What is Buteyko?

According to the founding principles of the Buteyko Method, some 150 diseases are linked to dysfunctional breathing: asthma, allergies and emphysema are just a few examples. More than 40 years of research have produced the Buteyko Method, which can recondition and normalise the breathing and restore the body's most important function.

This introduction to the Buteyko Method covers its history, some breathing basics, a test to check your own breathing, results of medical trials and the kinds of problems the Buteyko Method can help.

Many thousands of asthmatics and those with breathing difficulties have experienced remarkable improvement in their condition with this amazing method, which has allowed them to reduce their dependency on medication and enjoy a quality of life they previously thought impossible.

HOW IS THE BUTEYKO METHOD TAUGHT?

A fully-aulaified Buteyko Practitioner can teach groups or one-to-one, or give individual consultations.

WHAT IS REQUIRED?

You will require a minimum of 9 hours of tuition to learn the Buteyko method. You will be required to adhere to some basic lifestyle changes and to perform some breathing exercises two to four times a day. Depending on your progress, you'll find you can practice Buteyko's method with little or no intrusion to your normal routine. In fact, most patients find they can enjoy a level of sports and fitness they previously thought impossible.

WHAT ABOUT MY DOCTOR?

Tell your doctor what you are doing so he/she may monitor your progress. Your Buteyko Practitioner will be happy to discuss, explain or send appropriate literature upon request. Most doctors are pleased to see their patients' reliance on drugs of any kind reduced or diminished. However, they are often sceptical (with good reason), at first, of any new method that claims such unprecedented results.

MY CONDITION IS VERY SEVERE, WILL IT HELP ME?

Often, the more severe the problem the more dramatic the improvement. If in doubt, consult a Buteyko practitioner before enrolling on a course.

SPORTS AND FITNESS

For some time Russian athletes have benefited from special Buteyko training whereby they increase their stamina, performance and recovery. The Buteyko Breathing Centre has been used by many top sports men and women including members of the Leicester Tigers Rugby Football Club.

For more information on how the UK Buteyko Breathing Centre can help you with your sports performance, please take a look at our 'Buteyko and Sport' page.

IF BUTEYKO'S METHOD IS SO SUCCESSFUL, WHY ISN'T IT GENERAL PRACTICE?

It is hoped that when more doctors see the research and trial data they will join the growing numbers of doctors who endorse and recommend this drug-free method.

Some of the conditions that the Buteyko method is effective for:

Allergies	ME / Chronic fatigue
Panic attacks	Eczema
Snoring	Sleep Apnoea
High Blood Pressure	Asthma
Sleeping disorders	Rhinitis
Migraine	Sinusitis
Hyperactivity	Emphysema