Does It Work ? : Scientific Evidence

Buteyko Techniques are a relatively new approach to health improvement in the West.

There has been one major study so far which has taken place in the form of a clinical trial at the Mater Hospital in Brisbane, Australia. This trial compared the progress of two groups of asthmatic patients who were both given classes by physiotherapists in Asthma Management. One group used conventional chest physiotherapy and the other group Buteyko methods.

After 12 weeks – there was an average of 90% reduction in the use of the bronchodilater blue inhalers within the Buteyko Group – compared to only 5% in the other group.

Further tests of the clinical trial in Brisbane showed that after a period of 3 months there was a 49% decrease in the use of inhaler steroids. The results also covered the quality of life of each patient where moods, optimism, difficulty in breathing etc., were also measured. Within the Buteyko Group there was a 54% improvement and 5% placebo. The improvement was maintained over 8 months.

"My Medication keeps my Asthma under control most of the time – What will my Doctor say?"

The National Asthma Campaign with its latest research shows that most asthmatics are over-using medication. The Buteyko method works with allopathic medicine to reduce medications.

The Buteyko Breathing Association is a Member of the British Complementary Medical Association. The Association is listed by P.I.P.S. (Patient Information Service) used by many GP Surgeries and the BBA is now the first line of contact for the National Asthma Campaign, NHS Direct and Channel 4 TV.

DOCTORS GASP AT BUTEYKO SUCCESS Article by Tony James

BUTEYKO breathing hyperventilation exercises in patients with asthma reduced beta agonist use by 90% and improved symptoms, according to preliminary results of a randomised, controlled trial in Brisbane.

However, there were no changes in major physiological parameters such as peak flow rate or FEV1 in people using Buteyko breathing.

The study was reported at a meeting of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand in Hobart last week by Dr Simon Bowler, a respiratory physician at Mater Hospital in Brisbane.

Dr Bowler said there were no obvious explanations for the apparent short-term benefits of Buteyko breathing.

"We were surprised at the results, as we didn't expect any significant changes," he told Australian Doctor.

Proponents of the technique claimed that hyperventilation and the subsequent increase in carbon dioxide levels could relieve the symptoms of bronchospasm and favourably affect the long- term course of asthma.

The study was prompted by publicity about Buteyko breathing and the number of inquiries to asthma foundations and requests for advice from other health professionals it had generated.

The study was funded by the Australian Association of Asthma Foundations. Forty patients with well-documented asthma and significant daily use of bronchodilators were recruited and randomised to a Buteyko or control group - 39 remained in the study.

The Buteyko group received classes from a Buteyko practitioner for 90 minutes a day for seven days and the classes included direct encouragement to minimise beta agonist use.

The control patients received a similar regimen of physiotherapy classes which included standard asthma education, breathing exercises (excluding any hyperventilation) and relaxation techniques. Both groups were carefully instructed to use bronchodilators only as required and not on a routine basis.

"We would expect education to influence the patients' asthma management, but wouldn't normally expect the other techniques to have any major effect on medication use or respiratory function," Dr Bowler said.

"After six weeks there was a 90% reduction in beta agonist use in the Buteyko group, compared to only a 5% reduction in the control group."

"There was also a significant difference in quality of life and improvement in symptom scores in the Buteyko group."

"These changes occurred in the absence of any improvement in airflow" Dr. Bowler said.

"In this study, there appears to be some short-term benefit from Buteyko techniques in terms of reduced beta agonist use, without obvious cost in terms of worsening symptom scores."

The trial continued for another six weeks to investigate the effect of reducing inhaled corticosteroid use, but the data are yet to be analysed.

What Results In ‘Faulty’ Breathing ?

It is true to say that the majority of people take for granted the way that they breathe. Changing the breathing patterns involves a development of awareness and a confidence you are proceeding correctly in stages and with supervision.

‘Faulty’ breathing is based on a number of factors; over-breathing, increased stress on the system, poor posture and perception of events.

Through retraining both subtle movements of muscles and increasing control over the breathing process, the response mechanism to trigger starts to change. As the client practices – so increased opportunity for further changes in the breathing patterns continue and this process is ongoing.

There is much we don’t understand about the effects of controlled breathing on the mind and body. Certainly in the "West" we have all heard the suggestion ‘take a deep breath’. However, for Asthmatics this gulping and gasping for air only further exacerbates an already difficult experience.

Buteyko Breathing Method is applicable for -

Asthma, Breathlessness, Sleep apnoea, Blocked Nose, Sinusitis, Emphysema, Rhinitus, Anxiety Management including panic attacks and palpitations, Hayfever, Allergies.

Symptoms of faulty breathing are also known to affect poor concentration, memory loss, excessive yawning, sneezing and muscle stiffness.

How Buteyko Method creates changes within just a number of days –

Whilst there are a number of contradictions to using these techniques, notably cardiac problems – additionally over using the Techniques too quickly is counter productive. This is why it is better to learn the Techniques correctly from a trained Tutor and to take gradual steps.

Regular practice will result in creating greater balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide. This gradually changes the pattern of breathing and hyperventilation cycle. The breathing apparatus relaxes, releasing tensions in the whole area of the chest, shoulders and throat.

As you experience these changes – stress levels within the body and mind will decrease and you will attain confidence in handling your symptoms.

The overall effect is increased energy levels, improved digestion, a marked reduction in insomnia and a definite systematic improvement to health.

Buteyko and Sports

clients are taught where possible awareness of core stability movement and breathing. Sports can be very competitive particularly for the asthmatic at school within a short time the improvements enhances enthusiasm, quality of life and alevel playing field".

Stress Levels and Ill Health

Much has been said about stress and their is a theory that a little stress is good. However it has been found through much research that dis-ease_ailments are linked to an overburdened system . the Health and safety recently reported a further increase in stress at work and school. This is why the courses will include methods of managing your stress no matter what the circumstances you have the resources adaptability to change your mindset and physiology.