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www.buteyko-asthma.co.uk |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Buteyko Background What is the Buteyko Method? Safe and natural breathing exercises tailored to the individual and depending on medical history, coupled with simple and easy to implement dietary and lifestyle changes. How was the Buteyko Method developed? Professor Buteyko, whilst completing his medical training, did a piece of work on breathing and health. He found that the sicker someone was, the more they breathed. So he
set about exploring the connection between breath rate and disease. During periods of disease he found that the breath rate increased way over what is considered normal. He found that over 250 medical complaints
responded favourably to breath reduction, the most noticeable being asthma. He spent over 40 years perfecting the breathing method we now know as the Buteyko Method. How does the Buteyko Method work? The
Buteyko Method normalises breathing. The exercises result in a gradual reduction in the overall intake and output of breath. Oxygen levels remain optimal, as with normal rate breathing oxygen levels are 98%, but what
does change are the levels of carbon dioxide that are exhaled. This important gas is produced in the body and serves to keep the airways open and improve oxygen absorption. What is hyperventilation? The World Health
Organisation states normal breathing is 8 to 10 breaths per minute taken through the nose. Hyperventilation or over-breathing is when either more than the stated number of breaths per minute are taken or when air is
taken through the mouth rather than the nose.
Can the Buteyko Method help with any other conditions or illnesses apart from asthma? The Buteyko Method is helpful for any illness, since the
body can deal with difficulties more effectively when gas exchange is normal and when the balance between carbon dioxide and oxygen is correct. It is particularly effective for any of the breath related disorders such
as sinus, cough, COPD, emphysema, sleep apnoea, bronchiectasis, bronchitis and blocked nose. What is the control pause breathing test? The number of seconds the breath can be comfortably held. It is
simple to do, requiring a normal breath in, and then hold the breath until the first urge to breathe, when breathing recommences. The number of seconds the breath is held is the control pause. Is the Buteyko Method a cure for asthma? It is more correct to view the Buteyko Method as a method for controlling asthma symptoms. Once the programme has been adhered to for long enough to normalise breathing,
symptoms cease to occur. Buteyko Treatment What happens in Buteyko classes? The Buteyko Method requires no special clothing, and for adults all
exercises are done sitting. The programme is more active for children. On Day 1 the physiological background to the Buteyko Method is explained and the exercises taught. Day 2 we look more closely at the exercises and
cover diaphragmatic breathing. Day 3 the exercises are practiced and adjusted according to results, together with some simple dietary changes. Day 4 we look at lifestyle and physical exercise. Again time is taken to
practice the exercises and make any necessary changes. Day 5 we look at the procedure for getting through colds and flu, and do a final breath practice, leaving everyone on the appropriate exercise plan.
How easy is the Buteyko Method to learn? Children as young as five manage well, so it really only needs very basic skills to be able to master the method. How soon will I see an improvement in my condition? Within the first week. It is common to get a 90% reduction in symptom and medication levels in the first week. Can young children learn the Buteyko Method?
As long as a child can follow simple instruction, they can learn the Buteyko Method. Generally I take children over five years old and up. Can the Buteyko Method help older people who have a long history of asthma? Yes. The outcome is not as satisfactory as a young person with a shorter history. Even so the condition at first stops getting progressively worse, and then gradually improves
to give a better quality of life that perhaps an individual thought no longer possible. Can the Buteyko Method help me with my sports activities? Yes. Stamina improves, and, if symptoms have
been experienced during exercise, this gradually reduces to become an experience of the past. Can I learn the Buteyko Method from a video or a CD-Rom? Since each individual will have a unique medical
history, I do not personally recommend videos. A video will address the problem in general. However, if it were impossible to get to a class for any reason, this option would be the best way forward.
Is the Buteyko Method available on the NHS? Not at present, though it is hoped that the NHS will adopt the Buteyko Method as frontline management for asthma in the future. What about my doctor? It is important to
talk to your doctor if you plan to do a course, and any steroid reduction will have to be done with his/her guidance.
Where can I learn the Buteyko Method? I hold workshops in Lancaster. - Please see How much does it cost? £290 which includes
the initial workshop and all the aftercare. Family prices: For additional children £50; For additional adults £100.
Can I claim the cost under my private health insurance policy? Please do apply to your health
insurance. A very small number will fund the course, and the more other companies are asked the more likely it will be that others will do so in the future. What do I do about my asthma drugs when I am on a Buteyko course? Bronchodilators are taken on a need to only basis according to British Thoracic Association guidelines. If during the course you get a reduction in symptoms then you simply
reduce the amount of bronchodilator accordingly. Steroids should never be stopped unless under the guidance of your doctor, who when the time comes will be very happy to reduce/stop drugs you no longer need. Why is Buteyko so expensive? When compared to the price of maintenance on a car or a new three-piece suite, Buteyko is very good value. This is a product that remains with you, helping to keep you in good
health for the rest of your life. If you buy your own prescription, it is common to have made your money back in as little as a year. How often and for how long will I have to practice the breathing exercises? Adults
need to practice for three 20-minute sessions each day. For children, the time is reduced to 12 minutes three times a day. The results you gain from this input of time are well worth the investment. How long will I have to do the daily exercises for? This varies from person to person but commonly it is a matter of weeks rather than months. Older folk with structural changes in the lung may have to keep one practice a
day going for the rest of their lives but the increased exercise tolerance and quality of life make this well worthwhile. Scientific evidence What scientific evidence is there to show that the Buteyko Method works?
A number of clinical trials and research studies have been or are being currently undertaken into the Buteyko Method. The latest published clinical trial was
carried out at the Gisborne Hospital in New Zealand. 38
asthmatics aged between 18 and 70 took part in the trial and were split into two groups. One group was taught the Buteyko Method while the second group was given conventional asthma education and relaxation techniques.
Investigator contact between the two groups was equal. The Buteyko group reduced their use of inhaled reliever medication by 85% and inhaled steroids by 50%. The control group reduced inhaled reliever medication by
only 37% and their use of inhaled steroids remained unchanged. The full text of the Gisborne Hospital trial can be downloaded from the A resume of other trials and research findings can be found at our sister site, Why has my doctor not told me about Buteyko? He/she probably does not yet know about the Buteyko Method. Some doctors do tell their patients about the Buteyko Method, and others will tell you that the method "will do no
harm". Until the necessary trial work has been completed on Buteyko, it will only be very enlightened doctors, who perhaps have personal experience of the Buteyko Method, that will actually recommend the treatment. Media coverage What media coverage has there been of the Buteyko Method? In the UK, the therapy has been featured on a
number of television programmes including the BBC's 'QED' science programme and 'Inside Out', ITV's 'Tonight with Trevor McDonald' and the "Pride of Britain awards", and Channel 4's 'Richard and Judy' show. In
addition several case study articles have appeared in various newspapers and magazines. Further information Do you give any free introductory talks on the Buteyko Method? Yes, I do. Apart from the free talks I give from time to time, it is also possible to attend the first night of a class free of charge should you wish to better understand what
the course entails before you make the commitment to do a course.
Where can I find patient testimonials? Please see our sister site, Where can I find out more information on the Buteyko Method?
More information is contained within our sister site, Are there any books on the Buteyko Method?
Yes, please see my Where can I find out more information on asthma?
Please see our
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