Teaching Buteyko

What is Buteyko?
The Buteyko method was developed in the 1960s by a Ukranian physician and academic, Professor Konstantin Buteyko. In the late 1980s the technique started to spread to Western countries. The method is now well established in Australia and is becoming increasingly well known in the UK and other countries.

The core of the method consists of a system of breathing exercises designed to help people with asthma to control their breathing and reduce their tendency to hyperventilate. As well as the use of specific breathing exercises, the method also pays attention to diet, physical exercise and emotional factors.

Evidence of effectiveness
Worldwide, there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence supporting the effectiveness of Buteyko breathing therapy. More and more scientific papers are emerging on the benefits of this novel Russian technique.

There are now five published studies showing that this approach to managing asthma symptoms leads to a reduction in the need for bronchodilator medication of 60-95% with no reduction in quality of life.

None of the clinical trials have shown any increase in adverse events such as increased symptoms, hospital attendance or the need for a rescue course of steroids as a result of learning the Buteyko method.

A non-pharmacological adjunct to conventional care
One of the fundamental principles underlying the use of Buteyko in conditions such as asthma is that it is fully compatible with continuing conventional management. In particular, practitioners of Buteyko recognise the key importance of the appropriate use of steroids in the control of asthma.