Rebirthing (also known as circular breathing) is a deep breathing practice designed to help release emotional baggage heal past traumas and open deeper self-understanding. It belongs to the broader category of High Ventilation Breathwork with growing research on its physical and psychological effects.
Origins
Developed in the 1970s by Leonard Orr who discovered it through personal breathing experiments. The name comes from the profound renewal participants experience. Sessions last 45-60 minutes of continuous circular breathing without pauses between inhale and exhale guided by a trained facilitator.
The Science
Continuous breathing causes temporary respiratory alkalosis — a rise in blood pH — which increases neural excitability and can facilitate release of suppressed emotions. Research published in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology and Journal of Trauma & Dissociation found significant effects on anxiety PTSD and trauma processing.
Always practice with an experienced trained facilitator in a safe environment.