The Buteyko method is a special breathing exercise recommended for people suffering from asthma, allergies, angina, insomnia, hypertension, chronic fatigue, and stress. Learning to breathe in this specific way should take place under the supervision of a qualified specialist, because only then can we be sure that we are doing the exercises correctly.
What isButeyko's method ? Simply put, it is about reducing the depth of the breath to raise the level of carbon dioxide in the body. It was developed in the 1950s by the Ukrainian professor Konstantin Buteyko, who, based on his own medical experience, noticed the connection between too deep and fast breathing, i.e. hyperventilation and the increase in symptoms of various ailments (e.g. more frequent asthma attacks).
The professor believed that our he alth deteriorated as a result of breathing too deeply - they may, among others, to appear:
- dizziness
- tinnitus
- sleep disturbance
- irritability
- muscle spasms
- nausea
- chest pains
- hypertension
- thrombosis
Buteyko was of the opinion that hyperventilation leads to too much excretion, and thus lowering the level of carbon dioxide, first in the lungs and then in the blood. This in turn causes the oxygen connection with hemoglobin to increase and it is more difficult for it to penetrate into the body's tissues. Hypoxic tissues affect the smooth muscle vessels, which respond with contraction. As a result, the body weakens and begins to lose its natural immunity - it becomes more susceptible to all kinds of infections, and the symptoms of diseases that the patient is struggling with are also exacerbated.
Buteyko's method: beneficial carbon dioxide
At the beginning of the Buteyko method of breathing, a test is performed to check the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. It is about establishing the so-called control pause, i.e. the time we are able to hold our breath. The exercise is done by inhaling naturally, then exhaling, and then holding the air. It's best to pinch your nose with your fingers and start counting calmly. You must not force your breath to stop, it should be a completely natural process until the person performing the exercise feels a lack ofair.
Professor Butejko was of the opinion that a result above one minute indicates excellent he alth, between 40-60 seconds - the body functions perfectly, and those who are able to hold their breath for 20-30 seconds - should not complain about more serious ailments. On the other hand, if the patient finds it difficult to withstand 10 or 15 seconds without drawing air, it may be a sign that he is not breathing properly, and his ailments are the result of the excessive excretion of carbon dioxide from the body.
Learning to reduce breathing volume (i.e. shallower breathing) using the Buteyko method should always be carried out by qualified specialists in this field to learn how to do it correctly. The course usually includes several 45-minute sessions during which you learn all the details and secrets of the Buteyko method. The goal is to breathe only through the nose, inhale a maximum of 3-4 liters of air per minute and achieve a control pause of 30-40 seconds.
Buteyko's method: indications and contraindications
The range of indications for the use of the Buteyko method is quite wide and includes such diseases and problems as:
- asthma
- allergy
- angina
- insomnia
- migraines
- hypertension
- chronic fatigue
- long-term stress
Thanks to the control of the amount of inhaled air, the patient does not breathe too deeply and therefore does not get rid of excess carbon dioxide. Professor Butejko emphasized that we also breathe deeper when we are fed up, while lying on our back, when we avoid physical activity, which is why he recommended a balanced diet (e.g. limiting animal protein), sleeping on the side or on the stomach, systematic movement during which the content of dioxide in the body is regulated. Buteyko breathing training does not have any specific contraindications, but it is better to consult your doctor and find someone who is thoroughly familiar with this method and is able to teach it to others.