Buteyko Technique is one of a range of alternative natural treatments being used alongside conventional medicine to treat conditions such as asthma.  As its focus is on breathing and restoring natural breathing rates it has been found to be very helpful in alleviating the symptoms of asthma.  

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a condition that affects the bronchial tracts, specifically the bronchioles, alveolar ducts and alveolar sacs of the lung.  During an asthma attack these become inflamed, swollen and sensitive. As this is where gaseous transfer into the bloodstream takes place, it is makes breathing especially difficult.  It is also often more difficult to exhale than inhale during an asthma attack. Typical symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing.  Some factors that may prompt asthma or an asthma attack include:

• Airborne particles such as dust or pollen
• Air pollution
• Infections
• Allergies
• Tension and stress related conditions; and
• Diet 

Modern medication takes a preventative approach, and is aimed at reducing inflammation and mucus production in the airways. A portable pressure driven pump is normally used to force the medication in a vapour into the lungs.  This has the effect of halting the swelling and inflammation of the bronchi and alveolar sacs.

What is Buteyko Technique?

Buteyko Technique is a series of breathing exercises focused on nasal breathing, aimed at restoring natural breathing patterns and eliminating hyperventilation. Hyperventilation is characterised by a rapid increase in the rate of breathing.  This is often observed in people who are stressed or are suffering an asthma attack.  This technique is aimed at helping asthma sufferers learn how to decrease the amount of inhaled air reaching the lungs.  Shallow breathing techniques are central to this method, and are preceded by exhaling all the air out of the lungs, with a pause before inhaling slightly. 

How Can Buteyko Technique Help Asthma?

Buteyko Technique encourages stable breathing patterns, and is therefore beneficial for oxygen intake and muscle conditioning of the airways.  It may also reduce the production of mucous, which in the case of asthma, is the primary obstacle to efficient oxygen intake in the lungs.  Studies have shown asthma sufferers to have a reduced reliance on conventional asthma medication after using the Buteyko Technique.

Find out about other effective natural asthma treatments.