Patient results from Buteyko Breathing Clinics
The average expected results from all individuals who follow our instruction is a 50% reduction to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and breathlessness within two weeks.
In five independent clinical trials of the Buteyko method, average results were a 90% less need for reliever medication and a 50% less need for preventer medication within three to six months.
The older the person and the greater the severity of condition; the more time necessary to normalise breathing and safely reduce medication.
Results are based on both reported verbal feedback and scientific trials.
(Medication may be reduced only by consensus of a medical doctor)
What does Correction of Breathing entail?
- Becoming more aware of breathing
- Learning a simple and very effective way to unblock nose
- Switching to nasal breathing permanently
- Reducing the volume of air inhaled to correct levels on a permanent basis
- Simple life style changes to reverse overbreathing
How effective is the Buteyko Method?
The Buteyko Method has been subject to five trials in the western world. In all trials, results concluded a significant improvement to quality of life with 70% less asthma symptoms such as wheezing, breathlessness and coughing. A 90% less need for reliever medication and a 50% less need for preventer steroid medication within three to six months.
The trials also demonstrated a direct correlation between breathing volume and reduced symptoms and need for reliever medication. Another factor was the fact lung function was maintained the same after the trial. Taking into account that preventer medication was halved with no deterioration of lung function, this was indeed very positive.
The conclusion of Gisbourne trial (1) as published in NZ Med J is as follows;
"BBT is a safe and efficacious asthma management technique. BBT has clinical and potential pharmaco-economic benefits that merit further study."
A table comparison table taken from page 3 of NZ children's trial 6 as published in NZ Med Journal
| Brisbane 1 | Gisborne 2 | Nottingham 3 | NZ Children 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta-agonist reduction (reliever) |
95%* | 85% | 100%* | 66% |
| Inhaled steroid reduction | 49% | 50% | 41.5%** | 41% |
**Nottingham did not attempt reductions in inhaled steroid use until assessment of airways hyper-reactivity was finished.
References:
- Bowler SD, Green A, Mitchell CA. Buteyko breathing technique in asthma: a blinded randomised controlled trial. Med J Aust. 1998;169:575-8. Available online. URL: http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/xmas98/bowler/bowler.html Accessed May 2006. (asthma clinical studies)
- McHugh P, Aitcheson F, Duncan B, Houghton F. Buteyko breathing technique for asthma: an effective intervention. N Z Med J. 2003;116(1187). (asthma clinical studies) URL: http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/116-1187/710/
- Cooper S, Oborne J, Newton S, et al. Effect of two breathing exercises (Buteyko and pranayama) in asthma: a randomised controlled trial. (asthma clinical studies) Thorax. 2003;58:674-9.
- McHugh P, Aitcheson F, Duncan B, Houghton F. Buteyko breathing technique and asthma in children: a case Series. (asthma clinical study) NZMJ 19 May 2006, Vol 119 No 1234. URL: http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/119-1234/1988/