Control enables you to: be able to participate fully in any activities of your choice be free from symptoms day and night, including sleeping through the night not miss work or school because of asthma symptoms not need emergency visits or hospitalizations for asthma reduce the need for asthma medications

Buteyko is about self care by enabling you to take an active role in controlling your condition. It puts you in control.

The method encompasses the Buteyko breathing exercises, as well as a comprehensive description of asthma and its management. Through the Buteyko breathing exercises, you learn to recognise your overbreathing patterns and - recondition and restore breathing to normal thus reducing the symptoms of asthma.

The asthma education & management component looks at what is asthma, its causes, the treatment options, what to do in an emergency, and the effects of lifestyle and behaviour on breathing. Asthmatics who learn Buteyko are better educated about their condition, so are able to make informed decisions about managing their condition.

Buteyko breathing techniques enable asthmatics to control and normalise their breathing to stop hyperventilating. Buteyko involves no herbs, vitamins, special diets, the power of positive thinking, physiotherapy, meditation, religion or new drugs. There is no equipment needed, and there is no physical contact with the tutor or anyone else in the course.

The Buteyko Method is not a cure for asthma, but it is a safe and effective alternative faced by most asthmatics - a lifetime of drug dependency. Unlike the medication only option, Buteyko has no known side effects, and does not require increasing numbers of prescriptions to control the condition.

Can asthmatics reduce their drug use?
Buteyko Asthma Management is not about throwing away medication, its about gaining control.

Safety is of first priority - Buteyko does not suggest asthmatics discard their prescribed medication. Course attendees are instructed to carry bronchodilators with them at all times, and to continue taking preventive medication as prescribed by their doctor.

In the event of an attack, course attendees are told to try the Buteyko exercises at the first sign of symptoms. If this is not successful they are to use their medication as soon as possible, rather than waiting for the attack to become severe. If the attack does become severe, they are instructed to seek medical attention immdiately.

The reduction of preventive drug use is carried out gradually and carefully under the advice of the person's doctor. It is important for people to realise that they should never alter the volume or frequency of their medication without the guidance of a health professional.

Buteyko does not interfere with the doctor-patient relationship and it encourages asthmatics to seek medical advice before reducing medication or if their condition is deteriorating. Asthma medication guidelines given by Buteyko practitioners are in line with current medical advice.

Buteyko Asthma Management workshops practise an open-door policy with doctors, nurses and other health professionals whom are welcome free of charge to attend alone or with their patients.