Buteyko Asthma and Health Care in the UK - Buteyko background

Buteyko Background and Books on Buteyko

Professor Konstantin Buteyko

Professor Buteyko devised the Buteyko method having made the connection between dysfunctional breathing and over 200 diseases during his work as a young doctor in Russia. Forty years of dedicated research by him produced the Buteyko method of breath control and normalisation.

Professor Buteyko with Wendy

The above picture of Professor Buteyko and Wendy Jones was taken in May 2001 when Professor Buteyko visited Glasgow for World Asthma Day

Basis of Buteyko

Asthma and breath-related disorders result from chronic over-breathing. Over-breathing commonly occurs without you being aware of it happening. However, if you observe your breathing pattern when you experience breathing difficulties, you may notice the rate of your breathing, and sometimes the depth, has increased. What Buteyko can do for you is teach you to relax and normalise your breathing, thereby reducing your symptoms and the need for rescue medication.

Theory Behind Buteyko

Normal breathing (4-6 litres per minute) results in 98% oxygen saturation. Breathing more than this internationally recognised amount cannot increase your oxygen uptake but will deplete Carbon Dioxide (CO₂). This is important since CO₂ is not merely a waste gas as many people mistakenly believe. CO₂ when lost in abnormal quantities alters the whole body chemistry and directly or indirectly affects every system in the body. In relation to asthma, its effect on opening up airways and facilitating the transport of oxygen, is of prime importance.

The Buteyko method

The Buteyko method involves very specific breath retraining coupled with reduced breathing work and some simple life-style changes. None of this is arduous but it does require commitment and effort from you. Benefits arrive quickly and you will almost certainly experience an improvement in your condition within the first 5 days of practising the exercises.

Buteyko Books

Written by Irish buteyko practitioner, Patrick McKeown, Close Your Mouth is a simple self help book containing the essence of how to apply the Buteyko Method for a variety of conditions. The book makes an excellent introduction to those attending a workshop.

A second book written by Patrick McKeown, ABC to be Asthma Free is a book for parents to read with their asthmatic child. It engages the child's attention by telling the story of Argo the Wizard who helps a young boy called David to breathe correctly. Contains breathing exercises for children and is presented in a 32 page full clour cartoon format.

Please click on the book title or picture to buy or to obtain further information on these books (In association with Amazon.co.uk)

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	Written by Irish buteyko practitioner, Patrick McKeown, Close Your Mouth is a simple self help book containing the essence of how to apply the Buteyko Method for a variety of conditions. The book makes an excellent introduction to those attending a workshop.
	A second book written by Patrick McKeown, ABC to be Asthma Free is a book for parents to read with their asthmatic child. It engages the child's attention by telling the story of Argo the Wizard who helps a young boy called David to breathe correctly. Contains breathing exercises for children and is presented in a 32 page full clour cartoon format.