Buteyko provides a comprehensive approach to achieving safe and effective asthma control. Buteyko helps you to control your asthma through simple breathing exercises and asthma management - without the use of drugs.
According to the founding principles of the Buteyko Method, some 200 diseases are linked to dysfunctional breathing: asthma, allergies and emphysema are just a few examples. More than 40 years of research have produced the Buteyko Method, which can recondition and normalise the breathing and restore the body's most important function.

This introduction to the Buteyko Method covers its history, some breathing basics, a test to check your own breathing, results of medical trials and the kinds of problems the Buteyko Method can help. Many thousands of asthmatics and those with breathing difficulties have experienced remarkable improvement in their condition with this amazing method, which has allowed them to reduce their dependency on medication and enjoy a quality of life they previously thought impossible.

WHAT IS BUTEYKO?
The Buteyko Method is a technique first developed by Russian respiratory physician, Dr Konstantin Buteyko, which allows people to re-train their breathing patterns as a way of improving health.

HOW IS BUTEYKO'S METHOD TAUGHT?
The Buteyko Method is most effectively taught in groups or individually by a qualified & experienced Buteyko Practitioner. Mr. Jac Vidgen is one who has been involved with the method since 1993. He usually teaches the method in 5 classes, each of 1-2 hours duration, usually held over 1-2 weeks.
In some special cases, where the client is unable to access a suitable practitioner for face-to-face instruction, coaching by email might be considered - but only after careful scrutiny of the client's health and situation by the practitioner, and prior negotiation of the process involved.

WHAT IS REQUIRED?
For a minimum of five days of treatment you will be required to adhere to some basic lifestyle modifications and to perform some breathing exercises three or four times a day. Depending on your progress, you'll find you can practice Buteyko's method with little or no intrusion on your normal routine. In fact, most patients find they can enjoy a level of sports and fitness they previously thought impossible.

WHAT ABOUT MY DOCTOR?
Tell your doctor what you are doing so he/she may monitor your progress. The Buteyko Practitioner will be pleased to discuss, explain or send appropriate literature upon request. Most doctors are pleased to see their patients' reliance on drugs of any kind reduced or diminished. However, they are often (understandably) sceptical, at first, of any new method that claims such unprecedented results.

MY CONDITION IS VERY SEVERE, WILL IT HELP ME?
Often, the more severe the problem the more dramatic the improvement.
If in doubt, consult a Buteyko practitioner before enrolling on a course.

SPORTS AND FITNESS
For sometime Russian athletes have benefited from special Buteyko training whereby they increase their stamina, performance and recovery. Also a number of top Australian athletes are now using the method.

IF BUTEYKO'S METHOD IS SO SUCCESSFUL, WHY ISN'T IT GENERAL PRACTICE?
It is hoped that when more doctors see the research and trial data they will join the growing numbers of doctors who endorse and recommend this drug-free method.

Some of the conditions that the Buteyko method is effective for: