1. the therapeutic use of continuous, focused breathing and reflection, initially under the guidance of a rebirthing practitioner (a rebirther), to release tension, stress, and intense emotions and attain a state of deep peace and total relaxation that leads to personal growth and positive changes in health, consciousness, and self-esteem (i.e., a personal and spiritual “rebirth”). This type of therapy is increasingly being termed breathwork or rebirthing breathwork. [developed in the 1970s by California-based New Age guru Leonard Orr (1937–  )]

2. a highly controversial form of therapy, now largely discredited (both scientifically and ethically), in which an individual attempts to reexperience being born (e.g., through hypnotic age regression) in order to resolve supposed pre- and perinatal conflicts and emotions and to develop a new attitude about life.