Founder of Modern Rebirthing
Leonard D. Orr
The origin point of the modern Rebirthing Breathwork tradition.
HOME / ABOUT REBIRTHING
THE PRACTICE & ITS ROOTS
About Rebirthing Breathwork
A conscious connected breathing practice with a living lineage, experiential learning and a strong emphasis on personal awareness.
THE FOUNDATION
What Is Rebirthing Breathwork?
Rebirthing Breathwork is a form of Conscious Connected Breathing in which the breath is kept flowing without a deliberate pause between inhale and exhale. Within the Rebirthing tradition, the practice is approached not simply as a breathing exercise but as a way of developing awareness of the breath, mind, body and patterns that can become visible during a session.
The work is experiential. Rather than forcing a particular emotional result, the participant learns to stay present with the breath and observe the process with increasing awareness.
THE ORIGIN
Leonard D. Orr and the Rebirthing Tradition
Leonard D. Orr developed Rebirthing Breathwork in the 1970s and became the central founder of the modern Rebirthing movement. His work combined Conscious Connected Breathing with ideas of self-observation, mind mastery and spiritual purification.
Over time, Rebirthing developed into a broader learning tradition that includes individual breathing sessions, personal inquiry and practices associated with the elements of air, water, fire, earth and ether.
CORE AREAS
How Rebirthing Is Explored
Connected Breathing
Continuous conscious breathing forms the central practical foundation of Rebirthing.
Breath Awareness
Participants learn to notice their breathing patterns with greater sensitivity rather than mechanically controlling the breath.
Mind Mastery
The tradition places attention on thoughts, beliefs and recurring mental patterns as part of self-inquiry.
Individual Sessions
Personal Rebirthing sessions are an important part of learning the work from direct experience.
Water Rebirthing
Water-based Rebirthing is included within the traditional body of Rebirthing practices.
Elemental Purification
Air, water, fire, earth and ether are explored as part of the wider spiritual-purification tradition associated with Rebirthing.
OUR LINEAGE
A Living Connection to the Founder
Direct Lineage Teacher
Heike Strombach
Heike began studying and working with Leonard Orr in 1991 and remained closely connected with his work for decades.
Rebirthing Practitioner & Facilitator
Arti Saxena
Arti completed a 21-day intensive with Heike in March 2020 and continued through seminars, workshops, 100+ sessions and SALT training in June 2026.
Leonard D. Orr→Heike Strombach→Arti Saxena
This lineage reflects a close and living connection to the roots of modern Rebirthing, carried forward through long-term study, practice and direct training.
LEARNING THE WORK
Why Personal Experience Matters
Rebirthing is difficult to understand through theory alone. Professional learning therefore includes experiencing the breath personally, developing self-awareness and gradually learning how to be present with another person's process.
Our professional training in Rishikesh is built around this principle: experience the work, understand the work and then develop the foundations to share it responsibly.
Want to Experience Rebirthing in Rishikesh?
Explore the professional training or begin with an individual session.