What is asthma? Top
Asthma is a common disorder in which chronic inflammation causes swelling in the bronchial tubes. Constriction and inflammation cause narrowing of the airways, which may result in symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath.
What is conventional approach to treating asthma? Top
The conventional approach is based on the belief that asthma is a treatable, but not curable, condition, the causes of which are unknown. Patient history and sets of breathing tests are used to determine severity of disease and need for medication. Medications typically include oral corticosteroids, preventative inhaled corticosteroids and long-term bronchodialators taken daily, as well as short-term "emergency" bronchodialators. The patient is advised to stay on preventive medication(s) for an extended period of time and to use short term bronchodialators as needed. In the case of allergic asthma, additional allergy drugs might be prescribed.
What is Buteyko Breathing Technique? Top
Buteyko Therapy is non drug method of treating asthma and other diseases based on the theory of Russian physician and professor of medicine K. P. Buteyko (1923-2003). The cornerstone of the Buteyko Theory is a belief that underlying cause of bronchial asthma and many other "diseases of civilization" is chronic hyperventilation. Find out more
What does “Buteyko” mean? Top
The Buteyko Breathing Method is named after its creator Russian medical doctor professor K. P. Buteyko (1923-2003).
How is Buteyko theory different from conventional approach to treating asthma? Top
Unlike conventional medicine, the Buteyko Theory states that the primary cause of bronchial asthma is chronic hyperventilation. Correcting hyperventilation therefore will alleviate symptoms and eventually cure the disease.
Why is it not widely known? Top
There are few reasons for that. Some of them are:
- The Buteyko Theory can be described as being ahead of its time. It contradicts some fundamental beliefs of conventional medical science (e.g. the more oxygen you breathe, the better your health will be) and touches some barely explored topics of physiology (e. g. the role of carbon dioxide, or CO2, concentration in metabolic processes in the body).
- Conventional western medicine is extremely drug oriented, and the Buteyko Breathing Method does not involve any drugs. Pharmaceutical companies sponsor large scale medical trials to prove or disprove a new drug's effectiveness. Without substantial medical trials data, treatment is not widely accepted. Pharmaceutical companies are not interested in financially supporting trials that won't result in a new drug they can sell.
Can other conditions be treated? Top
The Buteyko Theory states that chronic hyperventilation is a primary cause of many "diseases of civilization". Asthma, rhinitis, bronchitis, allergies, COPD, hypertension, heart disease, sleep disorders, ADHD are just a few of them. However, so far, the Buteyko Treatment for asthma is the most researched and practiced.
What is a typical course like? Top
A typical course would be a 3 hour class once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. Class sizes are kept under10 participants to ensure individual attention. All attendees will get unlimited e-mail and phone consultation support for one year following completion of the course and, if needed, can retake the course free of charge during the same period of time.
How soon can I expect improvements? Top
Most people experience improvements within the first few days of the workshop – better sleep, reduced mucus, eased digestion, better energy levels - and usually a reduction of the need for relief medication. More profound systemic improvements occur over time. The more you practice, the sooner your breathing will return to normal levels. Your age and the severity of your condition may affect your rate of improvement.
Can children be treated? Top
Yes. Children age 5 and up will be able to practice method with a parent’s help.
Are there any conditions to be met prior to or during the course? Top
Attendees must sign a waiver and to agree not to alter their current medical treatment and prescribed medications. Children under 18 should be accompanied by their parent(s). It is recommended any existing bacterial and fungal infections be treated prior to therapy.
Are the results of Buteyko therapy permanent? Is it for everybody? Top
Significant reduction of asthma attacks and increased ability to control asthma symptoms is permanent. Typically, once a patient has reached and sustained certain breathing levels, their symptoms will not return. The AsthmaCare program is a very effective therapy for all asthmatics. However, commitment to doing exercises for the first few weeks is required. The Buteyko Breathing Method as offered by AsthmaCare has been scientifically evaluated in Russia and Australia and has been found to be effective for all asthmatics. Studies show a 90% decrease in reliever medication use and 49% decrease in steroid use. To date, the vast majority of patients who have practiced breathing exercises as recommended by AsthmaCare have reported considerable progress, including reduction of medication use. It is AsthmaCare's policy to work with each patient until they can correctly apply this therapy.
