What is Buteyko?
Buteyko is a drug-free program of asthma control. The program consists of a series of breathing exercises and advice on asthma education and management. It involves breathing techniques which overcome the harmful effects of “hidden hyperventilation”, and works toward preventing it from occurring. The aim of the Buteyko method is to return breathing patterns to that of a normal healthy person. Reduced breathing patterns results in a decline in both asthma symptoms and the need for medication.

Who can learn Buteyko?
Buteyko is taught successfully from children as young as four years old, to adults right up in their eighties. Adults and children learn different exercises, with teenagers usually learning both. It is necessary for those under eighteen years old to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who attends free of charge. Buteyko is suitable for asthmatics ranging from the very mild to the most severe. People with other breathing problems such as hyperventilation, rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchiectasis and emphysema will gain substantial benefit from learning Buteyko exercises. (See the “Buteyko in Action” Section). Buteyko is not suitable for people unwilling to practice the exercises, and who are initially not prepared to take time and responsibility for controlling their asthma.

How can I learn Buteyko?
The best way to learn Buteyko is to be taught by a trained practitioner. Russell and Jennifer Stark run courses throughout New Zealand. For asthmatics who are unable to get to a course in New Zealand or who do not have trained practitioners in their country we offer a home education program. This comprises an instruction video and manual, a workbook and Online support. There are also two books available but these are not do-it-yourself instruction manuals.

As an asthmatic what results can I expect?
Buteyko Asthma Management expects the method to allow sufferers to dramatically reduce their medication, and enjoy a much-improved quality of life. asthmatics can expect to have little or no symptoms, at least a 90% reduction in reliever medication and a subsequent reduction in preventer medication (See Clinical Trial section).

Children have similar outcomes, with quality of life improvements dramatic. The exercises often lead to an unrestrained life, without fear of constant asthma attacks.

We expect the majority of asthmatics to see noticeable improvements within the first week.

What time commitment is needed to gain maximum benefit from Buteyko?
Buteyko is not a “quick fix”. Children need to spend up to fifteen minutes three times a day practising the exercises for three to four weeks after the course. Adults need to spend up to forty minutes three times a day for the same period. Three months later, the average adult asthmatic is doing less than 15 minutes of Buteyko per day and children less than five minutes.

It is not necessary to find an extra two hours a day to practice adult Buteyko exercises. The exercises can be done during a normal daily routine, including while watching television, traveling in a car, or reading.

If less time is committed to the method, then benefits will be slower to manifest themselves. If a severe asthmatic only does the exercises three times a day for twenty minutes, they might take six weeks to achieve the same benefit others gain from three weeks of exercising for thirty minutes three times a day.

What guarantees do I have that the method really works?
As part of our commercial rationale, we encourage clients who attend our courses to try the method before they pay for it. Payment is due on the fourth day of the course, and this can be paid off at a rate of $10 per week, interest free. This allows clients to evaluate the effectiveness for three days before paying. After three days their control over their asthma has usually improved dramatically, so even customers who were skeptical at the start of the course happily pay at the fourth session.

Because the method works we offer an additional thirty day money-back guarantee to any Buteyko course attendee. Our home education kit comes with a 45 day money back guarantee. If Buteyko does not work for you, you get your money back. In five years of operation, refunds have consistently remained under one percent of total customers.

Is the method safe?
The safety of the Buteyko method has not been questioned. Given that the doctor-patient relationship is not interfered with, and medication regimes are only altered under doctor’s supervision, it is difficult to justify claims that the Buteyko method is dangerous.

Furthermore, The asthma & Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand offers the following advice about the safety of the method:

“There do not appear to be any obvious problems with the safety and the advice given by Buteyko to use relievers when required and continue with preventers is in accord with medical advice.”

Has it been clinically tested and approved?
Using the current research on the Buteyko Breathing Method, it is impossible to give an ex cathedra judgment on the effectiveness of the method for the treatment of asthma. Research has been limited, and cannot claimed to be definitive.

All research has returned similar results - the method is effective. The Brisbane trial is the best western study of the Buteyko Method. The trial results indicated asthmatics using the method reduced their use of beta-agonists by 96% and steroids by 49%.

While it is difficult to doubt the method can be an effective intervention for asthma. Without broad longitudinal studies, it may legitimately claimed that Buteyko is unproven.

The outcome of the Brisbane trial has led the Australian National asthma Campaign to include Buteyko into their next doctor’s asthma Management Handbook, giving official recognition to the method. In Russia, the method has been endorsed there for many years.

Further studies are currently underway. We welcome further research, as further research will only enhance the acceptance of the method. Buteyko asthma Management actively encourages and funds further research.

