Rebirthing and Breathwork Books

This is a small list of the many books on the subject of Rebirthing and Breathwork.

The Breathwork Experience
by Kylea Taylor

Outlines the human history of using non-ordinary states to seek healing and wisdom. It also discusses the theories of Stanislav Grof MD and describes the sensory, biographical, perinatal and transpersonal types of possible human experiences in non-ordinary states.
Using examples from actual breathwork experiences in participants' own words, this book documents the power of the breath to catalyse self-exploration and inner healing. The pages take you inside a breathwork session to see and feel what happens in the workshop, both from the standpoint of an observer and of an experienced participant.

Hanford Mead 1994. ISBN 0-9643158-0-7.
Size: 230mm x 153mm. 192 pages.
See Holotropic Breathwork

Breath & Spirit - Rebirthing as a Healing Technique
by Gunnel Minett

Provides a thorough description of the Rebirthing technique and how it affects the mind and body, from the Western medical viewpoint and according to the traditional Eastern school of thought. It explains how Rebirthing reverses negative physical and mental trends by re-establishing our natural and relaxed breathing patterns. The spiritual aspects of breathing are explored: conscious control of the breath has, for centuries, been considered the predominant method of accessing our higher selves and attaining a wider and more spiritual understanding of our role in the universe.

Aquarian/Thorsons 1994. ISBN 1-85538-353-5.
Size: 210mm x 135mm. 192 pages.
(I think that this book is currently out-of-print)

Breathing in Light and Love - Your call to Breath & Body Mastery
by Jim Morningstar Ph.D

Certain traditions say that we enter physical existence on an inhale and leave on an exhale. It is our ability to keep breathing that maintains our life in a body. Knowing how to support our life forces in the face of dis-ease and illusions of loss, keeps us healthy on all levels. ....... Breath mastery must be practised on the physical, mental and spiritual levels to be complete. Blocks and stagnation in energy flow anywhere in the body leads to imbalance, discomfort and illness.
Breath is the rainbow bridge that unites body, spirit and mind.

Transformations Incorporated 1994 ISBN 0-9604856-2-7.
Size: 215mm x 140mm. 246 pages
Contact Jim Morningstar Email: <Mornings7@aol.com>. See Transformations Incorporated for further information

Rebirthing Made Easy (Reprinted as Inner Adventures)
by Colin P. Sisson

The origin of most human behaviour difficulties stems from very early childhood experiences. Through the breath we are able to gently let go of all suffering, which results in a joyful integration of energies, and this enhances our capacity to love and enjoy life more fully.
The author presents a simple and clear explanation of how Rebirthing works. He takes us on an exciting journey deep into our own Soul.

Total Press Ltd 1985. ISBN 0-95900014-0-9

Rebirthing - Introducing a skill which enables us to live in the present
by Catherine Holland

A concise book covering the basic technique and why we need it. "A culturally appropriate, English, common-sense manual for intending rebirthees."

ISBN 0-9521696-0-6
£3 per copy + 30p postage (UK only - extra postage for abroad)
Available from Lifeworks, 26 Lighthorne Rd, Solihull B91 2BD UK. Tel: 0121-704 4229

This is a book about Soul Questing. We can do our personal and spiritual development on the Ego or on the Soul level. This book teaches how to do it on Soul Level. Part I considers the difference between Ego-Questing and Soul Questing. Part II concerns Soul Quest Skills. Part III is about Soul Therapy skills, including how to choose teachers and trainings. Part IV is about Skilful Methods. It takes a constructively critical approach to Breathwork, Voice Dialogue and Past Life Therapy. Part V is about succeeding as a Soul-questor.

ISBN 1-55643-255-0 - USD $13.95
1997 North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California, USA

Available through this website. See separate page to order book at a reduced price

Spirit, Mind & Body - The Technique of Affirmations
by Ray and Mary Brooks

Affirmations are used by many people in the healing profession/arts. It is an integral part of Rebirthing Breathwork and in this book there are references to the power of using affirmations with Rebirthing. ( The authors, Ray & Mary Brooks, wrote this book when they were both very involved with the British Rebirth Society.)

