Frequently Asked Questions

How does Rebirthing Breathwork work?

The mechanism of breathing in a conscious connected way helps the body to release emotional and physical pain that has been stored or ‘locked’ in the body. Rebirthing Breathwork is typically done through the nose, and the ‘seed’ breath replicates that of a new-born baby. When we are born, we have the natural ability to heal and calm ourselves with our breath, but as we go about our busy and stressful lives, we forget to use this technique that is so readily available to all of us. Rebirthing Breathwork brings us back to the simple yet powerful capacity for breath to unblock what has been stuck in our lives, emotions and bodies.

Rebirthing breathwork has been known to completely change people’s lives, but it does so in subtle and gentle ways, over a sustained period of time. It’s a simple yet powerful way of releasing trauma from the body and mind and establishing new ways of being and doing in the world.

At the end of 10 sessions, it’s likely you’ll hear things like ”you’ve changed” or “you’re different” - and YOU will feel different, too. And, by that stage, you’ll have the tools to guide yourself into a rebirthing breathwork session, and a simple yet powerful tool to help you continue to shift energy and emotions throughout your life. Who would have thought that the very tool we need to heal ourselves is right with us, every moment of the day, if only we knew how to use it properly?! It’s so simple, it’s magical!

How is Rebirthing different from other forms of breathwork?

Rebirthing can be equated to the “Yin Yoga” of breathwork. It’s a slower, more subtle way of using conscious connected breath to access states of connection, relaxation, bliss, and to release physical and emotional pain and trauma.

In more “yang” style breathwork sessions, cathartic releases and screaming are relatively common. Rebirthing Breathwork sessions are typically slower and gentler, and screaming is not a common feature of a rebirthing session. While some clients may prefer the more instantaneous release of other breathwork styles such as Holotropic or Shamanic Breathwork, Rebirthing Breathwork is perfect for those who are looking for a more gentle approach to their sessions and their releases, noting that Rebirthing is not always gentle either. (As a side note, the Founder of Holotropic Breathwork, Stanislav Grof, was a client of Rebirthing Breathwork Founder Leonard Orr).

In some Rebirthing sessions the client may feel as though nothing much has “happened” other than that they feel extremely relaxed. In the days or weeks following a session or a series of sessions, they may feel big changes in how they react to a situation in their lives, or they may notice that something that used to bother them doesn’t anymore. The changes that can occur from a consistent Rebirthing Breathwork practice are often subtle yet significant, and permanent.

How will I feel after a session?

After Rebirthing Breathwork: This modality can bring a number of different emotions, memories and situations to the surface, depending on what is accessed during that session. Common post-session feelings are:

Relaxation - feeling more relaxed than you have in a long time, or ever!
Total bliss, clarity and alignment
Frustration (this is a big one - and you know the session is working its magic if this one comes in!)
Tiredness/sleepiness

Another thing to be aware of is that a Rebirthing Breathwork session will magnify how you feel about situations that you may have avoided feeling or ‘glossed over’ in the past. After a rebirthing session you may notice sudden changes in situations/relationships, for example, an argument with someone you’ve always “kept the peace with” in the past, or you suddenly find the courage to quit that job you’ve been unhappy in, or break up that relationship you aren’t happy in, or to ask out someone you’ve had a crush on for a while…

Rebirthing Breathwork can act as a catalyst for life changes, due to its slow, gentle nature of releasing and letting go. It’s like water flowing along a river bed. Over time it will pry free sand, stones and pebbles (small thoughts, beliefs, traumas), and occasionally, entire rocks and boulders will come free. In the same constant and gentle way as water flowing over rocks, rebirthing breathwork will help to clear your inner stream of emotions, thought patterns, old beliefs and stagnancy, as well as shifting physical pain and emotional trauma.

After Sound Healing:

Sound healing usually has a more gentle and relaxing impact on the body than breathwork. You will probably feel relaxed, blissed out or experience reduced physical and emotional tension following a session. However sessions can open you up to powerful experiences so it is possible you may also feel some of the feelings and experience similar situations to those described in the Rebirthing Breathwork section.

Are there any side effects to Rebirthing Breathwork?

Rebirthing Breathwork is a deceptively simple technique that assists your body to process big emotions and to have deep emotional, mental and physical release. A session may bring old memories and pain to the surface, and working with Rebirthing requires a commitment from you to proactively work with and integrate what arises in each session.

Engaging in a series of Rebirthing Breathwork sessions is likely to lead to changes in your life and in the way you respond to life’s challenges, however the process of change and transformation can be uncomfortable (whoever said that life is meant to be lived within your comfort zone?!)

It is for this reason that I recommend that clients engaging in Rebirthing Breathwork are supported by a number of practitioners/friends/partners/family. The more support networks you have in place, the easier it will be to integrate the incredible benefits of Rebirthing Breathwork into your life. We do not do this work alone, and neither should we. I highly recommend having a supportive network in place and ensuring you are in a balanced state of mind before embarking on your Rebirthing Breathwork journey.

Are there any conditions for which Rebirthing Breathwork is not suitable?

Vertigo

If you have Vertigo, please note that Rebirthing Breathwork may exacerbate your symptoms in the short term and that participation in Rebirthing is not recommended. If you proceed, you do so knowing your Vertigo symptoms may increase during the course of treatment.

Other conditions to be mindful of:

Heart conditions, respiratory conditions

Please let your practitioner know if you have been diagnosed with any heart or respiratory conditions. It may not impact your ability to participate in a session, but your practitioner may offer slightly different techniques to accommodate your condition. It’s important they are aware of any heart or respiratory conditions so they can appropriately monitor and make necessary adjustments during your session.

Mental Health conditions

Please let your practitioner know if you have been diagnosed with a mental health condition including but not limited to schizophrenia, bipolar or multiple personality disorder. The Yin Breath is not a medical doctor and does not have formal qualifications in mental health. The gentle form of Rebirthing Breathwork The Yin Breath uses may be extremely beneficial for some of these conditions, however your practitioner will determine this with you on a case-by-case basis. If your practitioner deems they are not the most appropriate person to work with you they will endeavour to refer you to another practitioner.

Are there any conditions for which Rebirthing Breathwork is not suitable?

Sound healing is a very gentle and healing modality that is suitable for most people. Caution is recommended for those who experience noise sensitivity. If this is you, get in touch with The Yin Breath when you book your session, so we can prepare a more gentle soundscape for you.

How do I prepare for a session?

To prepare for a session, you may wish to set an intention for what you would like to release or invite into your life through your session.

On the day of your session, it’s preferable that you eat lightly and avoid caffeine or other stimulants. If you have a full stomach when you lie down, you’re more likely to feel ill or fall asleep!

It’s also advisable that you refrain from alcohol or other substances in the 24 hours prior to a session. You must not be under the influence of alcohol or other mind-altering substances during a session.