Rebirthing: Transformational Breathwork
That Can Be Ecstatic and/or Catastrophic

Created by Leonard Orr in the mid-'70s and approaching critical mass in late '80s, made Rebirther leader in the New Age, pop-psyche quick fix techniques with many benefits and many dangers.

The upside is being able to breathe through blocks to monumental aliveness, attaining awesome inner direction and strength of purpose, as well as experiencing alternate states of consciousness that often defy adequate description.

The downside is the danger of becoming unbalanced energetically, mentally confused, emotionally disoriented, out of touch, out of place and out of luck

I classify Rebirthing in the cathartic breathwork category along with Reichian therapy, Radix, and Radiance Breathwork Reichian therapy, Radix, and Radiance Breathwork differ in they are taught primarily by healing professionals possessing academic degrees and/or decades of personal/therapy experience.

Rebirthing on the other hand has historically been more often practiced by well-meaning but improperly trained recipients of the Rebirthing process itself. A psychotherapist described it as "like giving a 357 Magnum to a ten year old. It can be like setting a bomb off in the basement. You will certainly 'knock something loose' but what then do you do with it?"

Yet with all this seeming negativity, being encouraged to breathe through resistance, developing willingness to let go (and let God?) and the rapid increase of potentially extremely positive and healing energy is to some, well worth the risks.

As for a credible facilitator, look for someone who has worked with that person and have them share with you their experience.

I am trained in rebirthing as well but use the techniques very sparingly. I prefer to facilitate in my clients a firm "landing base" before heading for the "outer limits". A place to come home to. Some might call it an integrated center or groundedness.

Some Cathartic Breathwork books. Not necessarily rebirthing but relevant anyway.

See also

• Optimal Breathing Store
• Bibliography and Suggested Readings