~ CONSCIOUS CONNECTED BREATHWORK
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFO, PLEASE NOTE:
If you suffer from any serious condition you should check with your medical practitioner before breathing with us. The breath style we use is not advised for:
1. Cardiovascular disease/heart conditions
2. Detached retina or glaucoma
3. Diagnosed brain or abdomen aneurysm
4. Epilepsy
5. Diagnosed bipolar or schizophrenia
6. Uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid conditions
7. High blood pressure
8. Delicate Pregnancy
9. Recent surgery or injury
Likewise, if you are on any heavy medications you are advised to seek medical counsel before joining us.
* If you do have any of the above conditions, please let us know. You are welcome to stay and breathe from your nose and can still benefit from your journey. It’s just best to consult with the doctor first before.
If you are at all unsure whether one or more of the above apply to you, just get in touch to discuss before booking ([email protected]).
~ BLUE LOTUS FLOWER
The Blue Lotus Flower, Nymphaea caerulea, also known as the Blue Water Lily, is an ancient sacred flower with medicinal properties – it softens the mind, opens intuition, and increases feelings of sensory aliveness and connection. It’s a beautiful, gentle plant medicine that can be combined with connected breathing practices to bridge the seen and unseen realms.
Blue Lotus promotes relaxation, increases blood flow, gently induces expanded states of consciousness, and euphoria, and is known as an aphrodisiac.
Blue Lotus is believed to be an adaptogen that can assist in stress reduction, relaxation, and sleep quality.
Blue Lotus contains two powerful alkaloids;
Apomorphine, which stimulates serotonin receptors and brain areas influenced by dopamine, potentially leads to mood enhancement and increased alertness.
Nuciferine is thought to alleviate anxiety and aid in sleep by modulating dopamine receptor stimulation.
SAFETY INFO:
- Not recommended during pregnancy/breastfeeding.
- Medication Interactions: Egyptian blue lotus may interact with certain medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, MAO inhibitors, and medications for high blood pressure or blood clotting disorders. These interactions could potentially alter the effectiveness or safety of both the herbal supplement and the medications.
- Medical Conditions: Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or psychiatric disorders, should use Egyptian blue lotus with caution, due to potential risks.
If you choose not to consume Blue Lotus tea, for any reason, there will be a regular tea offered 🙂
~ CEREMONIAL CACAO
For most people, cacao is very safe! However, there are some specific contraindications so please check below.
Health factors to be particularly aware of are:
If you are on antidepressants, SSRIs, or other medication, have a heart condition, or are pregnant:
Be aware that the theobromine in cacao is a vasodilator: it increases the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Cacao in the concentrated doses we consume in ceremony therefore increases blood flow to the brain & heart, so you may be better off with a smaller dose.
- please avoid consuming cacao if you are taking high doses of SSRIs. Cacao releases serotonin, so it works as a mild antidepressant. When taken with SSRIs that release serotonin chemically it can lead to serotonin syndrome.
- those on low doses of SSRIs and who drink coffee regularly may choose to start on 10g cacao daily and see how you get on. If you start getting a headache, or any other symptoms please stop and check with your doctor.
- individuals taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) should avoid consuming ceremonial cacao because it contains tyramine.
- high blood pressure or medication for blood pressure: cacao works on the heart & blood vessels so please speak with your doctor before consuming
- some people are allergic or sensitive to theobromine – it can trigger headaches or migraines in some people. In some cases, a smaller dose will be fine depending on how sensitive you are.
- it is recommended you reduce or cut out consumption of caffeine & stimulants during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. If you already consume these you may choose to consume cacao but at a lower dose of 10 grams.
Be aware that theobromine is a stimulant & increases heart rate & lowers blood pressure. I present this information so that you can make your own informed decision, and if you are new to cacao especially, I would certainly serve you a smaller dose so you can see how you respond.
Many women chose to work with Cacao as a heart opener and a way to increase love & good feelings whilst pregnant or breastfeeding. - pre-existing heart conditions or on heart medication: cacao works on the heart & blood vessels so please speak with your doctor before consuming
- high blood pressure or medication for blood pressure: cacao works on the heart & blood vessels so please speak with your doctor before consuming
- if you have a sensitivity to caffeine: if you drink coffee, green tea, or black tea, you should be able to drink cacao. Perhaps start with a smaller dose to begin with.
It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating ceremonial cacao into your wellness practices, especially if you have any underlying health concerns or are taking medications
If you choose not to consume Blue Lotus tea/cacao, for any reason, there will be a regular tea offered 🙂
With love,
Barbara