Posts Tagged ‘Buteyko breathing’

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Back to school. Why our younger generation is so unhealthy?

Friday, September 3rd, 2010
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According to the statistics, we are currently raising the first generation of babies who will not outlive their parents.
Despite a multi-million-dollar medical research and having handful of drugs for each and every condition imaginable, despite living in the wealthiest country in the world. We have infants who have severe asthma and are given nebulizers and steroid based drugs. We have 2-4 year old developing cancer and heart disease. My cousin’s 15 year old son recently had a series of strokes!

Respiratory and food allergies, recurrent ear and sinus infections, low immunity, poor dental health, misaligned teeth, eczema and other skin conditions are now considered to be typical components of childhood. Exercise-induced asthma is found in more than one-third of college athletes. Over the past two decades, the obesity rate for children has doubled, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. For adolescents, the picture is worse: More than three times as many are now obese.

What about mental and emotional health? In 1990, 900,000 American kids were on Ritalin. Today some estimate the total number of children on Ritalin has increased to 4 – 5 million or more per year. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has warned about a record six-fold increase in Ritalin production between 1990 & 1995. America now uses 90% of the world’s Ritalin – more than five times the rest of the world combined.

More than 500,000 children and adolescents in America are now taking antipsychotic drugs, according to a September 2009 report by the FDA. Their use is growing not only among older teenagers, when schizophrenia is believed to emerge, but also among tens of thousands of preschoolers. A Columbia University study recently found a doubling of the rate of prescribing antipsychotic drugs for privately insured 2- to 5-year-olds from 2000 to 2007. (NY Times Child’s Ordeal Shows Risks of Psychosis Drugs for Young )

In 2007 it was reported that the suicide rate for 10- to-24-year-olds increased by 8 percent, the largest single-year rise in 15 years, according to a report released in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Teen suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young adults and adolescents 15 to 24 years of age.

We have to understand that development of all chronic diseases, including neurological, brain and mental disorders, has few things in common: tissues starvation of oxygen, metabolic imbalances, excessive excitability of nerve cells, under- or over- production of important hormones, deficiency in vital nutrients and malfunctions of the immune system. The majority of those disturbances, either directly or indirectly, could be the result of chronic hyperventilation.

Why such young kids are affected? Starting with pregnant mothers, women hyperventilate during pregnancy, and that is as dangerous for the baby as lack of nutrients, smoking or alcohol. Lack of education on healthy breathing and dangers of hyperventilation, plus deep breathing that is often taught to pregnant women, add to the problem.

Then, when a child is born, many practices in modern hospitals and neonatal care encourage over-breathing. Swaddling infants is unfortunately a lost tradition. Newborns with signs of respiratory distress are given supplemental oxygen. Later infants and young children are introduced to unnatural diets like most formulas, sugars, white breads, deep fried food, hydrogenated oils, food dyes etc. Children are overfed, overdressed, lack essential physical activity and inevitably start mouth breathing. On top of that, modern society’s stresses enter child’s mind very early and are not properly addressed.

In conclusion, below is a quote from Rosemary MacGregor RN, MS, who, working in traditional health care system, nevertheless understood the vital connection between breathing and health and tried to educate doctors and patients on the importance of breathing awareness and dangers of hyperventilation.
I am a nurse and I can honestly say we were never properly trained in this area, nor are the doctors. I have given many a talk on teaching breathing around the world and have never had a doctor not totally appreciate my information. I have read the respiratory text books doctors are trained with in medical school. It is more likely that you have unlearned very early the good breathing you were born with if you were an average kid. In the United States most children by three years old are over-breathing. Awareness is the only key we have to staying ‘as best we can’ on target with proper breathing. With awareness, we need the knowledge of what to do, and then how to change our habitual breathing response to that situation in that moment.
Rosemary MacGregor RN, MS

Buteyko therapy addresses all the root causes of chronic diseases. We, as parents, always want the best for our children. It is essential to teach them Buteyko, even if they are not sick or have what seems to be a very minor health problem.


Wishing you a healthy school year!

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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.

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You’ve asked

Friday, August 27th, 2010
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I live at a high elevation (5000+’) and I am having a hard time getting my cp over 30. When I go to sea level it comes right up and conversely when I go higher it goes down. Can anyone explain this to me and maybe at 5000′ my cp is right where it should be? Also, I am experiencing pretty severe cleaning responses. Lots of anxiety, insomnia, upper respiratory events (colds etc). I am 65 years old and my cp to begin was about 7. My symptom was chronic throat clearing which has significantly improved. Thank you  A.

Dear A,

There are few separate issues in your question. Higher altitude is a more hypoxic (less oxygen) environment. Few research studies have been done on how such environment is influencing our health, longevity and risk of widespread chronic diseases.  In short, the conclusion is that living long term at higher altitudes, especially being born and consistently living there, is a very positive factor for our health and longevity. However when people move from one environment to another frequently or move to higher altitudes midlife  etc. that can make them feel worse and experience different degrees of unpleasant symptoms or sickness.  It is very individual, and some might adapt relatively quickly. From the Buteyko point of view it is explainable.  When we fully adapt to more hypoxic (less oxygen) environment, especially being born and living significant part of life there, such environment is aiding in maintaining healthier O2 – CO2 balance, thus better health. However, nearly all modern people hyperventilate to a different degree, and for many sick people the degree of hyperventilation is high (very low CPs). Such people are overly sensitive to hypoxic environment, which produces even more over-breathing  when they travel to higher altitudes, which in turn might cause symptoms worsening and more difficulties raising  CP.  That explains  CP going up and down with changing altitude, and you might indeed experience worsening of symptoms when you are at higher altitude. For very healthy people (CP over 40) such changes will unlikely produce noticeable negative effects, so the solution here is again to work on increasing your CP.   Because of being at higher altitude or changing altitudes you might experience more difficulties with your Buteyko training, however, that brings us to the second issue that many people at any altitudes are indeed experiencing difficulties in raising their CPs, and that should be worked out, ideally, with your practitioner. You and he/she have to look at possible reasons, including your lifestyle, to analyze and identify  what is stalling your progress and suggest routines to move your CP up.  Another issue is that if you never worked with a Practitioner, you might not measure your CP correctly. At CP of 30 people usually don’t have frequent viral infections and lots of anxiety.  Remember, your consistent morning CP is most important indicator of your true CP.




 Can either control pause, nasal clearing and mouth taping be used during pregnancy, in the first trimester? 6 weeks pregnant? many thanks for your help, G.

Dear G,

First trimester of pregnancy (even up to 16 weeks) is a very fragile time when risk of miscarriage is highest; for that reason we strongly recommend that pregnant women only work with an experienced Practitioner who can monitor them and adjust routines on continuous basis.  It is difficult to give you a solid advice not knowing your history, e.g. did you have miscarriages or troubled pregnancies in the past, did you do Buteyko before you got pregnant, what is your current CP, what other health conditions do you have, medications, night sleep  etc ?

Below are some general guidelines and considerations but to have a Practitioner to guide and monitor you would be the safest and most effective route to go.
During initial stages of pregnancy, especially when CP is low, the cleansing reactions can be dangerous to the fetus, therefore pregnant women during first three-four months should have a “defensive” course of action aimed at prevention of CO2 losses. That should include watching not to mouth breathe, tape mouth at night, maintain good posture, not to overeat, address night sleep to minimize hyperventilation, walk or do any other physical activities with mouth closed etc.  Practicing relaxed breathing without air hunger and occasionally measure a control pause (COMFORTABLE breath hold, DO NOT OVEREXTEND!) should be safe. When you do a nose clearing exercise, again, DO NOT OVEREXTEND the breath-hold.  After 16 weeks of pregnancy the intensity of the Breathing retraining is very individual, depending on the general condition of the pregnant woman. Still, only an easy or moderate level of intensity is recommended.
It is advisable that women who are planning pregnancy should enroll in Buteyko course and raise their CP before they get pregnant.


——————————————————————————————————-
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.

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Journaling your Buteyko practice

Friday, July 30th, 2010

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We like the analogy of the Buteyko therapy to physical or rehabilitation therapy. Buteyko therapy is a rehabilitation therapy for your breathing that you apply to yourself.  You do this patiently, day-by-day, effort-by-effort.  It is often frustrating to not experience prominent results right away. CP is fluctuating, symptoms come and go, some symptoms might decrease, while new ones may appear.  Dozens of lifestyle, environmental and behavioral factors will influence your CP.  It can be confusing, to say the least. 

If you are practicing the Buteyko Method, you are probably asking yourself these questions:  Am I making adequate progress? What are specific factors that influence my CP most? Why am I stuck? Am I doing my Buteyko exercise routine correctly? Is my physical exercise routine beneficial or is it causing more stress?

Journaling your Buteyko experience might prove extremely helpful in answering those questions.

Take a look at the sample journal below.

Date

Time

Pulse

CP

MP

Steps

Comment

Symptoms
05/09 3 pm 70 22     Midday Some cough
05/09 11:00 pm 68-66 25/30     Before bed, CP and pulse before and after Buteyko exercises  
05/10 7 am 72 25     Upon wake up; had good night sleep  
05/10 10:15 am 84 15     After breakfast / coffee Mild chest tightness
05/10 10 pm 70 20/25     Before bed, CP before and after Buteyko exercises  
05/11 7 am 68 20   55-70 Upon wake up Mild chest tightness, mucus
05/11 10:30 am 76 18     After breakfast  
05/11 3:30 pm 74 25     Midday, half hour after walk  
05/11 4:30 pm 66 35 55   Midday Feel good!
05/12 7 am 66 25     Upon wake up Not as much mucus today
05/12 9 am 68 23     Before breakfast  
05/12 10:30 am 78 17 32   After breakfast  / coffee  
05/12 12:30 am 68 28     20 min after 1 h walk  
05/12 11:30 pm 64 30 50   Before bed  
05/13 8 am 66 22 41 72-84 Upon wake up Some sneezing and partially blocked nose, felt much better after steps
05/13 10:30 am 66 20     After breakfast and coffee. My “after breakfast” CP is going up!  
05/13 3:30 68/90/70 20/25     Long stair walk with nasal breathing. Difficult. CP before and half hour after Some mild chest tightness and mucus still present
05/24 7am   25   84 Upon wake up Chest tightness is gone, but some mornings have a partially blocked nose.
05/24 2:30 pm 70 18 32   Midday, half hour after meal  
05/24 4 pm   30     Midday, empty stomach  
05/24 11 pm 70/58 28/35     Before bed, CP/pulse before and after Buteyko exercises. First time reached 35! Overall feel much better than last week

 

You can get as detailed as you’d like with the description of symptoms, routines, additional measures (e.g. taping mouth at night etc), and even your meal content.  Adjust the chart according to your condition, routines and measurements that you usually do (e.g. some people are not recommended to do steps or MPs, even as measurement). Add medications and their daily dosage to the chart, if you take any.

Once you see all your efforts and results in plain view like this, it will make it so much easier for you to find what is working best for you or to identify possible sources for your lack of progress.


——————————————————————————————————-
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.

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Buteyko and meditation (part 2)

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

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by Ryan Bowie

The reason for this direct relationship between mind and breath was demonstrated through the work of Professor Buteyko and his collegues, along with other Western physiologists. They found that carbon dioxide acts as a natural sedative or tranquilizer of the nervous system. As carbon dioxide levels increase, the nervous system naturally relaxes and we become less “primed” for anxiety, fear and worry. It has also been shown that as carbon dioxide levels normalize, the part of the brain responsible for thinking calms and becomes less prone to excitability. Below are quotes from modern physiologists and from ancient sages, both proposing the same insight, the relationship between breath and mind, and more importantly, hyperventilation and mental disturbance.

“The brain, by regulating breathing, controls its own excitability ”Balestrino & Somjen, 1988.

“Hyperventilation leads to spontaneous and asynchronous firing of cortical neurons”. Huttunen et. Al, 1999.

“Mind and breath have the same source. Hence breath is controlled when mind is controlled and mind, when breath is controlled. Breath is the gross form of the mind.” Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, 1965.

“The removal of outside stimuli and the suspension of the breath within the nostrils controls the mind, and the transcendentalist becomes free from desire, fear and anger, and the one who is always in this state is certainly liberated.” Bhagavad-Gita

“If we can calm the breath, there will be very interesting and powerful results. First of all, the flesh-body will become very gentle, relaxed, and tranquil. Then there will arise a calming of the mind, also.”
Bhikkhu Buddhadasa, 1988

The central insight in all of these observations is that by controlling the breathing and in particular by breathing less, it is possible to bring the mind to a state of ease and tranquility. The greater the degree of breath control and the less one breathes as a general breathing pattern, the more accessible are states of quiet, calm, and even bliss in meditation. If you are a meditator, just think back to times that you have had very calm and peaceful meditations. What was your breathing like? Was it heavy or light? Did you reach a point where you could barely even feel that you were breathing? Have you ever wondered what your mind might be like if you breathed more like this all of the time?

