By Tessa Simpson, The Herald Magazine, January 9, 1999
The Buteyko method, a breathing system aimed at helping asthma sufferers, is explained by Tessa Simpson.
Buteyko, a breath reconditioning system for asthma, was pioneered in the 1950's by a Russian professor, Konstantin Buteyko. He discovered the connection between dysfunctional breathing and more than 200 diseases. Forty years of research produced the Buteyko method which aims to recondition and normalize breathing to create the specific mixture of gases the body requires.
The treatment consists of a series of individually-tailored breathing exercises and lifestyle changes taught over a period of five days with follow-up support. Many asthmatics and those with breathing difficulties claim to have experienced remarkable improvement in their condition, allowing them to reduce dependency on medication and enjoy a quality of life they previously thought impossible.
I visited Wendy Haddock, a Buteyko practitioner, and a physiotherapist with 25 years' experience. "I decided to train as a Buteyko practitioner last year as a result of the relief my mother got from her asthma using the Buteyko method. Since then I have witnessed many others undergo the same process, sustain major improvements and get off drugs commonly recognized as harmful with long-term use."
I asked Wendy how the medical profession viewed the technique. "Doctors are often sceptical, and rightly so, of new treatment. I ask my patients to tell their doctor what they are doing, and consult with them before modifying medication. Most doctors are happy to reduce medication, provided the patient's condition is improving."
I joined Wendy at one of her monthly support groups. I watched patients work on shallow breathing and breath-holding exercises, with some holding for more than a minute. I could come nowhere near their achievements. All had been on her course either one or two months previously, and all reported an improvement in their condition.
I spoke to John, 46, and asked if Buteyko had made any difference to him. "I have had asthma since childhood, and was getting frustrated at having to rely on medication. I have been pleased with the results. I am practically off medication and can run three miles on a treadmill. I work in a smoky atmosphere and use the shallow breathing techniques to help. I have also lost more than a stone in weight. I was warned progress was gradual, and that has been the case."
Susan, 26, added: "I had severe asthma, and took a huge amount of drugs and had to use my nebuliser four times a day. The benefits have been amazing. I haven't used my nebuliser in four weeks, and the drugs are reducing. I have changed my diet and lost weight. I would never have believed it."
Jean, 58, told me her story. "I had a constant cough as well as asthma. I couldn't even speak on the telephone. Within 24 hours the cough was gone. That was two months ago. If I was going up hills or stairs I needed to use my inhaler, but I have never used it since I came here. I still take my steroid inhaler night and morning but, when Wendy says the time is right, I will speak to my doctor about coming off it."
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