The Butyeko Method is surely drawing a lot of attention lately. I am finding numerous posts on different asthma support groups’ web sites, the majority of them triggered by NY Times articles, with questions about the Buteyko Method. Unfortunately, because of such a low Buteyko Method awareness in the United States, many people who answer those questions usually don’t have a first -hand experience practicing or teaching the Buteyko Method.
So, if you’ve never heard of the Butyeko Breathing Method and are curious about it, the following is a short summary to get you started.
1. The Buteyko Method was developed by a Russian doctor, Professor Konstantin Buteyko, in the 1950s. Despite initial skepticism from medical communities, the Buteyko Breathing Method continued to gain popularity and to spread not only in the Soviet Union, but around the world. In the 1990s, Buteyko’s students and followers eventually introduced the Method in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and many other European countries.
2. The Buteyko Method is used for achieving natural, drug-free control over many chronic conditions or diseases of civilization. The Butyeko Breathing Method is a complete therapy with a physiologically-based theory, developed over time-application techniques, measurements of progress etc., and has nothing to do with other breathing techniques such as traditional respiratory therapies, Yoga breathing, deep breathing exercises, etc.
3. In the West, the Buteyko Method has been mostly researched and practiced for asthma and other respiratory conditions.
4. The theory is based on the assumption that most patients with a variety of modern, chronic health problems constantly hyperventilate. They continuously breathe volumes of air, that are significantly above their metabolic requirements. The severity of the disease is proportional to the degree of hyperventilation. Restoring normal breathing leads to elimination of symptoms and reversal of the disease.
5. Seven clinical trials were conducted to-date in Western countries for asthma. The trials show consistent breathing improvement in asthmatic patients and significant reduction in medication use.
6. Worldwide, Buteyko Therapy recognition facts include a number of medical and government institutions admitting the benefits of the Buteyko Method in treating asthmatic patients.
7. The reluctance of many medical practitioners to recommend the Method is based mostly on the following:
- difficulty validating the theory, as not enough research is done on the subject of Chronic Hyperventilation’s affect on human health
-the absence of large-scale, long-term, clinical trials and corresponding medical publications
-in the short-term trials that were conducted, a significant reduction in symptoms and medication was achieved, although the lung function didn’t change
-fear that patients might abandon their asthma treatment plan and exacerbate symptoms
8. The goal of a practical application of the Method is to reverse Chronic Hyperventilation and restore a healthy breathing pattern. Buteyko therapy is essentially an educational breathing retraining program, that, among other things, teaches the importance of nasal breathing at all times, includes daily breathing practice and physical exercise with correct breathing, and encourages changes toward a healthier lifestyle.
9. Despite the lack of scientific proof (little or no publications in Western medical literature, no large-scale, long-term clinical trials, etc.), years of experience of Russian and Western Buteyko practitioners show that with the correct application, Buteyko therapy can considerably reduce symptoms and dependency on medication, and, in many cases, completely reverse the condition. With increased awareness, hopefully more Buteyko research will be initiated.
10. The Buteyko Method is generally safe for any age and disease severity if practiced under the supervision of a qualified Practitioner. The Buteyko Method does not include the use of any drugs, supplements or devices. The only optional cost is a Practitioner fee, which averages around the cost of a one-to-two month supply of commonly prescribed, preventive combination inhalers (for example–Advair).
11. Best practices of the Buteyko Practitioners in the West usually include a series of workshops or individual lessons where students learn to apply the Buteyko Breathing Technique. Lessons also include a theory introduction, as well as lifestyle guidelines. The practitioner’s role is to make sure a patient fully understands the theory behind the method, that the patient can correctly measure progress, and is able to practice breathing exercises in the most efficient way according to age, history of their disease, other health conditions, etc.
12. Buteyko is not a “quick fix”, and success with the therapy largely depends on a student’s understanding of the goals of the therapy, perseverance with breathing practice and making necessary lifestyle adjustments.
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Buteyko Clinic USA offers unique breathing rehabilitation programs that result in long term drug free control over asthma, allergies, COPD, rhinitis, chronic cough, snoring, sleep apnea, anxiety, panic, chronic hyperventilation syndrome and other chronic conditions. Contact us today for a free consultation.
