can be a personal or group trainer, in extreme case – an instructor at online classes.

Who should not meditate?

Although such breathing practices are available to everyone, they are not recommended for everyone.

Meditation is contraindicated:

• people with mental health conditions;
• people with bipolar disorder;
• depressed;
• sensitive and withdrawn.

Socially isolated people should be cautious about meditation – it can harm an untrained person. Mindfulness work for people with mental disorders is dangerous for one reason – they may not be able to handle the realizations that come during breathing practice.

How to meditate safely?

Meditation is first and foremost a tool. It helps someone to calm down, someone to solve their problems, someone to relax. But we must not forget that this tool is not suitable for everyone.

Here are five tips to help make meditation safe:

1. Go for a checkup and consult a specialist.
2. Find a competent instructor.
3. Perform the breathing technique correctly: do not take sharp breaths.
4. Do not get too involved in meditation.
5. Change the technique if the situation gets worse.

We told you how to learn to meditate and where to start here.