Are there any side effects associated with Breathing Exercises? Top
The AsthmaCare program is completely safe when practiced correctly and patients continue to take their preventer medication until advised otherwise by their physician. No drugs, pills, invasive tests or any kind of devices are involved in this therapy. It is our policy to work with each patient until they have a very good understanding of the method and are able to apply method correctly.
Do I have to abandon my conventional treatment? Do I have to stop or reduce my current medication? Top
Absolutely no. Attendees are required to sign a release form and to agree not to alter their current medical treatment and prescribed medications. As the AsthmaCare treatment progresses and the need for medication subsides, patients should consult their doctor to reduce their medications.
How can I explain it to my doctor? Top
Inform your doctor of that you are following the Buteyko Breathing Method so that they will be able to monitor your progress. Direct them to our site. Many doctors are unaware of the AsthmaCare program. We will be pleased to discuss it with them or send literature upon request. One of our goals is to achieve greater awareness of the Buteyko Breathing Method through communication with respiratory consultants and physicians. We hope that as doctors become aware of research and trial data they will join the growing numbers of doctors who endorse and recommend this drug-free method.
Will it affect my sports/fitness performance/goals? Top
AsthmaCare provides a training procedure for people with asthma which will result in greater fitness levels with minimum risk. Learning and applying the Buteyko Breathing Method has been shown to greatly improve fitness and sports performance. In fact, healthy athletes are learning the Buteyko Breathing Method just to improve their stamina and endurance, giving them optimal performance.
Do Breathing Exercises take a lot of time and effort? How will it affect my lifestyle? Top
To experience the benefits, it is important that patients practice breathing exercises twice a day for a minimum of four weeks and adhere to small lifestyle changes. These lifestyle changes and breathing exercises cause minimal disruption of normal day to day activities, but will result in a substantial alleviation of asthma symptoms and improved fitness level. These improvements provide the motivation for continuing both the exercises and the lifestyle changes.
How much I should expect to pay for a Buteyko course? What is included? Are any additional costs involved? Top
For complete description and pricing information please refer to Our Programs page.
Can I learn The Buteyko Breathing Method from books and DVDs? Do I need to purchase the AsthmaCare books and DVD if I am working with a Practitioner? Top
AsthmaCare offers one of the best Buteyko educational materials available worldwide aimed at the general audience who wants to learn and practice the Buteyko Method. Authored by internationally acclaimed Practitioner Patrick McKeown, they include comprehensive, easy to read books and audio/video training guides recorded during actual workshops with his students.
If you are not familiar with the Buteyko Method, the AsthmaCare books are an excellent place to start.
If you don’t have access to a Buteyko Practitioner in your area and cannot travel to see one, the AsthmaCare books and DVD set is the next best way to learn the Buteyko Method.*
If you are able to attend a Buteyko course in your area, working with a Practitioner and supplementing with books and DVDs is the best choice for a number of reason
Are private lessons available? Top
Yes, upon request.
How can I ask a practitioner a question or request a consultation? Top
See Contact Us
How do I sign up for a class? Top
See Our Programs
Is the Buteyko Breathing Therapy considered medical practice? Will my insurance cover the cost? Top
AsthmaCare is an educational breathing retraining program based on the Buteyko Breathing Method. In the United States the Buteyko Breathing therapy is not accepted as a conventional medical practice yet. Medical insurance companies will not cover the costs (although we are hoping that will change as awareness increases). However in many cases if your employer offers health FSA a Buteyko course fee should be an eligible expense (you might need your doctor's recommendation).
Will the Buteyko Clinic USA share my private and medical information? Top
See Privacy Policy
Related Blog links
You've asked (December 24, 2009)
You've asked (December 9, 2009)
You've asked (August 19, 2009)
You've asked (August 7, 2009)