What is the Buteyko Breathing Method?

The Buteyko Breathing Method is a breathing therapy developed by Dr. Konstantin P. Buteyko in Russia, starting in the 1950s, until his death in 2003. Development by a number of practitioners in both Russia and the West has continued. The Buteyko Method uses nasal breathing, breath control and breath-holding exercises to treat a wide range of health conditions.

There have been many clinical trials showing that the Buteyko method helps asthmatics reduce their medication needs, while improving asthma symptoms and quality of life.

There are also a number of small studies indicating that it can effectively treat sleep apnea, and lots of anecdotal reports of people whose sleep completely normalized after several months of regular breathing practice.

People have also used the Buteyko Method to improve breathing and circulation, stress and anxiety, general health and athletic performance.

The Buteyko method can be a used along with other types of treatment including asthma medication, dental splints, orofacial myology, manual therapy and CPAP.