The Buteyko breathing method was developed by Russian physiologist Dr. Konstanin Buteyko in the 1950’s. Dr. Buteyko observed that newborn infants breathe very gently while the elderly with health conditions frequently gasp for air. Dr. Buteyko spent his life improving the health of his patients by implementing his own breathing normalization techniques based on yoga breathing.
The breathing technique involves exercises that combine nasal-breathing, breath-holding and relaxation. A baseline evaluation is performed by comfortably holding one’s breath and counting the seconds until a need for breath arises. A count of 40 or higher is optimal for overall health and the lower the number the greater the risk for serious health conditions. These numbers are easily increased by implementing Buteyko breathing exercises.
Buteyko breathing increases carbon dioxide levels which are necessary for optimal oxygen delivery to the cells. As a whole we tend to over-breathe thus lower our carbon dioxide levels.
Improving carbon dioxide levels has been shown to improve health conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Reproductive disorders
- Psychological disorders
- Anxiety
- Panic Attacks
- Sleep disorders
- High blood pressure
- Stress
- Weakened immune system
- COPD
- Weight gain
- Emphysema
- Sleep apnea
- Hay fever
- Migraine
- Atrial Fibrillation
We’ve all been told to breathe deeply and according to Dr. Buteyko this is incorrect and can lead to serious health decline. Though mostly known for his work with asthmatics, by implementing Dr. Buteyko’s technique (through a coach, book or watching videos) nearly all areas of health can be improved.
To learn more, what the short video below: