Safety first

Mind-body information should never delay medical care

This website is educational. It cannot diagnose a symptom, rule out an emergency, prescribe treatment, or replace a licensed clinician.

Emergency: In the United States, call 911 for severe chest pain, major breathing difficulty, fainting, signs of stroke, uncontrolled bleeding, a severe allergic reaction, or any life-threatening situation.

Mental health crisis

Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call 911 when there is immediate danger, a medical emergency, or someone cannot stay safe.

When to seek medical evaluation

  • A new, severe, rapidly changing, or unexplained symptom.
  • Symptoms that persist, recur, worsen, or interfere with daily life.
  • Unintentional weight loss, persistent fever, blood in stool or urine, progressive weakness, new neurologic changes, or repeated vomiting.
  • Possible medication or supplement side effects.

How to use exercises safely

  • Stop an exercise if it causes pain, dizziness, breathing difficulty, panic that feels unsafe, or worsening symptoms.
  • Do not use breathing or grounding practices to delay emergency assessment.
  • Follow restrictions from your physician, physical therapist, dentist, dietitian, or other licensed clinician.
  • Do not stop prescribed medication without speaking with the prescriber.

Editorial principle

We distinguish possible influences from proven causes. A relationship between stress and a symptom is not proof that stress caused the condition.