The Buteyko Breathing Method was developed by Ukrainian Dr Konstantin Buteyko who became aware, working in hospitals and closely observing the unwell and the elderly that breathing patterns have a profound impact on health. The method he developed is designed to improve functional breathing patterns.
Originally popular as therapy orientated to adults and children with asthma over recent years it has been found to be very helpful in improving a number of breathing related problems including
- Respiratory:Asthma , hayfever, rhinitis
- Neurological:Stress, Anxiety and Panic attacks
- Childhood Development: dental health, craniofacial development and ADHD
- Sleep disordered breathing: insomnia, snoring, central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea
Dysfunctional breathing will often have symptoms like mouth breathing, regular sighing yawning sniffing , generally visible upper chest movement, irregular breathing, waking with a dry mouth, and one can often hear breathing when at rest.
Functional breathing involves breathing through the nose. The breath is light and regular and the primary driver is the diaphragm. Buteyko Breathing seeks to address poor breathing habits which disrupt the body’s biochemistry and deprive the body of oxygen.
The Buteyko method involves exercises to help decongest the nose,switch to nasal breathing along with exercises to restore functional breathing patterns.The application of the method is very direct .It has the outcome of making more oxygen available to organs and tissues and students should experience notable improvements in their breathing and health within a few days.Expected benefits include, easier breathing,deeper sleep, reduced asthma and congestion,and an enhanced feeling of calm. The benefit to our energy levels, immune system and general well being is being more and more documented.
guided breathing exercise with Patrick McKeown – Click link to listen
Jenny Barnett 