Rebirthing is a highly controversial healing method that postulates that birth is a traumatic event that leaves lasting scars in our subconscious. The memory of birth is not only stored in the mind, but also remains present at a cellular level, distributed amongst the body's tissues and organs.
Rebirthing was developed by Leonard Orr between 1962 and 1974 and it focuses mainly on a combination of breathing techniques, relaxation and physiological transformation. The main breathing technique (which calls for no pause between inhale and exhale) is aimed to increase oxygen in the blood, which in turn leads to a build up of life energy or prana, and to a rupture of the thin veil between the conscious and subconscious mind.
Proponents of rebirthing ascertain that the primary source of disease is built up tension. When this tension is released, spontaneous remission from many illnesses becomes likely, together with heightened mental clarity and a sense of purpose and personal value. During rebirthing sessions (usually advocated in blocks of ten), the person lies down with his eyes closed while the practitioner guides him or her into a gentle breathing rhythm, during which "life energy" is supposed to enter the body and heal the spirit. Sessions are usually two hours in length.
The most controversial aspect of rebirthing may be their belief that physical immortality is not only possible, but also easily attainable. Orr himself believes that there are three secrets to physical immortality: to stay tuned to the Infinite Energy (God), to erase the death urge instilled in us by society, and to keep the body clean and balanced through purification practices. He claims to have met immortals and learned their secrets. Orr's controversial work is considered a pseudoscience by the scientific community worldwide.