What Is Rebirthing Breathwork?
A Holistic Approach to Healing and Transformation
Introduction
Rebirthing stands out as a powerful breathwork technique aimed at facilitating personal transformation and emotional healing, with the objective of creating long-term improvements of baseline breathing patterns.. It is one of the conscious connected breathing methods, which means that the guided person (or “the breather”) breathes in an infinite loop without pause between the inhale and exhale and vice versa. Rooted in the concept of the belief that unresolved emotional issues from all stages of life can affect one’s present behavior and well-being, rebirthing offers a unique approach to self-discovery and inner healing. But what exactly is rebirthing, and how does it work?
Understanding Rebirthing
Rebirthing, also known as “breathwork” or “conscious connected breathing,” is a therapeutic technique that focuses on the power of breath to access the subconscious mind in order to release emotional blockages and unresolved trauma stored in the body. The premise is that the way we breathe is deeply connected to our emotional state, and by altering our breathing patterns, we can access and release suppressed emotions and even trauma that is subconsciously stored in our body’s cells.
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About The Founder
Rebirthing breathwork doesn’t have a single founder, but Leonard Orr is often credited with popularizing the term in the 1970s. Combining breathwork, Eastern philosophy, and spiritual insights, elemental purification and psychology, Orr contributed to the foundational principles of Rebirthing. However, the practice’s origins stem from the collective wisdom of various pioneers in psychology, spirituality and numerous practitioners who have refined the technique over time. Due to its rich and long history, rebirthing can also be considered a broader category of conscious connected breathwork techniques that are different in its quality, setting and objectives..
The Rebirthing Process
During a typical rebirthing session, the facilitator begins by providing clear instructions on how the session will proceed, including their role in guiding the process and addressing key questions. It is crucial for the facilitator to uphold high ethical standards and explicitly clarify the individuals boundaries regarding body contact at this stage.
The breather then lies down in a comfortable position and begins to warm up the breathing mechanism and breathe deeply and rhythmically, with the support of a trained rebirthing facilitator. The breathing technique used in rebirthing involves continuous, connected breaths, with no pauses between inhalation and exhalation as initially mentioned.. This pattern of breathing is believed to induce a state of deep relaxation and heightened awareness, allowing the individual to access repressed memories and emotions.
As the session progresses, the individual may experience a range of sensations, emotions, and insights. Memories or feelings long buried in the subconscious may surface, providing an opportunity for healing and release. The role of the rebirther is to create a safe and supportive environment, guiding the individual through a profound process and has deep knowledge of breathing deviations, altered states of consciousness and sometimes works hand in hand with health professionals such as psychotherapists and doctors. The greatest benefit of the rebirther is the experienced observer on the outside that will maximize results by ideally little, but impactful interference with the breather. Only a trained rebirther will know how to react to various forms of resistance, sleepiness, breathing deviations as well as mental and emotional strain during the long sessions that typically last for at least 45 minutes. A rebirthing facilitator should have at least 400 hours of practical and theoretical training and undergone dozens of rebirthing sessions herself or himself.
Daniel Siebenkaes
A Certified Rebirthing Breathwork Instructor, has co-authored this article, offering his extensive experience and in-depth knowledge in the field of breathwork. His work focuses on facilitating deep transformation and healing through conscious breathing practices. You can learn more about Daniel Siebenkaes and his offerings at www.breathandwork.com
Benefits of Rebirthing
Proponents of rebirthing claim that the practice offers a wide range of benefits for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Some potential benefits include:
- Emotional Release: Rebirthing can help individuals release pent-up emotions such as anger, sadness, fear, and grief, leading to greater emotional balance and resilience.
- Stress Reduction: The deep breathing techniques used in rebirthing can induce a state of relaxation, reducing stress levels and promoting a sense of calm and inner peace.
- Increased Self-Awareness: By accessing repressed memories and emotions, individuals gain deeper insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.
- Healing Trauma: Rebirthing is often used as a tool for healing past trauma, including birth trauma, childhood abuse, and other traumatic experiences. By revisiting and processing these experiences in a safe and supportive environment, individuals can release their hold on the psyche and move forward with greater ease and freedom.
- Purity: Rebirthing breathwork is a highly focused practice that requires the facilitators full, undivided attention, making it unsuitable for group or couple sessions. It emphasizes purity by minimizing external influences, such as music or guided emotional stimulation, allowing the breather to naturally reconnect with their optimal breathing state for healing.
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite its growing popularity, rebirthing is not without its critics and controversies. Some skeptics argue that the practice lacks scientific evidence to support its claims and may pose risks for individuals with certain medical or psychological conditions. Additionally, there have been reports of rare but serious incidents, including deaths, associated with rebirthing sessions conducted by untrained or inexperienced practitioners. It’s best advised to do your research and speak with a qualified practitioner which you can find below or using or search filters to support your breath health and wellness needs. Your qualified rebirthing practitioner will always recommend the consultation of your health professional in case of health problems that could negatively interfere with a rebirthing session.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Contrary to the name, rebirthing breathwork doesn’t involve physical rebirth. Rebirthing is a metaphorical practice focused on releasing emotional blockages rather than reliving the birth process. The intense feelings experienced
during a session can create a sense of renewal, making participants feel as if they are
starting fresh in life.
While both practices may involve altered states of consciousness, they are distinct. Rebirthing primarily focuses on breathwork to access and release emotions, whereas hypnosis involves inducing a trance-like state for various therapeutic purposes.
Contrary to the belief that breathwork follows a universal approach, there are diverse techniques catering to individual preferences and needs. What works for one person may not resonate with another. Tailoring breathwork practices to individual preferences ensures a personalized and effective experience.
While rebirthing can be a powerful tool for emotional healing and personal growth, it’s not a cure-all for physical or mental health conditions. It should be used as part of a holistic approach to well-being, alongside other therapeutic modalities and medical treatments.
While conscious connected breathing often involves a temporary hypocapnic state, induced by the loss of CO2, the main difference to hyperventilation is that is intentional and the
breather is in control. This psychophysical component creates a completely different
experience for the person, which is often enjoyable and positive.
While rebirthing is often used to address trauma and emotional wounds, it can also be beneficial for personal growth, stress reduction, and enhancing overall well-being, even for those without significant trauma.
Conclusion
Rebirthing is a unique and powerful technique for personal transformation and healing, offering individuals a way to access and release deeply held emotions and trauma. While it may not be suitable for everyone, many people report profound benefits from their experiences with rebirthing, including increased emotional resilience, greater self-awareness, and a deeper sense of inner peace. As with any therapeutic practice, it is essential to approach rebirthing with caution and to seek guidance from trained and experienced practitioners. Ultimately, the journey of rebirthing is a deeply personal one, offering the opportunity for profound healing and self-discovery for those who are ready to embark upon it.
BreathFinder Editorial Team
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and are for informational purposes only. This information is not to be taken as medical advice. Please consult your physician / doctor and read the warnings before joining or participating in any published breathwork information on our website.