The implications of this insight for the serious meditator are huge- learn to finally gain leverage over the thinking mind. What does this actually feel like when it comes time to meditate? One who breathes little all of the time (3 to 4 liters per minute at rest) finds that the mind naturally and readily goes quiet when attention is brought inward. The body is at ease, there is little cumulative stress, and awareness is bright and clear. Rather than spend our time in meditation dealing with excessive thinking, one can pursue the real purpose of authentic meditation: gaining insight into the nature of the mind and reality.

Having spent many years practicing meditation both as a layman and as a monk, often with unsatisfactory results, I experienced a radical change in my whole understanding of meditation and the nature of the mind through putting into practice the principles of the Buteyko method. I am pleased to be able to bring my experience and knowledge to those who are also aspiring to transcendental knowledge and insight, regardless of the particular tradition that one follows. For those who already have a meditation practice, the Buteyko method can greatly enhance it, and your skills as a meditator can be very useful in developing your Buteyko practice. And for those who are interested in learning to meditate, gaining an understanding and proficiency in breath training first can save you from hours, months or even years of fruitlessly chasing a quiet mind, when in fact it could be a disturbed breathing pattern that has primed you for agitation, resentment, and worry. But it doesn’t have to be like this- meditation can be the relaxed, rejuvenating, and enjoyable experience it is supposed to be, even for people living in today’s world.

If you wish to contact Ryan, send Email to ryan@learnbuteyko.com.



——————————————————————————————————-
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.

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Buteyko and meditation (part 1)

Friday, June 25th, 2010

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The following article is kindly shared by Ryan Bowie, a Buteyko Practitioner in Northern California. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1999, Ryan moved to England where he trained as a Buddhist monk for 8 years in the Theravada tradition at Chithurst Monastery.
 He first found out about the Buteyko method from Christopher Drake in 2006 as a complimentary practice to his meditation. In 2008, upon leaving the monastic life, Ryan began to train as Buteyko Practitioner.  He has taught students in the UK, Europe, and America. Given his background in the monasticism, Ryan has a special interest in teaching the method to those interested in enhancing their meditation and yoga practices.
 
 The practice of meditation has been an integral practice in the world’s religions for thousands of years. In Theravada Buddhism, the tradition in which I was ordained as a monk, mindfulness of breathing (Pali: anapanasati, Sanskrit: anapanasmrti) is the central meditation theme and has been used to bring about a happy and equanimous mind, robust health, and even spiritual enlightenment (Pali: nibbana, Sanskrit: nirvana). By bringing full awareness to the breathing process, the meditator enters a state of absorption (Pali: jhana, Sanskrit: dhyana) in which states of fear, greed, and aggression subside, leaving the mind still and luminous. With a still mind and calm body one is then able to gain insight into the nature of reality.

Similarly, in the practice of pranayama, the yogi seeks to gain control over the mind by developing control of the breath. In both meditation and pranayama, the key insight is the profoundly intimate relationship between the mind and breath, and the possibility to control one by controlling the other.In my years as a Buddhist monk I have seen both lay practitioners and monastics spend years struggling with an agitated and defiant mind that resists all attempts at developing calmness.

When the incessant stream of thoughts finally does give in it often results in sloth, torpor and sleepiness. In addition, I have watched students of meditation struggle with states of boredom in meditation, which often leads to a mind that drifts here and there, lost in fantasy, and craving pleasures, like food, sex, and entertainment (this is especially the case during prolonged meditation retreats). And of course there is the mind that wonders in the past and future, rehashing old stories of wrongs and injustices, falling into ill-will and resentment. All of this over time can lead to a sense of doubt and uncertainty about meditation, what one is actually trying to do and if it is even possible to train the mind.

These 5 negative mental states: sensual desire, ill-will, sloth and torpor, restlessness and worry, and doubt make up what is called the Five Hindrances in Buddhist meditation (but are relevant for any meditation). The difficulty in dealing with these five states is that they are of the mind, and the mind is fast, elusive, and hard to grasp. We can be transported from one world to another in less than a second, sometimes not even realizing we are there until minutes later. And yet when we read accounts of monks and yogis in the ancient religious texts it sounds as if they had a different mind altogether or couldn’t possibly have had to deal with what we are up against in modern society. In a sense this is true.

It can be argued that human nature hasn’t changed in any fundamental way, as there were wars, atrocities, injustices, and exploitation then as there is now. But in another sense, the mind is different now. Never before in human history have people been exposed to so much sensory input, so many different and often contradictory ideas, so many pressures and demands relentlessly pursuing us.