There have been over 10,000 copies of this book sold since it was first published in December 1981. It has been translated into other languages. The current seventh edition has been revised and updated.

Rebirthing and Breathwork
by Catherine Dowling
Published by Piatkus, 2000, at £9.99

Those of us working in the field of Breathwork/Rebirthing have bewailed the sparse literature on the subject, but recently things have improved, with a new generation of practitioners producing books as well as a steady stream of papers into an academic Website Journal

Catherine Dowling is an Irish practitioner, running an Accredited Rebirthing course, also a teacher and Stress Management trainer. She brings a balanced approach to the subject of Rebirthing and Breathwork, from its origins to current practice, drawing on her own considerable experience in the field.

This is going to be a useful handbook for students on Breathwork courses, and for others wanting to know about the developments in this area of therapy. The author puts Breathwork into a Psychotherapy historical context, citing links with William Reich, Grof, Eastern Breathwork practices, and then the more recent renewal of interest in Rebirthing which surged up in the 1990s with the creation of the International Breathwork Foundation.

The book is in 3 parts. In Part 1 there is a clear explanation of the respiratory mechanism, breathing problems, and the therapeutic effects that can take place from breathing consciously and fully. I was pleased to see recognition for Dr. Robert Fried and others working in the Breathwork field, including the earlier pioneers of Rebirthing as well as more recent writers. There is a detailed description of what a Breathwork session looks like, from the outside, explaining how it can help, who will benefit, and when it is contra-indicated.

Part 2 starts with the Womb, considers birth and bonding, then guidance from parents, and finally the development of our core beliefs about life. Case histories help to clearly show the effects of different types of birth experience , and how early traumas may carry on into adult life. Acknowledging the work of Bob Mandel., Sondra Ray and Deike Begg in this field, she shows how prematurity, breech and Caesarian births can bring a predisposition to certain patterns of feeling and behaviour.

I particularly appreciated the author’s view on stages of development in the release of anger and pain, and the necessity to work through these, rather than hopefully trying to forgive, by the use of affirmations. Self -responsibility, as she says, comes at a later stage in the forgiveness process -“ a process that needed time, honesty and acceptance to help it develop organically” and most therapists would agree with her

Part 3 explains how the Conscious Connected breathing process can take you on a journey, creating increased energy, and enabling suppressed issues to surface to full awareness and intensity. As Catherine Dowling puts it “it is a wonderful experience of flowing with the breath, of giving over to it, and letting it proceed as it will, knowing that it can be trusted completely ……” She describes how this is achieved, through the 5 essential elements of the Rebirthing process, and lists the possible physical effects that can be expected, such as energy release, Breath release, tetany. This is a journey towards insight and self-acceptance, and freedom from conditioning. Deep healing and lasting changes can take place in what becomes a “non-ordinary state of consciousness” during the breathing session. Diversionary behaviours which can occur - from yawning, coughing, non-stop talking, are useful for the new Breath therapist to know about in advance. The energy cycle is explained, with activation of physical or emotional feelings, symbolic visions and encounters which are later discussed with the Therapist in the final stage of Integration.

Integration and adequate completion of a breathwork session are well described, and the importance of consolidating the experiences which have occurred.

In the last two chapters, the author looks at the role of Rebirthing in management of Stress, and in Creativity., with some exercises for home practice. The selected readings which follow include Breathwork books, articles, and a general reading list of relevant material.

This is a clear and informative introductory book on Rebirthing, without excessive claims for it, but with a good understanding of the process, and how it can work effectively for many clients.


