Taking AsthmaCare workshop made a big difference in my life. Before the workshop, I had mild asthma for about two years but grew extremely uncomfortable using beta-agonists and steroids and having suffered a couple of side effects, such as pneumonia and mouth candida. I realized I was on my way turning from a healthy person to a sick one, dependent on medications and having all sorts of related petty ailments. I found out about the Buteyko method and rather with skepticism decided to give it a shot. Before the workshop I learned some basics of the Buteyko Method on the Internet, such as the Control Pause, Relaxed Breathing, and the idea of constantly paying attention to your breathing. When I managed to relieve nasal congestion, I realized that Buteyko method works. However, information I got from the Internet was often inconsistent, and I was not sure if I am measuring the Control Pause and doing breathing exercises correctly. I was afraid that without professional advice I might make things worse. I realized I needed a Practitioner to guide me. I have got all I hoped for and more from AsthmaCare workshop, I’ve learned what to do to relieve an asthma attack, how to breathe while working out and more. I have much better understanding now of the underlying principles and I set my therapy goals. Now I am much more confident about my progress with the Buteyko therapy. I am drug free, rarely have symptoms and have a quieter and better quality sleep. Eugenia is an excellent, insightful teacher. I am very grateful to her for helping me out to get my healthy self back.
Alex, Eden Praire, MN [Asthma]
I am in my sixties and had asthma for forty (!) years. I took AsthmaCare course about a year ago because my brother recommended it to me. He was an asthmatic too, and had a significant reduction in symptoms after learning the Buteyko Method from the book. Prior to the course I was on preventer steroid medication (Pulmicort) and long acting bronchodilator (Serevent) daily, and still would have asthma symptoms and use nebulizer. For the first few months of Buteyko practice it was not easy going, but I continued nevertheless, and now I feel substantial improvements. I was off Serevent almost right away, and for the past few months I am slowly tapering off steroid based preventer. Currently I am down to only one puff of Pulmicort at bedtime every other day. I haven’t had to use the rescue inhaler or the nebulizer in a long time. I traveled recently, and travel would often aggravate my symptoms, but I was just fine this time. I found that breathing exercises not only help my asthma, but are kind of meditative and calming, which helps with everyday stresses. I also noticed that my nose does not block anymore, and I am not reacting as much to triggers like weather or airborne irritants. I went camping this summer and bonfire smoke did not cause me any troubles breathing like it used to. Even if you had asthma for decades, the Buteyko therapy can make a big difference!
Cathy, Minneapolis, MN [Asthma]
Eugenia, thank you for your Buteyko lectures at the MSB and Globe college. It sparked a lot of interest; students in our Health Fitness Specialist program were discussing your presentation long after you left! Looking forward to seeing you next year.
Carrie Rowell, Health Fitness Specialist Program Coordinator, MSB and Globe college, Plymouth Campus, MN
I have a significant improvement with Exercise Induced Asthma. I found tremendous benefit from ensuring nasal breathing during sleep (I now use a chin supporter to keep my mouth closed during the night). I played a basketball game early on after starting the Buteyko Course and found that with the little exercises I have done and using the need to mouth breathe as a guideline to activity level, I had a great game. Just going back to nose breathing as soon as possible after pushing the limit, I recovered much quicker and could play at a satisfactory level. I am very pleased and motivated to continue bringing up my CP.
Arden, Minnetonka, MN [Exercise Induced Asthma]
The relaxation audio by Patrick McKeown is wonderful!! WOW! I am enjoying the Anxiety-Free book too. The audio session is making me feel less anxious. I'm greatly looking forward to starting the class!! I am SO tired of being tired all the time!! And the result of the relaxation is unbelievable. Much more energy!! Eugenia, once again I am overwhelmed at how much you accommodate me!!!
Ann, Madison, WI [Asthma]
The technique is great. I haven't reached the CP I need yet, but have prevented several major attacks. The breathing CD works very well to calm my panic and I continue to work on the exercises. Our summer so far is wonderful - I'm sitting in our RV at a campground this very moment. The AsthmaCare class was a life saver!
