FAQ’s What happens during the Breathwork process? The Rebirthing breathing technique is a conscious, connected breathing process. That is, the inhale and exhale are connected so there are no pauses between breaths, something that occurs in normal reflex breathing. When breathing in this manner we first begin to relax very deeply and then we become more aware of the feelings, thoughts, beliefs and memories we carry around within us every day. As we continue breathing we can have sensations in our bodies such as tingling, vibrations, aching, feeling cold and/or hot, etc. We can experience emotions or have dreamlike visions. We can also recall events from our past, such as our birth, that we have forgotten. This is where rebirthing gets its name, although not everyone remembers their birth during rebirthing. Often the events we recall are ones we have never forgotten but when we recall them during rebirthing they come with emotions, insights, and a new understanding of how the past has affected us. As we keep breathing in the rebirthing manner we are able to let go of old pain, of beliefs about ourselves and life that are holding us back, of fears, resentments and of self-criticism. When we let go of what we are needlessly holding, the sense of relief and freedom can be invigorating and uplifting. How is a Rebirthing session structured? The structure of a session varies from therapist to therapist. Generally there is a period of talking in which rebirther and client focus on the difficulties and issues the client is bringing to the session. The rebirther can use a variety of complementary techniques to support the client. These can included talk therapy, art work, movement, visualisation, affirmations, etc. The core of the session, however, is the breathing technique known as rebirthing. For this the client lies comfortably on a mattress or bed. The rebirther acts as a breathwork coach and guides the client into the breathing process.. The rebirther supports the client through the session which usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour and a quarter. There is usually a short period following the breathwork where client and therapist talk about the experience and look at work to be done between sessions. What is the theory underpinning Rebirthing? “The mind is in its own place, and in itself, can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.” John Milton How we function as adults is the product of our life experience from pre-birth to the present. From every event we draw conclusions, beliefs about ourselves, others, life. Sometimes these beliefs are uplifting and support us in living happy and fulfilled lives. Sometimes they are self-critical, hold us back and often cause us emotional turmoil. Rebirthing helps us free our minds from the limits of self-criticism, anger, resentments and shame. Rebirthing does this by allowing us to become more aware of the world inside ourselves. Beliefs, emotions, memories…stored throughout the body come to the surface. And in the natural cycle of breathing they are resolved. This resolution is called integration. When we reach that point of integration where we can look back without fear, regret or judgement, we are freer to be ourselves and to begin to realise our actual potential. We cannot change the events of the past but we can change the effects the past has on us. Is it necessary to re-experience your birth? No. To have information about the circumstances of your birth helps in the better understanding of you own unique and innate approach to life. The technique got its name from the fact that people can re-experience their birth while breathing in this manner. But not everyone revisits their birth in rebirthing sessions. Does birth always have a negative impact? Not at all. Your birth can be wonderfully life affirming. Is rebirthing safe? The rebirther does not regress the client in any way. The client is fully in control of the experience and aware of everything that is going on. The level of exploration in rebirthing, therefore, is very much determined by the client themselves and their own state of readiness. There are a range of inbuilt physical systems that prevent us from experiencing that which is still too traumatic to bring to the surface. These come into play during a breathwork session and only material the client feels ready to deal with comes to the surface. The connected breathing continues until all emotions are resolved and the client is completely at ease and comfortable. Rebirthing is not suitable for people with psychotic or bi-polar disorders. The effect is greatly diluted for people on high levels of mood altering medication. How many sessions and how often do they take place? Can People rebirth themselves? |