Is the Buteyko Method a cure?
The Buteyko method is not a cure, but it is the best form of control with no negative side-effects. The majority of sufferers who practice the method regularly are able to change their breathing patterns and thus require less medication and have fewer symptoms.

Do I have to believe in Buteyko for it to work? No. Buteyko is used successfully in young children. These children do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.

How long will it take to achieve noticeable results with the Buteyko method?
Your progress depends on your efforts at mastering the methods and the severity of your condition. Within the first few days of practicing the method you will notice the benefits regardless of your condition. If your asthma is not severe it might take less than one week to get rid of bronchodilators completely.

I have very narrow nostrils. I don't think that I can breathe through my nose all the time as Buteyko suggests.
The first exercise you will learn is how to unblock your nose. You will practice that exercise quite a lot to start with and the more you breathe through your nose then the easier it becomes. If it isn't possible and you cannot use the method then we will refund your money within the first month of buying the home education programme or starting a workshop in New Zealand.

I only have mild asthma. Most of your stories are about severe asthmatics. Is it worth me learning the method?
The reason that the stories are written about severe asthmatics is probably because journalists find it makes a better story. However, we have taught the method to people who don't even have asthma - they generally have a parent with asthma and they see similar patterns in their breathing and so use Buteyko as a preventer to stop themselves from getting it.

I am a chronic asthmatic with a long history of asthma. Will I benefit from the method?
If your condition is chronic and severe you will be able to dramatically improve your quality of life and decrease medication intake substantially. Chronic asthmatics will enjoy a comparatively better improvement in quality of life than mild asthmatics, because they have a significantly poorer quality of life to begin with.

The asthmatics studied in the Brisbane trial were chronic asthmatics (median age 48 years) and used an average of 1288mcg of reliever per day before being taught the Buteyko Method.

The method requires perseverance and discipline-the more effort you put into it the more you get out of it.

I haven't breathed through my nose for years. Will Buteyko help me? Yes, but you might have to do a little more work than other people for the first few days.

I have a small child, can he learn Buteyko?
Buteyko is taught successfully from children as young as four years old, to adults right up in their eighties.

What does a course involve?
Courses run over five consecutive days with classes lasting between one to one and a half hours each day. Each day is structured and participants are given asthma education and management along with breathing exercises. We usually have more than one course a day to suit both those who prefer to attend in the evening or during day-time. You may change between these classes if you need to.

What is taught during a Buteyko course?
A Buteyko course does not simply teach the Buteyko breathing exercises. It is a comprehensive approach to asthma management that educates attendees about their condition. Each course deals with the following:

the Buteyko exercises

how to monitor the asthmatic condition accurately using breathing exercises, pulse, peak flow, sleep patterns, symptoms and medication use

the basic physiology of asthma attacks

the importance of breathing through the nose

the trigger-hyperventilation-asthma connection

appropriate use of medication

the importance of seeking medical attention before an emergency occurs

the role allergies play in asthma

exercise and asthma

how to control asthma with minimum medication

What about ongoing support?
Asthmatics who have enrolled in a Buteyko Asthma Management course have access to a 24 hour a day information line, free of charge. Calling this number will put them in touch with a Buteyko practitioner who can help them free of charge. Course attendees may also return to future courses at no extra cost, if they feel the need.

There is also a second component to our support line. Only with your consent, we will send you regular questionnaires during your first year of treatment. This is to identify any potential problems you may be experiencing while on the program and to help motivate and monitor your progress.

All course attendees receive newsletters, providing them with up to date information on asthma, medication and tips for asthma control. In some areas, support groups are available for continued help.

Can I learn Buteyko method from video?
The best option is to attend a workshop and do training with the practitioner. If you have no access to our course you will be able to learn it from our video and manual. Find out more about the home education kit here.

How can I find out more about Buteyko?
You can join a free mailing list informing you of asthma updates, alerts, practical tips and advice on allergies, medication and better management, as well as news and information about Buteyko.

What about my Doctor?
Most doctors are pleased to see their patients’ reliance on drugs of any kind reduced or diminished. However, they are often skeptical (with good reason), at first, of any new method that claims such unprecedented results.

Tell your doctor what you are doing so he/she may monitor your progress. Buteyko Asthma Management invites health professionals to evaluate the Buteyko method for themselves. Any health professional is welcome to attend all or part of a Buteyko course to personally evaluate the merits of the method, whether attending with an asthmatic patient or not. We believe the method is a very effective system, and so we welcome both formal and informal research into the method.