Lyn, MN [Asthma, hypertension]
I’ve scheduled my 10 y.o. daughter for adenoid surgery earlier this year. Her breathing was very labored, she had that nasal voice and snoring typical for children with adenoids. It was also bothering her during physical activities. She is very ambitious and hard working, but she felt like she is behind just because of her breathing. It bothered her so much that despite fears, she was actually looking forward to have a surgery to finally get relief. Accidentally at the same time I’ve found out about the Buteyko method from my cousin, and we thought we always can do surgery, why not try the Buteyko breathing program? I looked on the Internet, and we found a Buteyko practice nearby in NY area. I brought my daughter to the consultation and was told that a full program with two month support will cost $2000(!). Then we found AsthmaCare with much more reasonable fees, free consultations and free one year support.
As we discovered, Buteyko does require discipline to keep up with exercises, and we are not always following it because of such busy lifestyle. But few months later I am pleased with the results. My daughter does sleep better - I'm checking her at night once in a while. She snores much less and nose breathes where before she would open her mouth to breathe because her nose breathing was so labored. I'm absolutely not considering surgery anymore. We’ll go to the doctor to check her out sometime at the end of the summer. She does not complain about anything now. Her voice sounds better too.
Although we are miles away from Buteyko Clinic in Minnesota, I am really pleased how Eugenia quickly follows up and puts her time into answering every Email or concern we have.
Anna, NJ [child with adenoids]
My blood pressure became a real problem for me lately. Despite the fact that my doctor added another BP medication to the one I am already taking, I ended up in ER twice during a period of three months. Constant feeling of heaviness in the body, headaches, poor concentration, and shaky feeling prevented me from doing my everyday chores, I became more and more homebound and unable to enjoy life. After starting religiously doing Buteyko exercises and following all Eugenia's recommendations I felt better almost instantly. In a few weeks my CP went up from 8 to close to 20, and my BP is in the 130 over 80 range now (before it would go to 150 over 90 daily, and when I called the ambulance systolic was close to 210). I am back to just one BP medication, and feeling significantly better. No blood pressure spikes for the last 4 months!
O., Minneapolis, MN [Hypertension]
The Buteyko Clinic relaxation/reduced breathing CD is so helpful! If I wake up in the middle of the night unable to sleep, I'd sit in bed and listen to it, and I fall asleep half way through the tape. No need for sleeping pill!
J, MN [Asthma, allergies, insomnia]
Eugenia, thanks for offering class in NJ. I am fine and my son is doing well. His diabetes is under good control and asthma is better. I am trying everyday to make sure he keeps his mouth closed. My own asthma is much better also; sometimes I am getting symptoms when running, but with what I’ve learned in your class it is relieved without need for inhaler. I am not taking any medications now.
H.N., NJ [Asthma/ child with asthma, type 1 diabetes]
I'm totally off all my asthma medications and have not had to use my inhaler once since the first workshop. When I might feel occasional symptoms, I find that the breathing exercise works better than the Albuterol did. Before the workshop I was on Singulair and Advair 500, and also using my inhaler several times a week without much success. This is much better! My doctor was very supportive of Buteyko - I gave him the brochure and he said he might even try to take the workshop himself. Thanks so much for offering Buteyko.
Jackie, Minneapolis, MN [asthma]
Several days ago I gave your site link to parents of my son's friend so that they might gain new insights for their daughter's life long (14 yr old) asthma. They are interested in reading more than I sent them and will follow up here in Minneapolis. I always enjoy reading the Newsletter materials you send and hope you continue to advance Buteyko Asthma Care around the globe.