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		Breathwork related Books This is a small list of the many books on the subject of Rebirthing and Breathwork. This page is still being added to - there are many more books to include. Please send recommendations. Include a brief synopsis and publisher details. The Breathwork Experience by Kylea Taylor Outlines the human history of using non-ordinary states to seek healing and wisdom. It also discusses the theories of Stanislav Grof MD and describes the sensory, biographical, perinatal and transpersonal types of possible human experiences in non-ordinary states. Using examples from actual breathwork experiences in participants' own words, this book documents the power of the breath to catalyse self-exploration and inner healing. The pages take you inside a breathwork session to see and feel what happens in the workshop, both from the standpoint of an observer and of an experienced participant. Hanford Mead 1994. ISBN 0-9643158-0-7. Size: 230mm x 153mm. 192 pages. See Holotropic Breathwork Breath & Spirit - Rebirthing as a Healing Technique by Gunnel Minett Provides a thorough description of the Rebirthing technique and how it affects the mind and body, from the Western medical viewpoint and according to the traditional Eastern school of thought. It explains how Rebirthing reverses negative physical and mental trends by re-establishing our natural and relaxed breathing patterns. The spiritual aspects of breathing are explored: conscious control of the breath has, for centuries, been considered the predominant method of accessing our higher selves and attaining a wider and more spiritual understanding of our role in the universe. Aquarian/Thorsons 1994. ISBN 1-85538-353-5. Size: 210mm x 135mm. 192 pages. (I think that this book is currently out-of-print) Breathing in Light and Love - Your call to Breath & Body Mastery by Jim Morningstar Ph.D Certain traditions say that we enter physical existence on an inhale and leave on an exhale. It is our ability to keep breathing that maintains our life in a body. Knowing how to support our life forces in the face of dis-ease and illusions of loss, keeps us healthy on all levels. ....... Breath mastery must be practised on the physical, mental and spiritual levels to be complete. Blocks and stagnation in energy flow anywhere in the body leads to imbalance, discomfort and illness. Breath is the rainbow bridge that unites body, spirit and mind. Transformations Incorporated 1994 ISBN 0-9604856-2-7. Size: 215mm x 140mm. 246 pages Contact Jim Morningstar Email: <Mornings7@aol.com>. See Transformations Incorporated for further information Rebirthing Made Easy (Reprinted as Inner Adventures) by Colin P. Sisson The origin of most human behaviour difficulties stems from very early childhood experiences. Through the breath we are able to gently let go of all suffering, which results in a joyful integration of energies, and this enhances our capacity to love and enjoy life more fully. The author presents a simple and clear explanation of how Rebirthing works. He takes us on an exciting journey deep into our own Soul. Total Press Ltd 1985. ISBN 0-95900014-0-9 Rebirthing - Introducing a skill which enables us to live in the present by Catherine Holland A concise book covering the basic technique and why we need it. "A culturally appropriate, English, common-sense manual for intending rebirthees." ISBN 0-9521696-0-6 £3 per copy + 30p postage (UK only - extra postage for abroad) Available from Lifeworks, 26 Lighthorne Rd, Solihull B91 2BD UK. Tel: 0121-704 4229 Soul Therapy - Joy Manné PhD This is a book about Soul Questing. We can do our personal and spiritual development on the Ego or on the Soul level. This book teaches how to do it on Soul Level. Part I considers the difference between Ego-Questing and Soul Questing. Part II concerns Soul Quest Skills. Part III is about Soul Therapy skills, including how to choose teachers and trainings. Part IV is about Skilful Methods. It takes a constructively critical approach to Breathwork, Voice Dialogue and Past Life Therapy. Part V is about succeeding as a Soul-questor. Soul Therapy is also a practical book full of exercises ISBN 1-55643-255-0 - USD $13.95 1997 North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California, USA Available through this website. See separate page to order book at a reduced price Spirit, Mind & Body - The Technique of Affirmations by Ray and Mary Brooks Affirmations are used by many people in the healing profession/arts. It is an integral part of Rebirthing Breathwork and in this book there are references to the power of using affirmations with Rebirthing. ( The authors, Ray & Mary Brooks, wrote this book when they were both very involved with the British Rebirth Society.) There have been over 10,000 copies of this book sold since it