If the Buteyko Asthma Management Program is so successful, why isn’t it general practice?
Buteyko Asthma Management aims to have the Buteyko Method adopted by allopathic medicine. To meet this aim the techniques require further rigorous and scientifically valid research, conducted over a considerable period of time. The current research is not sufficient for Buteyko to be adopted by allopathic medicine, so we are working hard to have the proper research undertaken.

Until further research is completed, it is hoped that when more doctors learn about the technique and see the results, they will join the growing numbers of doctors who endorse and recommend this method.

How do I find genuine Buteyko practitioner?
There are strict requirements and code of ethics to become a Buteyko practitioner. Unfortunately, the field of complementary health care is largely unregulated. In some cases, their are people who claim to be Buteyko practitioners who are simply not practitioners.

Most therapies have some kind of professional body which sets standards of training and qualifications, and ensures members work to a code of ethics. The Buteyko Institute of Health & Breathing is the largest western organisation that sets standards for training. You can contact them or us to confirm the qualifications of Buteyko practitioner.

Check their qualifications, training, experience and fees

Ask yourself: “Do you feel comfortable with the practitioner?”

Ask what kind of support services do they offer (eg 24 hour toll free help-line)

Ask what is their refund policy and what do you get for your fee

What professional body do they belong to? What are the standards for joining that body?

Walk away from anyone who wants you or your child to stop taking his or her medication

Be wary of weekend or three day classes - Buteyko courses should be a minimum of five days

Be wary of anyone claiming to cure all manner of diseases (eg cancer, weightloss etc)

Treat with extreme caution anyone offering additives such as vitamins, herbs, Naturopathy, power of positive thinking, chiropractics, iridology

Treat with extreme caution anyone who offers religion as part of the therapy

How can I become a Buteyko practitioner?
The Buteyko Practitioner Training Course takes a minimum of 9 months to complete. Eight months of the course are completed by correspondence, with one month being a full time in situ course with a BIBH accredited practitioner trainer.

I feel as if I don’t have enough air (oxygen) when I get asthma. Even though I breathe more, the feeling doesn’t go away until I take my inhaler. There are several parts to this answer:

1. When you start to get breathless and breathe more the airways narrow slightly as carbon dixoide levels drop and smooth muscle tightens.
2. The smooth muscle wrapped around the arteries also narrows which means that less blood carrying oxygen reaches the brain and other parts of the body.
3. Lowered carbon dioxide levels means that the haemoglobin which carries oxygen around in the blood forms a tighter bond with the oxygen and does not release it as quickly as it should.
4. When you take your inhaler (reliever) the smooth muscle wrapped around the airways relaxes allowing you to breathe in more oxygen.
5. As breathing becomes easier you stop trying to force air in and out of your body and so for a time the breathing rate eases.
6. Bronchodilators (relievers) also relax the smooth muscle wrapped around the arteries and increase the heart beat, thus allowing more oxygen to be carried to the brain and tissues.

I am sure that I don't breathe too much because I always feel as if I have to breathe more!
This is because of a small but important fact called the "Bohr Effect". The gist of the Bohr Effect is, the more you breathe, the less oxygen you are able to easily able to use. This is because you hyperventilate and lose valuable carbon dioxide. When you lose carbon dioxide the haemoglobin which is supposed to carry oxygen to the tissue forms a tight bond with it and won't let it go. This makes your cells starved for oxygen and so you feel that you want to breathe more.

1. Ask a friend or family member to count how many times a minute you breathe at a time when you are sitting down resting and don't know that they are doing it. If you know they are counting then it becomes a little artificial. You shouldn't breathe more than 12 - 14 times a minute when resting.
2. Watch someone else breathe who isn't an asthmatic when you are both resting. Breathe at the same speed they do, is it difficult or easy?
3. Be tested for hyperventilation
4. How many of the following common symptoms of hyperventilation do you regularly have: Shortness of breath, tightness in chest, over sensitivity of airways, excessive sneezing, production of mucus, long term blocked or running sinus, excessive yawning and sighing, light-headedness, dizziness, unsteadiness, poor concentration, numbness, tingling and coldness especially in the hands and fingers and often in the face. In severe cases, loss of memory or loss of consciousness. Racing, skipped or pounding heart beat. Degrees of anxiety, tension and apprehension. Mouth dryness, abdominal bloating, belching and flatulence, easily tired, poor sleep patterns, general weakness and chronic exhaustion

So How Should we Breathe?
Physiological norms apply to pulse, blood pressure, sugar levels, temperature and breathing as well. Ideally at rest an adult should breathe only through the nose between 4 and 6 litres of air per minute.