Breathing is one of the most important requirements for life!
Buteyko Breathing is fundamentally different from many other breathing techniques. It is a scientific method based on the standard principles of respiration, the normalisation of breathing, and the Bohr effect. It was designed by a Ukrainian medical doctor in the 1950s, to restore healthy, automatic breathing by improving the efficiency of breathing, bio-chemically, and bio-mechanically.
Buteyko Breathing is not about deep breathing, it is about efficient breathing. The body needs to take in the right amount of air for our metabolic needs. This is done by rebalancing the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in our bloodstream and maintaining a healthy blood pH so that we have optimal oxygenation of the tissues. Hyperventilation causes the body to work harder.
Buteyko is one of the few breathing techniques which has been extensively tested in medical trials. It was proven to be more successful than any other drug-free alternative approach to asthma management. Its effectiveness was confirmed in Brisbane in 1994 which was funded by the Australian Association of Asthma Foundations. It has been shown to be a natural, safe and effective way that may relieve and eliminate the symptoms of stress, asthma, allergies, sleep apnoea, panic attacks, sinusitis, hayfever, chronic colds, flu, and bronchitis, snoring, and some types of emphysema.
What does the Buteyko Breathing Method involve?
The Buteyko Breathing Method focuses on breathing exercises and posture, health, and lifestyle guidelines to support a functional breathing pattern. It focuses firstly on posture and then the rhythm, rate, and pattern of breathing. It also teaches the correct use of the diaphragm when breathing, including the ability to nose breathe and the tolerance to breath-hold. An individualised breathing program is designed to address each patient’s specific needs based on their individual breathing patterns.
In addition to the breathing exercises taught by their practitioner, the patient also learns how to monitor their breathing while engaging in daily activities including exercise.
The Buteyko Breathing exercises are designed to help normalise the breathing pattern and restore comfortable, natural nasal breathing.
Anyone using this Buteyko Breathing method is advised to first consult with their prescribing medical/health practitioner before commencing treatment.
People who are on medication for asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis may find that as their breathing improves they need less reliever medication. However, they are should not change any prescribed medication without consulting their doctor.
Benefits
There are many health improvements that may be gained by completing a Buteyko Breathing Method program, depending on the individual’s current health status and problems. These improvements may include:
· REDUCTION IN ASTHMA SYMPTOMS
· REDUCTION IN ASTHMA MEDICATION
· IMPROVED TOLERANCE OF ASTHMA TRIGGERS
· REDUCTION IN ALLERGIC REACTIONS
· IMPROVEMENT IN QUALITY OF LIFE
· INCREASED STAMINA AND ENERGY
· IMPROVED QUALITY OF SLEEP
· REDUCED NASAL CONGESTION
· REDUCTION IN SNORING
· IMPROVEMENT IN SLEEP QUALITY AND TIREDNESS FOR PEOPLE WITH SLEEP APNOEA
· GREATER TOLERANCE OF CPAP MACHINES
· IMPROVED ABILITY TO COPE WITH STRESS
· REDUCTION IN ANXIETY OR PANIC ATTACKS
· IMPROVED THINKING, LEARNING, AND CONCENTRATION LEVELS
· IMPROVED IMMUNITY AND LESS SUSCEPTIBILITY TO COLDS AND FLU
· IMPROVED ABILITY TO EXERCISE
· ENHANCED SPORTS PERFORMANCE
· REDUCED TENDENCY TO HEADACHES
