What is The Buteyko Method?

Developed in 1952 by Ukrainian Dr Konstantin Pavlovich Buteyko, (Bhew-tae-ko) the Buteyko Method is a breathing technique designed to improve functional breathing patterns. While breathing is an involuntary activity, it is subject to change by stresses of everyday life, processed foods, excessive sitting and talking, lifestyle choices and environmental factors. The Buteyko Method first arrived to Australia and the UK from Russia in the early 1990s. Early on the method was popular with adults and children suffering from asthma. Over the past number of years, the Buteyko Method has shown to be efficacious in helping improve a number of breathing related problems.

• Respiratory: asthma, rhinitis, hayfever
• Neurological: Anxiety, stress and panic attacks
• Childhood development: dental health, craniofacial development and ADHD
• Sleep disordered breathing: insomnia, snoring, central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea

Functional breathing involves breathing in and out through the nose. The breath is light, regular, effortless with the primary movement from the diaphrgm.

The application of the Buteyko Method is very direct and students should experience notable improvements to their breathing and health within a few days. Expected benefits include easier breathing, deeper sleep, more energy, reduced asthma and nasal congestion along with increased feeling of calm. Exercises are simple and taught to all adults regardless of age or health and all children over five years of age.