Ideally we should
inspire 4-6 litres of air per minute, equivalent to roughly 8-10
breaths per minute. People with respiratory disorders can breathe
up to 3 times this amount, resulting in excess of 20,000 breaths
per 24 hour day.
Under normal circumstances,
the lungs receive the correct volume of air via the nasal passage,
where it has been filtered, disinfected warmed and moisturised.
Large volumes of untreated air, via the mouth, cause drying of airways,
irritation and greater exposure to allergens viruses and bacteria.
Hyperventilation,
over breathing and mouth breathing all contribute to the 'dumping'
of CO2 from the body, upsetting the O2 - CO2 balance. CO2 is a natural
bronchodilator and correct blood and alveolar levels prevent the
smooth muscle in the bronchioles, and in other parts of the body
from going into spasm.
Sustained low levels
of CO2 cause the breathing centre in the medulla to reset to a level
which encourages hyperventilation or over-breathing. The average
asthmatic, breathing 12-15 litres per minute, has a CO2 level of
30 to 36mm Hg Pa. Buteyko exercises train people to breathe through
their noses, keep their mouths closed and retain the acceptable
levels of CO2 produced by the body.
With practice, the
Buteyko method allows the person to permanently elevate their levels
of CO2 causing the breathing reflex to return to normal. The CO2
level rises to the normal level of 40mm Hg pa.
Courses consists of
a total of 8-10 hours spread over a number of sessions, usually
five sessions of one and a half hours each, on consecutive days.
Often people experience
relief after the second or third day of a course, and many are able
to drastically reduce or discard their reliever medication at the
end of a week, having learned how to rely on their improved breathing
techniques. Improved sleep and reduced snoring is often reported.
Morning dry mouth disappears and sleep is more refreshing.
The Buteyko Method
is suitable for all ages from 4 years to 94 years. There are no
special diets, vitamins needed. There is no hypnosis, meditation
or other behaviour therapy.
The Buteyko Method
is not ÒmagicÓ but based on sound medical understanding . The reduction
of medication should only be after consultation with your own GP
as your progress indicates. Reliever medication is usually used
at the discretion of the patient and this should continue, it only
being used as and when needed, not as a preventer.
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