How to Do Rebirthing Breathwork Therapy [Explained]

Rebirthing breathwork is a technique that can elicit a powerful release of emotion. This holistic therapeutic practice is an emotional detox that can lead to healing and transformation. But what exactly is it and how does it work? Let's get into it. 

_{What is Rebirthing Breathwork?}

Rebirthing breathwork is a powerful conscious breathing technique that helps to unearth trauma from birth, infancy and early childhood. It's based on the idea that everyone carries trauma with them from birth and the subsequent conditioning of childhood. Rebirthing breathwork is a self-healing technique that helps to release any energy blockages or suppressed trauma stored in the body. 

It was first conceptualised by Leonard Orr in the 1960s who believed that this technique helped to tap into a greater awareness of the memories and trauma ingrained in the subconscious mind. This rebirth can help to resolve negative blockages in the system and lead to a transformative experience. 

_{Rebirthing Breathwork & The Science}

The goal of this practice is to oxygenate the brain and activate the parasympathetic nervous system through stimulation of the vagus nerve.

The vagus nerve is the largest nerve in the body, it is our communication centre that connects the brainstem to all of our major organs. It is also responsible for regulating our emotions.

When stimulated through breathwork the mind and body enter into a deep state of calm which elicits an altered state of consciousness.

Through this altered state you're able to access repressed emotions, memories and trauma from your childhood that are stored in the subconscious mind. This can be quite challenging as you confront issues that have been suppressed for years or even decades.

Through this greater awareness you will be able identify where your issues stem from and how this trauma affects your behaviour as an adult.

_{How to Do Rebirthing Breathwork}

Rebirthing breathwork sessions are generally practiced one-on-one with a trained instructor. The main technique used is known as Conscious Energy Breathing (CEB) which is a circular breathing technique. This technique is quite intense and is practiced for one to two hours per session with short breaks if needed. 

Though you can practice this technique on your own, it's recommended that you work with a trained facilitator. This practice can be quite an emotionally confronting experience and is not recommended for those in a fragile state of mind.

It's also quite challenging to prolong this breathwork technique on your own for an extended period of time. If you do practice this technique at home, please ensure that you are in a safe space, have notified someone that you're practicing and to stop immediately if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable. 

A rebirthing session will typically work as follows:

1. Lie down flat on the ground with your spine straight and a light blanket placed over the body (you may experience changes in body temperature as you begin the practice)
2. Close your eyes
3. You will begin the circular breathing technique inhaling and exhaling through the nose only
4. Take shallow breaths inhaling and exhaling through the nose with no breaks in between 
5. As the session progresses the breath will become deeper while maintaining the circular pattern
6. This breathwork pattern will continue for 1-2 hours and can be extremely challenging
7. You should expect a release of emotions at any time during the practice; you may wail, cry or experience shifts in the body as you trigger some of your most suppressed memories from childhood
8. After 1-2 hours of breath you should lay in the blissful feeling of your emotional release for as long as possible
9. When ready move your fingers and toes and get up very slowly 

_{Benefits of Rebirthing Breathwork}

Though rebirthing breathwork is primarily focused on early childhood it also has a number of other benefits. This breathwork may take many forms to help tackle repressed trauma. It has the capacity to help other mental and physical disorders such as: 

• Healing past trauma
• Identifying self-destructive behaviour
• Release old behavioural patterns
• Detoxifying the physical, mental and spiritual body
• Helping with chronic pain
• Reducing stress & anxiety
• Helping with depression 
• Delving into insecurities
• Balancing emotions
• Releasing tension

_{Other Healing Breathwork Techniques:}

There are various types of breathwork techniques that can  lead to healing and transformation based on your specific goals. Rebirthing breathwork takes on the specific goal of childhood trauma but others can help with a number of other mental and physical health issues.

• Pranayama Breathwork
• Transformational Breath
• Shamanic Breath
• Holotropic Breathwork
• Somatic Release Breathwork 

_{Final Thoughts}

When practiced correctly, rebirthing breathwork can be a truly transformational experience.

Bringing awareness to past trauma and memories that have been suppressed in the subconscious mind allows you to better identify where your behavioural issues stem from.

Through this greater awareness you can move on from negative experiences and heal the mental, physical and spiritual body.

We recommend practicing this technique with a trained facilitator. If you wish to practice this technique at home, please consult with a medical health practitioner and take all necessary precautions before practicing.