People in modern society are often overstimulated, overstressed, and deeply isolated. Our lifestyles often lack exercise and movement, lack connection with nature and community, and require us to spend huge amounts of time lost in mental abstractions, bound by time, and living in the shadows of seemingly insurmountable problems such as environmental degradation, social injustice, terrorism, resource depletion, etc, etc.

In short, people in ancient times lived in a time when things moved slowly, the pace of life was determined not by the clock but by the sun and seasons, and advances in technology didn’t occur over the course of months but rather centuries. They lived in a harsh time in terms of lack of comforts, medicine, and technology, but they experienced less accumulated stress in the body/mind, and as a result, sitting down and being quiet was not the huge challenge that so many of us find it to be today.

There is however another way of dealing with the mind. Because the mind and breath are so intimately linked (just watch your breathing the next time you are angry or excited if you doubt this), it is possible to approach the mind from another angle. Rather than take it on directly, it is possible to gain leverage over the mind through training the breath. The advantage of the breath is that it is much more tangible than the mind- one can access it in a way that is very difficult with the mind. By learning to calm and ultimately change the way that we breathe, it is possible to gradually change our habitual thought patterns and ways of seeing the world and life.

Ultimately breath control is equivalent to mind control, and by developing this skill, it is possible to begin to have influence over the mind that for many of us was never possible, even after many years of dedicated meditation. (to be continued)

If you wish to contact Ryan, send Email to ryan@learnbuteyko.com.


—————————————————————————————————–
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.

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Does Buteyko work for everyone? (continued)

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

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According to the Buteyko theory, normalization of breathing will positively affect every aspect of human health and will set the healing process in motion for a wide variety of diseases and pathologies in the body.

Studies of Russian doctors practicing the Buteyko method, as well as studies published in Western publications, reveal that over 150 health conditions are related to heavy breathing, or are possible only in conditions of hyperventilation. This is less than 1% of all health pathologies (about 30,000) currently known to the medical science. ‘I hear a whisper of indignation and joy: “So, are all diseases from deep breathing?” No, not all. Deep breathing causes one single disease: the disease of deep breathing. It causes a wide spectrum of pathologies. Why? It interrupts the metabolism of the substances – the foundation of life in all cells. These or other symptoms are manifested, and their strong expression is qualified as disease…’(Buteyko, 1977).

Where the Buteyko application has limitations

the fundamentals of the Buteyko theory do not claim an accurate and full description of the basic changes in the human body under the following processes and types of pathologies:

1.  Infectious diseases.

2.  Diseases caused by genetic disorders (but the presence of “genetic predisposition” does not limit the application of the Buteyko theory)

3.  Serious forms of mental disorders

4.  Trauma

5.  Extreme states of body distress such as caused by narcotics, poisonings, burns, radiation, etc.

6.  Person’s states on the verge of life and death (Resuscitation)

7.  Normal  ageing.

8.  Brain injury, unconscious states.

9.   Cancer.

10. The processes in human body directly caused by reproductive function

However,  the application of the Buteyko theory and therapy in the listed areas often allows one to greatly increase the efficiency of the medical aid.  ( Vladimir K. Buteyko and Marina M. Buteyko THE BUTEYKO THEORY ABOUT A KEY ROLE OF BREATHING FOR HUMAN HEALTH)

Clearing infections will ensure an adequate  progress with the Buteyko Therapy

It is recommended to clear any existing bacterial, parasite or fungal infections prior to or together with starting a Buteyko treatment. Besides obvious and more serious bacterial infections, those include athlete’s foot, mouth, vaginal  and intestinal candida, inflamed root canals, “dead” tonsils, intestinal worms etc. 

Contraindications

Most of the contraindications are listed below, however, in some cases a very gentle therapy might be applied. People with following conditions should never apply Buteyko without consulting both their doctor and an experienced Buteyko Practitioner.

  • Arterial aneurysm
  • Hemorrhagic stroke
  • Thrombosis
  • Current cancer treatment
  • Recent heart attack within 12 weeks
  • Brain tumor
  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • History of serious cardiac rhythm disorder (unless pacemaker fitted)
  • Severe renal failure (includes dialysis)
  • Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Acute schizophrenia
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with cor pulmonale
  • Pregnancy (first trimester)

 

Cautions

For this group a very gentle Buteyko approach is recommended.  People with following conditions are strongly advised to work with a Buteyko Practitioner rather than self help learning tools.