Newsletter subscriber
I have been working at increasing CP to be ready for the allergy season next spring and keeping sinus issues under control this winter. In the meantime, I have found the nose breathing and exercises have been extremely advantageous in singing. I did a 4 day summer choir tour singing 2-hour concerts with no hint of vocal weariness. It increased my vocal breath control greatly. I traveled with high school/college kids later also where they were singing 3 1-hour concerts per day for 3 consecutive days with 4 days of rehearsal ahead of that. We employed some of the controlled breathing exercises as part of our warm-ups and they, too, remained strong to the end. Currently, as my CP numbers are increasing, I am doing lots of concerts on consecutive days, and am finding that if I do the full round of exercises each day ahead of time, my voice and breath support are holding up beautifully. I am very conscious of keeping the mouth closed when outside, and I am also sleeping with the tape. This does wonders for the vocal cords. I have managed to keep sinus conditions under control as well this winter along with salt nose rinse solutions.
We are working with our 3 1/2 year old grandson who suffers from asthma. This is very challenging due to his age. However, it is amazing how even at this age encouraging him to breathe through the nose makes a difference.
Ardis, Minnetonka, MN [Allergy/Sinus]
Thanks for the Buteyko video and your workshop. In the beginning of the therapy, two months ago, I've used techniques in the video when I woke up unable to breathe and it really helped! I was able to get things under control without using my nebulizer. At that time I've also spent one Sunday outside doing yardwork and was amazed that I was able to do as much as I did without getting out of breath. So I knew right away that Buteyko works!
Now, two month later, not only my asthma improved, but my allergies are improving. Although allergies flared up once again while I was on vacation, but I was outside a lot, hiking, etc. so I really pushed it! Considering this wasn't even possible before I've learned Buteyko, I'm really grateful for your help.
Thanks for all you do. I am continuing to practice every day and feel so much better. I am optimistic about the future again .. instead of dreading it because it felt like I was on the decline health wise. Blessings to you
Barbara, Kenyon, MN [Asthma]
I am a relatively healthy person, but every winter I would develop a dry non productive cough, especially in the morning and late in the evening. Also that persistent cough would bother me for weeks after a cold or a flu. I always assumed it is somehow related to the very dry air during the winter. After practicing the Buteyko method for just three weeks with AsthmaCare program, my cough stopped completely and hasn't returned since. I was always convinced that drugs are not the answer and I am so glad I found out about Buteyko. I am amazed why not so many people know about it.
Luba, Apple Valley, MN [Chronic cough]
I started Buteyko breathing with a CP of 6-7 sec, and myriad of symptoms. It caused intense cleansing reactions and feeling tired for a few weeks, but now I am surprised at how much better I feel, and everybody comments on seeing a big change in me. Taping mouth at night has been amazing! And I can’t say enough about Patrick McKeown’s relaxation CD. I listen to it every day. It is better than medication for the quality of sleep, the energy and overall sense of wellbeing. It definitely helped to raise my CP. My CP is close to 20 now, and I am very hopeful of my progress.
Susan, MN
I really like AsthmaCare newsletters, they really help. I've been using the Buteyko book that has helped me a lot. I am very Thankful I found something that can help me without using medicine. Thank You!
Newsletter subscriber
I am in my mid 60s, and before a couple of years back I have never had respiratory troubles. However, when I caught a flu that winter I felt my cough lasted longer than usual, and I've developed wheezing. Eventually, I recovered, but I knew my respiratory health became more fragile. I would occasionally have out-of-nowhere coughing fits that was hard to stop. I also felt tired and breathless sooner while walking or doing other physical activities. I decided to try Buteyko about a year ago, and it is definitely helping me. My coughing fits stopped, and I haven't had cold or flu for a year (which is amazing because I used to have three a year on average). I also suffer from insomnia and high blood pressure, and I am happy to report that I fall asleep more easily and do not wake up in the middle of the night. My blood pressure readings are lower and more consistent. I would never believe a breathing therapy can do so much for your health!
Ana, Minneapolis, MN [breathing problems, insomnia, hypertension]
I have experienced that Buteyko works; I like it very much, got rid of my CPAP machine.
