The Buteyko method is a proven effective treatment of asthma and other breathing disorders. It offers a radically different approach to the usual asthma treatment which has changed little in the past 50 years except for the increased use of more powerful drugs and newer drugs. The incidence of diagnosed asthma has increased dramatically in the West as well as deaths from asthma.It used to be very rare to die from asthma before the advent of modern drug therapy.

The Buteyko Method is a drug-free, non-contact breathing exercise therapy which restores breathing rates to normal levels.

In a clinical trial held at the Mater Hospital in Brisbane in 1995, the group treated by the Buteyko method exhibited more than 90% reduction in medication. The control group showed scant improvement. (See other research results.)

People generally experience noticeable relief and reduction in medication within the first few days of following the Buteyko program.

This translates into a marked improvement in lifestyle, fewer symptoms and fewer episodes of asthma.

The Buteyko program has decided benefits. There is a significant financial saving in medication, less time lost to illness and overall economic benefit to the general community.

Ideally we should inspire 4-6 litres of air per minute, equivalent to roughly 8-10 breaths per minute. People with respiratory disorders can breathe up to 3 times this amount, resulting in excess of 20,000 breaths per 24 hour day.

Under normal circumstances, the lungs receive the correct volume of air via the nasal passage, where it has been filtered, disinfected warmed and moisturised. Large volumes of untreated air, via the mouth, cause drying of airways, irritation and greater exposure to allergens viruses and bacteria.

Hyperventilation, over breathing and mouth breathing all contribute to the 'dumping' of CO2 from the body, upsetting the O2 - CO2 balance. CO2 is a natural bronchodilator and correct blood and alveolar levels prevent the smooth muscle in the bronchioles, and in other parts of the body from going into spasm.

Sustained low levels of CO2 cause the breathing centre in the medulla to reset to a level which encourages hyperventilation or over-breathing. The average asthmatic, breathing 12-15 litres per minute, has a CO2 level of 30 to 36mm Hg Pa. Buteyko exercises train people to breathe through their noses, keep their mouths closed and retain the acceptable levels of CO2 produced by the body.

With practice, the Buteyko method allows the person to permanently elevate their levels of CO2 causing the breathing reflex to return to normal. The CO2 level rises to the normal level of 40mm Hg pa.

Courses consists of a total of 8-10 hours spread over a number of sessions, usually five sessions of one and a half hours each

Often people experience relief after the second or third day of a course, and many are able to drastically reduce or discard their reliever medication at the end of a week, having learned how to rely on their improved breathing techniques. Improved sleep and reduced snoring is often reported. Morning dry mouth disappears and sleep is more refreshing.

The Buteyko Method is suitable for all ages from 4 years to 94 years.

The Buteyko Method is not "magic" but based on sound medical understanding . The reduction of medication should only be after consultation with your own GP as your progress indicates. Reliever medication is usually used at the discretion of the patient and this should continue, it only being used as and when needed, not as a preventer.

What is the Buteyko Method?

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