  • Diabetes, especially insulin controlled
  • Mild/controlled hypertension
  • Thyroid disease
  • Angina/previous heart attack
  • Epilepsy
  • Past history of schizophrenia
  • Reduced kidney function
  • Pregnancy (second and third trimester)



——————————————————————————————————-
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.

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Does Buteyko work for everyone?

Saturday, April 17th, 2010

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If you are actively searching for answers about how to overcome your chronic health condition and wondering if the Buteyko Method is the right therapy for you, you are probably searching for clues on the web and elsewhere to help you decide.  Now, when there is more interest directed at the Buteyko therapy, bits and pieces of information are popping up on the web in every possible form.  A variety of self-help kits, manuals and courses are being sold, therapy users are writing “Buteyko challenge” diaries, forum disputes are heating up, people are posting personal blog stories, and claims of miracle cures are made.

And of course, you are a person of practical mind, and you want to hear a bit more proof and support for those claims.  Plus, your medical doctor has probably never heard about it or does not take breathing exercise therapy seriously.  And the nearest Buteyko Practitioner might be a long air trip away. Also, you are not sure that what he or she will teach you is worth several hundred dollars.

I am a Buteyko Practitioner, and, of course, I am deeply inspired by the power of Buteyko, as it has been the answer to the majority of my health problems (and not only that, it completely changed the way I approach my health problems).  Going through my own Buteyko journey I, however, had my fair share of mistakes and disappointments. Now my own experience, combined with the experience of teaching other people the Buteyko Method, allows me to better understand what the Buteyko Method is and what it is not. 

If you are unsure if Buteyko is worth a try, I realize your dilemma, as I’ve been in your shoes.  To help you gain a better understanding of what will ensure your success with Buteyko, I suggest you consider the following:

 

  • Buteyko is radically different

If you think in terms of conventional medicine, where there are symptoms that you’d need to exhibit in order to go away with a quick fix solution, you might be disappointed.  With Buteyko, a commitment to discipline, to taking responsibility, to be willing to learn and to stick with the routine is required.  Buteyko is not just a series of breathing exercises (as commonly thought). It is a therapy aimed at the reversal of one disease  – Chronic Hyperventilation, or as Professor Buteyko called it – the  Disease of Deep Breathing.  It is about correcting your breathing to achieve maximum health benefits.  In the process, many of your symptoms and ailments will start to disappear, because “…Normalization of breathing immediately triggers a healing process…”  (K.P. Buteyko)

Within Buteyko , the majority of terms, assumptions and approaches of conventional medicine don’t apply, and it might be a struggle for people who used to be “passive receivers of health fixes” a.k.a. medications, devices, supplements, manual therapy sessions, etc.

  • Immediate relief of symptoms is  common with respiratory conditions

If you suffer from one of the common respiratory conditions such as asthma, rhinitis, snoring, sleep apnea, etc., your symptoms might improve dramatically within just a few weeks of recommended practice.  If you are an asthmatic of any severity, you will definitely be amazed at how Buteyko controls your symptoms and allows a better quality of life (after being told for years that asthma is incurable and the only way to relieve symptoms is through medication). However, the achievement of a long term remission of the disease would require more time, effort and lifestyle changes.  

  • With other  chronic conditions, results are not as quick or immediately visible

A reversal of a wide variety of other chronic conditions, including skin, circulatory, neurological and others, typically takes more time, effort, perseverance and lifestyle adjustments.  However, there are amazing accounts of dramatic health improvements for those who persist with the therapy.

 

  • Buteyko  is a very individual  journey

There are no two patients who are alike. We all have a very individual genetic, environmental, health and emotional history. Buteyko is rooted in physiology while being in tune with holistic philosophies – the normalization of breathing affects both body and mind, and both healing processes are interconnected. Within the Buteyko therapy, a Practitioner is a guide and advisor, but a patient takes center stage as a healer. As with any fundamental shift in body functions, temporary setbacks, unpleasant symptoms and cleansing episodes could be a part of the healing process.  Therefore, it is hard to predict timelines and rates of success.  

  • If you commit to it, the benefits are undeniable

A normalization of breathing has tremendous benefits for every single person, even those considering themselves as healthy.   It might surprise you to learn how many people would come to the Buteyko workshop to relieve their respiratory condition, and during the treatment would find out that their eczema subsided, anxiety decreased or they suddenly don’t need laxatives any more.  Improved sleep, concentration and digestion, less mental and physical fatigue, a strengthened immune system and better emotional health are just a few side effects of every successful Buteyko journey.

