Disclaimer
Words of Caution
Preexisting Conditions
Joshua Leeds is a music producer, sound researcher, and educator specializing in the therapeutic applications of music and sound. He does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Any health-related information conveyed on this website, or with SBTK materials,should be considered general knowledge and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
If you have medical concerns or questions about your health and/or about your participation with any aspects of the Sound Breath Toolkit, Joshua Leeds encourages you to:
1. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional
2. Seek prompt medical attention for urgent health issues
3. Follow guidance of your doctor regarding treatment plans or medications.
In the world of breath modification, adherence to the concept that a little goes a long way is wise. Using the analogy of a jack and spare tire, breath-as-a-fixer may seem light, but it should be regarded with respect.
Remember, within SBTK Exercise practices, the normal breathing routine (12–15 breaths per minute through the nose and mouth) is being altered. Slowing the breath, employing different breath ratios (than normal 1:1) that extend the exhale, breathing through the nose, and adding a vibrational hum and/or movement may indeed have a stronger effect than one would suspect.
While extended nasal exhalation (ENE) appears simple and gentle, in aggregate, there are so many new layers and respiratory changes that the body or emotions may become overwhelmed.
I suggest starting slowly with these exercises and paying close attention to your body and feelings. Consult a healthcare professional as needed. SBTK is not something to be done in a week and then finished; rather, it is a new daily practice to include in your health maintenance routine.
With SBTK, consistency is the key.
I encourage anyone using SBTK Exercises to consult a healthcare practitioner if they have a preexisting condition (nervous system or other), or if they experience troubling symptoms during these exercises, including dizziness, confusion, or shortness of breath that might affect previous conditions or present concerns.
If you have preexisting medical conditions, or begin to notice difficulty arising from SBTK Exercises or practices, please consult your healthcare provider, especially if you also utilize Vagal Nerve stimulation techniques.
If you have an existing heart condition, blood pressure issue, breathing disorder, swallowing difficulty, neurological condition, or sleep disorder, or if you are pregnant, or if you have other preexisting conditions, it is important to consult your healthcare provider before adding SBTK or any other vagal tonification practice to your wellness routine.