was first published in December 1981. It has been translated into other languages. The current seventh edition has been revised and updated. Available through this website. See separate page Spirit, Mind & Body Also available as a Special Offer when taking out a subscription to Breathe. See Subscriptions & Sales Rebirthing and Breathwork by Catherine Dowling Published by Piatkus, 2000, at £9.99 Those of us working in the field of Breathwork/Rebirthing have bewailed the sparse literature on the subject, but recently things have improved, with a new generation of practitioners producing books as well as a steady stream of papers into an academic Website Journal Catherine Dowling is an Irish practitioner, running an Accredited Rebirthing course, also a teacher and Stress Management trainer. She brings a balanced approach to the subject of Rebirthing and Breathwork, from its origins to current practice, drawing on her own considerable experience in the field. This is going to be a useful handbook for students on Breathwork courses, and for others wanting to know about the developments in this area of therapy. The author puts Breathwork into a Psychotherapy historical context, citing links with William Reich, Grof, Eastern Breathwork practices, and then the more recent renewal of interest in Rebirthing which surged up in the 1990s with the creation of the International Breathwork Foundation. The book is in 3 parts. In Part 1 there is a clear explanation of the respiratory mechanism, breathing problems, and the therapeutic effects that can take place from breathing consciously and fully. I was pleased to see recognition for Dr. Robert Fried and others working in the Breathwork field, including the earlier pioneers of Rebirthing as well as more recent writers. There is a detailed description of what a Breathwork session looks like, from the outside, explaining how it can help, who will benefit, and when it is contra-indicated. Part 2 starts with the Womb, considers birth and bonding, then guidance from parents, and finally the development of our core beliefs about life. Case histories help to clearly show the effects of different types of birth experience , and how early traumas may carry on into adult life. Acknowledging the work of Bob Mandel., Sondra Ray and Deike Begg in this field, she shows how prematurity, breech and Caesarian births can bring a predisposition to certain patterns of feeling and behaviour. I particularly appreciated the author’s view on stages of development in the release of anger and pain, and the necessity to work through these, rather than hopefully trying to forgive, by the use of affirmations. Self -responsibility, as she says, comes at a later stage in the forgiveness process -“ a process that needed time, honesty and acceptance to help it develop organically” and most therapists would agree with her Part 3 explains how the Conscious Connected breathing process can take you on a journey, creating increased energy, and enabling suppressed issues to surface to full awareness and intensity. As Catherine Dowling puts it “it is a wonderful experience of flowing with the breath, of giving over to it, and letting it proceed as it will, knowing that it can be trusted completely ……” She describes how this is achieved, through the 5 essential elements of the Rebirthing process, and lists the possible physical effects that can be expected, such as energy release, Breath release, tetany. This is a journey towards insight and self-acceptance, and freedom from conditioning. Deep healing and lasting changes can take place in what becomes a “non-ordinary state of consciousness” during the breathing session. Diversionary behaviours which can occur - from yawning, coughing, non-stop talking, are useful for the new Breath therapist to know about in advance. The energy cycle is explained, with activation of physical or emotional feelings, symbolic visions and encounters which are later discussed with the Therapist in the final stage of Integration. Integration and adequate completion of a breathwork session are well described, and the importance of consolidating the experiences which have occurred. In the last two chapters, the author looks at the role of Rebirthing in management of Stress, and in Creativity., with some exercises for home practice. The selected readings which follow include Breathwork books, articles, and a general reading list of relevant material. This is a clear and informative introductory book on Rebirthing, without excessive claims for it, but with a good understanding of the process, and how it can work effectively for many clients. Reviewed by Vivienne Silver-Leigh (Website editors note: I have been told that the book 'Rebirthing & Breathwork' may be unavailable at the moment but is soon to be re-printed.)
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