Re-Birthing Breathwork

Re-birthing Breathwork was created in the 1960’s and is a simple breathing technique, usually done lying down with the eyes closed. The Breathing pattern is done for an extended period of time (generally 45 minutes) and consists of circular, connected breathing through the mouth, with a powerful, active inhale and a gentle, relaxed release on the exhale. Each inhale and exhale are connected, so there is no gap in the breathing. Hence it is called conscious, connected, circular breathing.

The result of this method is a multi-layered and multi-dimensional experience ranging from intense physical sensations (tingling, vibrating, numbness, tetany and sometimes discomfort) to powerful emotion release to extreme clarity of mind to a melding or fusing into “Source” the higher self, and an opening of heightened consciousness or altered states of awareness.

Mr. Orr contributed greatly to our understanding of perinatal experience, transpersonal psychology, birth trauma and his Breathwork can connect us to preverbal memories and even memories of the birth process itself (as a baby!) and the experience inside the womb itself as a fetus. 

 As mentioned, the breathing impacts all four areas of human experience and depending on the session and the person can elicit deep spiritual connection and an expansion of consciousness. It is also a powerful, direct, somatic method for healing trauma. Sometimes this can the trauma of birth itself (hence the name Re-birthing), but memories from all ages can be rediscovered, and the breath itself acts as both an activator and the healing balm.

Like psychedelics, because of the altered state of consciousness that unfolds, we are better able to be with our traumas, bear witness to them and hence integrate them into our whole self, no longer keeping them as isolated, disjointed memories that trigger the limbic system and strong, reactive emotions associated with the limbic portion of the brain.

One of main features of this Breathwork is that it allows the unconscious to rise to the surface. Or another way of putting it, it allows the breather to sink into the unconscious while remaining awake. Frequently one will enter into deep theta brainwave activity which lies in-between sleep (Delta brainwaves) and meditation (alpha). As we move in and out of theta and alpha we gain access to the unconscious material that we normally only can access through dreams. But because we are (very) actively breathing, we remain awake and can see, hear and feel this material. This can lead to visions, audio and visual hallucinations and memory recall.

Energy blockages are discovered and frequently released, as are emotional blockages. As the energy from the Breathwork builds, it will travel through the body allowing for greater connection to self, presence and heart. The energy moving through the body will potentially unlock emotion stored in the muscles, organs and fascia thus eliciting an awakening and release of those emotions.

The majority of participants report immense feelings of relaxation at the end of a session. During the final, non-active phase of the Breathwork, a sense of calm frequently takes over, leaving the practitioners feeling content and at peace. During the breathing we are activating the nervous system, but at the end, the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in and we find ourselves in deep relaxation. 

Benefits of Re-birthing breathwork range from greater peace of mind and stress reduction, to emotional and trauma healing, from clarity of mind (with decision making, actions to take, creativity and idea generation) to spiritual opening, awakening, a sense of gratitude and connection to Spirit.

Each Breathwork session includes the following:

15 minutes: Instructions, questions, guidance, Intention setting

45 minutes: Active breathwork portion

15 minutes: Non-active integration

15 minutes: Sharing, debrief and integration coaching 

With groups, I generally take an hour and 45 minutes, but I can do the above in a more “laser" fashion so it could remain  90 minutes. I would keep the coaching and sharing to a minimum, have intentions be written or just said to themselves internally. I can also shave 5-10 minutes off the session if need be, like if there are a lot of questions for instance.

Please note that music is played throughout the breathing ranging from new age, “spa” type music to intense drumming and tension-filled classical music or movie soundtracks. The music should be loud and immersive, especially during the middle of the active breathing portion of the session.