BUTEYKO METHOD FOR ASTHMA

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• Buteyko Method for Asthma
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Buteyko Method for Asthma

The team:
• George Askounis |

Over 30 years ago, a Russian scientist, Professor Buteyko, developed a practical method that got consistent results in treating asthma, sinusitis, snoring and emphysema (among many other illnesses). Widely used in Russia for the past 20 years, western doctors have also begun to hold Clinical Trials. A hospital in Australia held such a Clinical Trial for asthma patients - the 30 patients achieved an average of over 90% reduction in reliever medication within a 6 week period. The control group reduced theirs by only 5%.

It has long been recognised medically that hyperventilation (over breathing) causes airways and arteries to narrow. Professor Buteyko was among the first to recognise that breathing less would cause them to open again.

Simple logic, like eating too much without exercise causes weight gain, so to lose weight, eat less and exercise.

hyper = too much; ventilation = lung ventilation/breathing

the act of breathing too large a volume of air for the body's needs, causing a reduction in carbon dioxide.

(sometimes known as hyperventilation syndrome) occurs as the result of breathing a larger than volume of air than the body can use, washing out too much carbon dioxide (CO2) over an extended period. This may be only 10% too much, or 300% too much. The more a person overbreathes, the more pressure is put on the body. After a time, any extra stimulation (whether physical or mental) can result in the overload we know as illness.

As a healthy person breaths out, the CO2 level in the blood stream will build up to about 6.4%, and a chemo-receptor in the brain will trigger the next breath in. This is self-regulating, to be maintained whatever the level of activity. Over time, if the habit of overbreathing develops, the chemoreceptor learns to register an unhealthily low level of CO2 as normal. However, when carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream are reduced below 5%, the body begins to respond in one or more of the following ways:

1. It is unable to release oxygen from the red blood cells as efficiently, so the mind and body react more slowly, and memory and energy levels are affected.
   
   
2. Airways may begin to close down in sinuses and lungs, in the body's instinctive attempt to prevent the loss of more CO2, with an increase in mucous production, this could result in sinusitis, asthma, snoring, bronchitis, and long term, emphysema.

   
   

3. Alkali levels increase, which has a negative impact on the immune system.
   
   

   Underactive and there is a tendency to catch colds, flu, etc., in extreme cases the body cannot combat cancer. Overactive, and you have auto immune diseases such as ME, lupus, MS, allergies, diabetes etc.

   
   
4. Arteries begin closing down, and veins swell, preventing proper blood flow, increasing pulse and blood pressure.
   
   
5. Weight changes (up or down) as the metabolism alters.
   
   
6. Increased anxiety levels and adrenaline production

The core of the Buteyko Method is to raise awareness of the way the client is breathing, and to use specific, gentle exercises to retrain the client to breathe appropriately for the level of activity they are doing . They will be trained to always breathe through the nose, and for many people, this in itself feels miraculous after years of mouth breathing. Over time, the exercises permanently retrain the chemo-receptor responsible for breathing rates, and many clients will eventually only need to monitor their breathing every so often. Exercises can be resumed in any stressful period to prevent a return of symptoms.

Clients are taught a method of self assessment and record keeping, given an action plan, and ideally, will also be taught relaxation techniques to reduce stress and breathing rates at the same time. People with mild symptoms may expect noticeable relief after the first session. Even people with severe symptoms will feel an increase in energy and a decrease in symptoms over 5 sessions. The more presenting symptoms, the more time it will take to stabilise the breathing, but improvements will be rapidly felt. Practitioners may recommend a follow up programme, depending on the severity of the condition.

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