  • Is working with a Practitioner worth the money?

You can learn to play piano by book or with the piano teacher. If you are serious about piano playing then you would probably hire a teacher. As with any learning, how to learn Buteyko is your personal choice,  just consider you are gaining a knowledge which will directly affect your health for the rest of your life.  To the best of my knowledge, the majority of the Buteyko Practitioners charge not more than any other teacher / instructor would, considering their time investment.  A Buteyko Practitioner will not only make sure you are making adequate progress with the therapy, but will also provide a much-needed, ongoing support. 

That being said, there are excellent, inexpensive books, DVDs  and learning aids available which might get you started, help you gain a better understanding, and support and reinforce you throughout the therapy.

  • You have little to lose

and, in case of success, everything to gain. The Buteyko therapy is generally very safe and has virtually no cost in comparison with other traditional or alternative methods.

In the next article we’ll talk about cautions and contraindications, and also discuss the conditions for which Buteyko has limited or no effectiveness.



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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.

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Another Buteyko clinical study

Friday, March 26th, 2010

B58 PULMONARY REHABILITATION / Thematic Poster / Monday, May 18/8:15 AM−4:00 PM / Area J (Sails Pavilion, Upper Level) San Diego Convention Center

Buteyko Breathing Technique Reduces Hyperventilation−Induced Hypocaponea and Dyspnoea after Exercise in Asthma.
G. Austin, DipPhys,  C. Brown, BSc, T. Watson, PhD, I. Chakravorty, PhD

PG Med Sch, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, Herts, United Kingdom and
Physio Sch, U Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Herts, United Kingdom.

 

Introduction

In Asthma, hyperventilation during and after exercise can increase the work of breathing and dyspnoea delaying recovery and leading to a worsening of asthma control. The Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT) is gaining support as a complementary therapy to improve asthma control. Although the original hypothesis suggested that the BBT works by increasing carbon−dioxide (CO2) levels, research to date is yet to demonstrate this phenomenon.
Study Design
We conducted a randomised, controlled trial exploring a 5−week course of BBT on post−exercise end−tidal CO2 (EtCO2) and
dyspnoea versus conventional therapy. Subjects underwent treadmill exercise testing to a symptom−limited maximum at
baseline, 1 &6 weeks.
Results
Of 32 subjects enrolled, 20(15 female) completed the study (9 BBT vs 11 controls). Mean(SD) age was 48(15)yrs, BMI
28(5.6)kgm−2, FEV1 89 (24.7)%pred. EtCO2 (mmHg) and Borg Breathlessness score at 5min post−exercise were significantly improved with BBT, *p <0.05 (Repeated meas gen linear model).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated the hypothesised physiology of BBT, improving hyperventilation induced hypocapnoea and breathlessness, following maximal exercise. By teaching patients to reduce hypernoea of breathing (the rate &depth), BBT may reduce asthma symptoms and improve exercise tolerance and control.

to see full abstract  click here A3409


This abstract is funded by: Departmental funds.
Am J Respir Crit Care Med 179;2009:A3409
Internet address: www.atsjournals.org  Online Abstracts Issue



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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.

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Buteyko and Dental health

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

<Like this article? Visit our website www.asthmacare.us >
 
 
The following article and images are provided by Patrick McKeown, internationally acclaimed Buteyko Educator, Buteyko Practitioner trainer and author of  bestselling books, CDs and DVDs on Buteyko health and wellness.  Patrick’s work with dental doctors, orthodontists and orofacial myology specialists led many patients to discover the effect of the Buteyko Therapy on dental health.
 
The most common cause of overcrowded teeth is not due to the teeth being too big for the jaw, but is because the jaw is too small to correctly house the teeth. Nasal breathing helps to ensure that the resting position of the tongue is in the roof of the mouth. The upper jaw is shaped by forces exerted by the tongue resulting in correct development.When the mouth is open, the tongue falls to the floor of the mouth resulting in narrow upper jaws and jaws which are set back from their ideal position. Nasal breathing is of vital importance to the development of a child’s face for both health and aesthetic reasons. Mouth breathing results in unattractive facial features, snoring, hyperactivity, bed wetting, fatigue, snoring, sleep apnea, crooked teeth, decayed teeth, upper and lower respiratory problems including rhinitis, asthma, frequent colds and chest infections.
Good facial Development

This illustration is composed from a real life case of a ten year old boy. The face is ideal with closed mouth posture and broad facial features. Of all species on this planet, only human beings develop crooked teeth. Furthermore, crooked teeth is a modern phenomenon. Prehistoric man did not have crooked teeth or narrow facial structure!
 Poor Facial development

This is the same real life case boy aged 17 years. He switched from nasal to mouth breathing after the age of ten years.
 Note the set back jaws which will result in pressure on the airways. As this teenager grows older and continues to mouth breathe, obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory complaints, fatigue and snoring will be a likely result.
 
