MEDICINE OF THE ROSE PARTICIPANT WAIVER & INFORMED CONSENT

(Including Medical Disclaimer & Contraindications)

Organisation: Medicine of the Rose (operating as Navigate the Inner Compass)

1. Our Principles

Medicine of the Rose operates from internationally recognised trauma-informed principles, prioritising:

• Safety – physical, emotional, and psychological

• Choice & Consent – explicit, ongoing, and revocable

• Transparency & Trust

• Collaboration & Respect

• Empowerment & Self-Agency

• Cultural and Individual Consideration

Your lived experience is respected as the primary authority.
No experience, outcome, or intensity is ever prioritised over safety.

2. Scope of Practice

Medicine of the Rose offers complementary, trauma-informed somatic practices designed to support wellbeing, nervous system regulation, and self-awareness.

Medicine of the Rose does not provide:

• Medical treatment

• Psychological or psychiatric care

• Diagnosis, assessment, or clinical intervention

• Trauma processing, exposure therapy, or crisis intervention

Participation does not establish a therapist–client or clinician–patient relationship.

3. Informed Participation & Personal Responsibility

By choosing to participate, you acknowledge that:

• Somatic practices can evoke physical, emotional, psychological, or energetic responses

• Responses are individual, unpredictable, and non-linear

• You are responsible for monitoring your own capacity, boundaries, and regulation 

You agree to:

• Pause, stop, or step out if something does not feel right

• Seek appropriate professional or medical support where needed

• Inform facilitators if you feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or unwell

Medicine of the Rose facilitators may pause or stop your participation if there are concerns regarding safety, regulation, or scope of practice. This is a safeguarding action, not a judgement.

4. Consent, Touch & Boundaries

Some sessions may include optional, consent-based touch.

You acknowledge that:

• Consent is explicit, ongoing, and may be withdrawn at any time

• The absence of consent, a hidden consent card, stillness, freeze, shutdown, or appeasing behaviour does not equal consent

• Touch is never used to override protective responses, induce catharsis, or “break through” resistance

No trauma narrative exploration or emotional pushing is used.

5. Medical Disclaimer

The services offered by Medicine of the Rose are complementary, trauma-informed somatic practices designed to support wellbeing and personal growth. They are not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or psychiatric care.

If you have a medical or mental health condition, or if you are in crisis, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional before participating.

Participation is at your own discretion and responsibility.

6. Contraindications & Eligibility

This work is powerful. It can open deep layers of the body, breath, and unconscious.
For that reason, your safety and wellbeing will always come before participation.

For some offerings and events, you may not be able take part if any of the following apply.

Neurological & Cardiovascular

• Epilepsy or any seizure disorder

• History of stroke (CVA) or TIA

• Detached retina or glaucoma

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure

• Cardiovascular conditions (including heart attack, arrhythmia, heart failure)

• Aneurysms (personal or immediate family history)

• Use of prescribed blood thinners

• Implanted cardiac or neurological devices (e.g. pacemaker, neurostimulator)

Mental Health

• Severe or unmanaged mental health conditions (including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, paranoia, OCD, dissociative disorders)

• Severe anxiety or PTSD without professional support

• Psychiatric hospitalisation or acute emotional crisis within the past 10 years

• Active withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, or other substances

• Very low impulse control

Chronic, Autoimmune & Respiratory

• Addison’s disease

• COPD II / COPD III

• Unstable diabetes (especially Type 1)

• Severe autoimmune or inflammatory illness (e.g. Lupus, MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, advanced Fibromyalgia)

• Terminal illness or medically decompensated conditions

• Active cancer treatment or advanced-stage cancer
  (If in remission, medical advice is required)

Acute, Musculoskeletal & Surgical

• Active viral illness or acute somatic condition

• Severe adrenal fatigue or CFS/ME

• Osteoporosis or unhealed injury

• Severe chronic pain limiting mobility

• Major surgery within the past 6 months
  (especially abdominal, cardiac, or neurological)

Other Important Considerations

• Pregnancy – participation is not suitable during pregnancy

• Substances – no alcohol, drugs, or psychedelics (including within 24 hours)

• Fasting – extended fasting (over 24 hours) is contraindicated

• Asthma – welcome with prescribed inhaler brought to the session

High-Risk Participants & Contraindications

• Participants with medical, psychiatric, or trauma conditions that are contraindicated for the practices offered will not be accepted into the event

• Contraindications are clearly defined and communicated in pre-event materials and waiver forms

• Event colleagues, facilitators and volunteers must not override these contraindications

• High-risk participants may be:

  • Delayed entry until cleared by medical or mental health professional

  • Offered alternative options (referral, different service)

  • Supported to leave safely if participation is not appropriate

• This protects both participant safety and organisational liability.

If an event or offering discloses you cannot take part of the above apply, upon participating, you are confirming:

• None of the above apply at the time of participation

• You will notify Medicine of the Rose if circumstances change

• You understand participation may be refused or paused for safety reasons

7. Limitation of Liability

Nothing in this agreement limits or excludes liability for:

• Death or personal injury caused by negligence

• Breach of statutory duty

• Any liability that cannot be excluded under UK law

Subject to the above, Medicine of the Rose is not liable for indirect or consequential loss arising from voluntary participation.

8. Acceptance of Waiver & Confirmation of Consent

Where deemed necessary for certain events and offerings, you will be asked to accepting a waiver, to confirm that:

• You have read and understood the full content of this waiver, including the medical disclaimer and contraindications

• You meet the eligibility criteria required to participate

• None of the listed contraindications apply to you at the time of participation

• You understand the nature of the practices offered and the potential for physical, emotional, or energetic responses

• You acknowledge that participation is voluntary and undertaken at my own discretion

• You take responsibility for listening to my body, setting boundaries, and requesting support or withdrawal if needed

You understand that:

• Medicine of the Rose offers complementary, trauma-informed somatic practices

• These services are not a substitute for medical, psychological, or psychiatric care

• Medicine of the Rose facilitators do not diagnose, treat, or provide medical or mental health services

You understand that:

• You may withdraw consent and participation at any time

• Consent may also be withdrawn by Medicine of the Rose if your participation presents a safeguarding concern

• Safeguarding concerns may require escalation beyond confidentiality

9. Waiver Acceptance

Ahead of attendance to a breathwork event, you will be asked to complete an intake form which will require you to confirm the following:

I confirm that I have read, understood, and accept Medicine of the Rose Participant Waiver, Terms & Conditions, and Contraindications.

I understand that participation is voluntary and that I am solely responsible for my physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing during and after the event.

I confirm that I meet all eligibility requirements and have disclosed any relevant medical, psychological, or other conditions as required.

I understand that failure to meet eligibility criteria or the presence of any stated contraindications may result in my exclusion from participation.

Please accept this as confirmation of my informed consent and acceptance of all stated terms, I understand this constitutes a legally binding record of consent.