Buteyko

Buteyko is a breathing technique developed by a Ukrainian doctor named Konstantin Pavlovich Buteyko. The buteyko technique teaches people breathing exercises that can help manage the symptoms of a number of respiratory problems such as asthma.

Dr. Buteyko developed the technique as he saw certain factors like pollution, diet and lifestyle of people had changed the way in which they were breathing. Contrary to what most people think, the problem was not that they were not breathing enough, it was that they were breathing too much.

By doing a number of exercises people have been able to manage the symptoms of their asthma without the need of any inhalers or drugs.

How Does it Work

Buteyko has three main principles on which it is based (although make sure to discuss these with a professional practitioner before considering implementing any):

Reduced Breathing Exercises: This involves learning how to control the amount of air you inhale with each breath. Buteyko considers that, by excessive breathing, an individual is able to get the required level of oxygen but it reduces the carbon dioxide found in the lungs and blood which can cause the natural balance of the body to be disturbed.

Nasal Breathing: The buteyko technique advocates breathing through your nose. This allows your body to humidify, warm and clean the air before it enters your lungs. Nasal breathing also allows you to maintain the proper level of carbon dioxide and nitric oxide.

Relaxation: Asthma patients usually precede an attack by breathing rapidly for a short period of time. By controlling the breathing in this time frame it is possible to suppress the attack.

There are also other, specific exercises within Buteyko.

Benefits of the Buteyko Technique

The Buteyko technique helps not only people with asthma, it can be used to counter a number of problems. The Buteyko breathing techniques can be very useful in countering stress by regulating the inflow of air which in turn regulates the rest of the body's functions. Once the techniques and exercises are learnt and made a part of daily life they can become second nature.

Things to Consider Before Starting Buteyko

Before enrolling in a Buteyko class or using the breathing techniques it is important to:

• Ensure that the practitioner is properly licensed or trained in teaching Buteyko techniques and exercises.
• Understand that Buteyko is not a miracle cure, it requires a long term commitment on the part of the patient and requires work and practice as well as actively implementing the technique in an adverse situation.
• Discuss Buteyko with a licensed medical professional.