Breath Therapy, Breathwork and
Rebirthing
Breathwork and
Breath Therapy are not one in the same. Breathwork is just a part of
Breath Therapy and The Integration Process.
Breathwork
came into public awareness by way of Leonard Orr and Rebirthing in the
1970's. Most current forms of breathwork had their origins in Rebirthing
...its focus is on the birth experience and was considered an avenue for
spiritual growth and healing. Rebirthers generally focus the breath
into the upper chest; The Integration Process however incorporates the entire
breathing mechanism to allow for access to the whole being.
When it comes
to the breath, the term conscious connected breathing is most often used
to describe the basic breathing technique. When breathing is conscious
and connected, one breath immediately follows the other without pauses.
Deep breathing is done through an open mouth with emphasis on the inhalation
followed by a relaxed or uncontrolled exhale. This type of breathing over
oxygenates the body which in turn releases repressed emotions at a cellular
level and brings them to conscious awareness. Continuing to breathe
through the emotions allows them to be experienced, expressed, released and
integrated.
The process is
relatively simple but most will require the support of a facilitator at
first. Generally speaking, people find they can go deeper and release
more with support as the depth of the feelings can be somewhat
overwhelming.
Breathwork is
really about a process of breathing ...a technique or techniques ...and
although Breath Therapy includes a solid breathwork foundation it also combines
elements from other modalities such as Reichian Process Work, Hendricks Body
Centered Transformation Method, Rebirthing and Hypno-Behavioral
Therapies.
Breath Therapy
is therefore best described as a highly personal, experiential process that
uses breathing techniques and process exercises to clear out physical, mental
and emotional blocks or stresses. Through a natural process of cleansing,
integration and unification results as blocks are cleared and personal power is
reclaimed by the individual.