Steve [sleep apnea]
Thank You for H1N1 information in your October Newsletter. I had pneumonia last October for a month. Now with H1N1 spreading I worry that I get sick, and if I get pneumonia again, don’t know if any medicine could help. Thanks!
Gerry, ME
I am familiar with the Buteyko Method, and here are my few thoughts. Although Buteyko is recommended for asthma and breathing disorders, hyperventilation affects lots of body systems, and Buteyko Breathing Program is something everybody should give a try. I was considering seeing a Practitioner in another state and then discovered Eugenia right here. We are lucky to have her! Professor Buteyko was a Russian doctor and scientist, and Eugenia was his fellow citizen, and she knows Russian!
I would like to say also, for all the mothers out there, if anything is miraculous, the way Buteyko works for children is.
My other reason for writing is to say how much I admire AsthmaCare Newsletter. The one last month and again this month are chock full of information and interesting stuff.
Terry, Shorewood, MN
I work with many patients with open mouth breathing posture. Allergies, asthma and medication always seem to follow.
Carolyn, Dental Hygienist, IL
I always seem to get a cold that goes to my chest. After following your practical advice my symptoms seem to be much lighter and I don’t have any deep chest congestion or heavy coughing. Thanks, you are so informative, thorough and easy to understand. Your simple recommendations are helping...
Newsletter subscriber
I’ve followed the recommended regular practice of the Buteyko breathing method, and I don’t feel as breathless with exertion anymore. I strongly believe this method has a great healing potential. Eugenia's dedication to the principals of ethical health service to her fellow man is in fact a lost quality of our healthcare system…
Bob, St Paul,MN [breathlessness]
For almost 10 years I dragged myself through one day after another, not expecting much, just hoping to get by because I didn't feel well enough to do much more. Often I was too sick to go to a doctor, and even more often, I was so sick of going to doctors because all it got me was a fat medical file of empty diagnosis's such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, ADHD, asthma, etc... I would read up on these illnesses and they did not seem to fit...something always seemed "off." Finally last summer a neurologist diagnosed me with chronic hyperventilation syndrome. This is what was giving me chronic feelings of fatigue and weakness, chest pains, frequent respiratory illnesses, anxiety, depression, and so much more. I was elated my nightmare was over...but it wasn't. All the medications, and deep breathing exercises seemed to only create more problems...and I wasn't getting better. I researched on the internet and kept coming across Buteyko Therapy but kept dismissing it too. Finally, out of desperation, I signed up. I had a 12 year old who had no memory of me ever being healthy. Almost immediately I started to feel better-I couldn't believe it. Any "quality" of life had stopped for me in 2000 and yet within weeks of starting Buteyko I was running errands, waking up early AND on my own, and two months later I was biking, hiking, cleaning my house, cooking...well...living..."truly" living. I am well enough to start looking for a job (I became too sick to work too). I strongly encourage everyone to give it a try-even the most healthy. If it can do this for me (I was a former athlete), it can increase anyone's level of performance. It’s worth every penny, and it will change your life.
Patricia, St Paul, MN
My daughter was having a continuous hacking cough and she was constantly clearing her throat. For a year we were going from ENT specialist to asthma and allergy specialist and back. They couldn't find anything wrong with her. Suggested decongestant and nasal sprays didn’t work. After practicing Buteyko exercises just for a month, her cough subsided. Now it is completely gone.
Jenny, Richfield, MN [child with chronic cough]
I’m amazed at how often I catch myself with my mouth open. I have really noticed a difference since becoming aware of my breathing. Even this allergy season! You’ve made a believer out of me.
Kris, Inver Grove Heights, MN [allergies]
After just three weeks of the workshop my blood pressure went down to normal level and it stays there since. Everybody’s noticed I look better, my digestion has improved, my breathing is lighter, and I can walk more without feeling tired.
Jo, Minneapolis, MN [COPD, hypertension]