Poor Facial development

 Notice the change in this girl’s facial features and changed jaw structure due to switching from nasal breathing to mouth breathing.
 Mouth breathing not only affects a childs facial development, it also negatively affects health.
Grow Straight Teeth

Nasal breathing ensures that the tongue rests in the roof of the mouth. The top jaw will form around the shape of the tongue.
When the mouth is open:

During mouth breathing, the tongue falls to the floor of the mouth. Therefore, the top jaws do not form around th shape of the tongue. Each month, I see so many children with narrow facial structures due to habitual mouth breathing.

If you wish to contact Patrick, send Email to info@buteykoclinic.com.



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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.

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DuPuytrens Contracture Case Report

Monday, March 1st, 2010
<Like this article? Visit our website www.asthmacare.us >
 
 
 The following article about DuPuytrens Contracture case is kindly provided by Pippa Kiraly, an inspirational Buteyko Educator since 2004 in Seattle, WA. Pippa was a nurse and a lifelong serious asthma sufferer who after 35 years on steroids and many other drugs was able to recover by applying the Butyeko Method. With her improved breathing she went trekking in the Himalayas in 2003, climbing to 10,500 feet in the Annapurna range.
 
  DuPuytrens Contracture is a hand condition in which there is painless thickening and fibrosis of the palmar fascia with localized formation of scar tissue beneath the skin accumulating in the fascia that normally covers the tendons that pull the fingers to grip.
As Dupuytren contracture progresses, more of the fascia becomes thickened and shortened. Dimpling and puckering of the skin over the area eventually occurs and it can become impossible to straighten fingers, usually the fourth and fifth.How could Buteyko alleviate this?It has, in one client I saw last September.S.E. 61, a Rolfer, came to me for allergies and asthma and I taught her a course Sept 21-28, 2009. She also checked offmuscle and joint pain, anxiety and bladder irritability.

October 14, 2009 

S.E. told me of the hereditary DuPuytren’s Contracture affecting her left hand, saying that, along with the other symptoms for which I had taught her, the inflammation and soreness in her hand after a day of Rolfing (a form of deep tissue massage) was diminishing. 

Looking at the hand, I saw a dead white patch about the size of a silver dollar in the center of the palm, with a thickened tendon, also dead white, prominent in it. This patch, she said, was smaller than it had been, and her hand less sore.

Her CP had risen slightly, from the mid teens at the end of the course, to mostly averaging around 20 at this point.

November 17, 2009 

I saw S.E.s hand again. To my astonishment, the palm color had changed from white to pink, and the tendon was less prominent. Her CP was still inching up, low 20s at this point, but her other symptoms were continuing to unprove.

December 18, 2009

S. E. has eye surgery coming up, and is fighting a cold.

Her general symptoms continue to improve, and her hand also. She said in an e-mail: “The palm has more color and is softer and looks less ‘glued down.’ I was able to do a full week ofRolfing with no resulting soreness in that palmar fascia, which is great. I would not say the sense of contracture is completely gone, but it is so much better and continues to improve.” S.E. still struggles with CPs, now as high as 30 or as low as 13, but she is getting a better sense of relaxation in her rib cage, diaphragm, face and cranium, and then her CP rises more.

February 2, 2010.

S.E. reports a big shift in CP to high 20s-

lower 30s, and she finds doing RB easier. Her hand continues to improve. She no longer feels pulling in the palm when stretching it. She does not say the condition has totally disappeared but it is close.

S.E. has been a model client, diligent and observant. I will see her again when she comes in for a refresher class February 20.

This appears to be the first instance of Buteyko helping this condition.

If you wish to contact Pippa, send Email to info@lifelongeasybreathing.com.



—————————————————————————————————–
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.

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Posted in Buteyko Method, Guest writers, Health and Lifestyle | No Comments »

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