Buteyko Breathing Technique

This relatively new drug-free therapy is a means of retraining the breathing process in an effort to improve health and reduce symptoms in a number of conditions.

Its founder Dr Buteyko believed many illnesses, such as asthma in particular, were down to hyperventilating or not breathing properly. He believed that teaching the sufferer to breathe properly via a set of simple instructions would alleviate many of the symptoms of the condition, if not bring the individual total health.

By getting the client to breath properly and reduce the volume of air they inhale, Dr Buteyko believed carbon dioxide levels in the blood would be eliminated and the body’s acid-base rebalanced. Other tissues would then have an increased amount of oxygen.

Retraining the breathing involves numerous repetitive exercises which look at inhaling and exhaling through the nose, holding the breath and learning to properly relax.

Those who use the method claim to be able to treat up to 150 other medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus and migraine.

To justify the therapy was required Buteyko devised a testing method and a cell oxygenation index. This involved the client holding their breath for a set amount of time and then expiring. He could then calculate their cell oxygen content.

When breathing normally Buteyko calculated the oxygen level in the blood was around 96 to 98 per cent. Hyperventilating causes a loss of carbon dioxide which is necessary for the body to use oxygen correctly. A loss of carbon dioxide means a loss of oxygen and the body’s tissues starved. This is called the Bohr effect. By breathing properly proponents of Buteyko insist this process is reversed and the tissues receive all the oxygen they need.

The Buteyko method also looks at the patient’s diet and sleep patterns and attempts to redress them if they are perceived as harmful to the patient’s overall health.

The exercises can be done by people of any ages although it tends to work better on children and young adults who have not spent the same length of time breathing incorrectly as older adults.

Because they require no specific equipment the exercises can be done whenever – and wherever – the client finds suitable.

You will be trained to always breathe through the nose through a series of repetitive exercises and techniques. Over a certain period of time this should permanently retrain your breathing rate and you will be required to monitor your breathing at certain intervals less and less as time goes on. During stressful periods you may need to retrain.

On your first session you will be asked to hold your breath so it can be measured. This is known as the Control Pause and is conducted using a watch with a second hand. If you can only hold for less than 20 seconds you will have symptoms of wheezing and asthma. This test will be repeated during sessions and once your CP is 40 your asthma or other health condition should have significantly improved if not gone completely.

When embarking on your training you will be required to monitor your breathing regularly, keep a record of this and follow a plan of action devised by your therapist. He or she will also teach you relaxation techniques which you will be expected to practice at home.

Exercises are usually taught over a series of meetings with your therapist. Ideally these meetings should be in quick succession such as over the period of one week or even a weekend.

As you begin to master the techniques of Buteyko you should notice an increase in your energy levels and your symptoms should gradually reduce. Depending on your progress a follow-up consultation or series of meetings with your therapist may be required.

You may feel well enough to reduce your prescribed medication but this should only be achieved under supervision from your therapist and doctor.

Sessions usually last between one hour and ninety minutes.

Reducing hyperventilation leads to improvements in a number of other diseases according to followers of the Buteyko method. In fact, they believe that anyone who takes in more air than their body requires could benefit from the practice.

Chronic over breathing or mouth breathing can result in such traits as audible breathing during rest, sighs, large breaths prior to talking, regular sniffing, and upper chest breathing.

In terms of recognised medical conditions which could benefit,
this includes various breathing disorders, diabetes and mental difficulties.

Other conditions the therapy purports to treat include:

• Asthma
• Snoring
• Hay fever
• Allergies
• Emphysema
• Migraine
• Sleep apnoea
• Chronic Cough
• Rhinitis
• Bad breath
• Nasal polyps
• Sinusitis and rhinitis
• Anxiety symptoms and depression
• Reproductive disorders
• Blocked nose
• Jaw joint pain
• Dental or gum problems
• Tingling or numb fingers, toes or face
• Yawning despite no tiredness
• dizziness

Its followers believe Buteyko can also boost the immune system, improve concentration and increase stamina and general energy levels.