Rebirthing

Rebirthing: 

The Breath of Life 
to purify body mind and spirit.

Rebirthing, known as The Breath of Life, is a simple, gentle, yet powerfully effective method for purifying the body, mind and spirit. With the unique combination of connected breathing, some dialogue and touch, you will connect to the truest part of your Self.

Though an ancient technique, Leonard Orr is the modern-day founder of Rebirthing. Leonard Orr developed Rebirthing over a thirteen-year period from 1962 – 1975. During Orr’s practice of connected breathing while submerged in a bathtub of water, he experienced memories of his difficult birth as if he was being re-birthed.

More than breathing air, change takes place as a direct result of breathing prana, also referred to as life-force energy, and of psychophysically reliving the moment of your first breath. Connecting the inhale to the exhale in a relaxed, natural rhythm brings about an awareness of a direct connection to spirit, and a physical sensation of life-force energy felt in the body.

Each session is unique to the individual and the transformation that occurs is between you and Spirit. You may experience a number of sensations including feelings of deep relaxation, greater levels of peace and joy, increased overall energy, a sense of freedom, reduction of pain, and enhanced clarity to manage challenges in your life.


Preparation for a Rebirthing session:
First, you will have an opportunity to share any challenges or problems you are facing. These issues could range from physical pain, accident trauma, grief from the loss or separation of a loved one, to career challenges and relationship concerns.

To begin, an intention will be set for how you desire to “feel” following the session and asking for increased clarity and hopefully resolution to an issue. In setting an intention, we offer ourselves something to work with. You may receive clarity during the session, or in the days and weeks to follow.

When a long-standing issue has been “concluded”, you will KNOW that something has been released, and released for good. It will remain only as a memory, without emotional charge and you will experience a personal power to direct the choices in your life.


The Technique:
In a relaxed position laying comfortably on your back, you are supported through a continual inhaling and exhaling of your breath for up to 45 minutes. With your eyes closed and jaw relaxed, you will begin to breathe in (inhale) a full breath through your mouth, drawing the breath from your stomach upwards to the top of your chest. Immediately following a complete breath, you will fully release the breath (exhale) through your mouth without any effort.

At times, a sigh on the exhale will assist you in completely relaxing. Initially, some focus is required to maintain the inhale/exhale breathing cycle, however, this will soon shift into a natural “conscious connected breathing” rhythm.

During the breathing session, a variety of emotions and memories may surface. These emotions and memories have been held deeply in the cellular body. We want this to happen, as this is vital to creating change in your life. Rebirthing can bring to the surface an underlying issue that was invisible or which previously appeared insignificant. The practitioner is present every step of the way to support you.


Alternate Nostril Breathing
Alternate Nostril Breathing, traditionally termed Nadi Shodhana, and also known as Anuloma Pranayama, is an effective exercise for balance of the left and right brain to improve and optimize creative and mental functioning. The right side of the brain controls creative activity, while the left side is responsible for logical verbal and mental activity. Shodhana means to ‘purify’ and nadi refers to the network of pranic (life force energy) pathways in the body.

Originally a Yogic technique, Alternate Nostril Breathing is derived from the understanding that the “natural breathing cycle” alternates between the right and left nostrils every two hours. Scientists have discovered that the nasal cycle relates with brain function. The electrical activity of the brain was found to be greater on the side opposite the less congested nostril.

Scientists have also learned that we do not breathe equally with both nostrils. At various times, one nostril may be favoured. The Yogi’s believed that prolonged breathing from one nostril is potential for dis-ease. For example, they have witnessed that many years of left nostril breathing may result in asthma. In bringing balance to our nasal cycle, our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health can be optimized!

Recommended by practitioners and professionals, Alternate Nostril Breathing is beneficial in supporting a balanced state of Body/Mind. It rejuvenates the body, calms the mind, and alleviates stress.

A simple yogic breathing technique, this can be done virtually anywhere, alone or within a group.


The Technique:
1. Close the right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through the left nostril. Breathe in to the count of four seconds.

2. Immediately close the left nostril with your right ring finger and at the same time remove your thumb from the right nostril, and exhale through this nostril. Do this to the count of eight seconds. This completes a half round.

3. Inhale through the right nostril to the count of four seconds. Close the right nostril with your right thumb and exhale through the left nostril to the count of eight seconds. This completes one full round.


Start by doing three rounds, adding one per week until you are doing seven rounds.
Alternate nostril breathing should not be practiced if you have a cold or if your nasal passages are blocked in any way. Forced breathing through the nose may lead to complications.


Colleen Wynia