This is my long overdue testimonial about the Buteyko method. I have been an asthmatic ever since I was in Preschool. This pretty much hampered my athletic activities when I was a kid because I could only do so much before I wore out from breathlessness and exhaustion. This went on through college; I had to take a minimum of 3 doses of my inhaler daily...even more if I had to engage in physical activities. A little bit of vehicle exhaust or smoke would trigger an attack. Then, I discovered the Buteyko method and attended the Ateneo sessions way back in 2001. Though unconventional and drug free, the science makes sense and I followed through the steps diligently through the sessions. My asthma lessened the weeks thereafter and eventually I had weaned myself away from the inhaler. A year after I would only have my inhaler for emergency purposes. And 10 years after, I am still asthma free and now engage heavily in sports and body building - worry free.
...and I am guilty of not continuing with the actual breathing exercise routines after the first year! But my consciousness has changed..... Thanks Buteyko and Jac!
JMZ - Manila, Philippines

"I got a tremendous amount out of the sessions. Apart from the tangible benefits of reducing ventolin intake, better sleep and an improved sense of well being, I came away with something much more valuable. This is a sense of being back in control, and not being on an inevitable downhill slide to inactivity and difficulty over the next 20 years or so.
As someone who has suffered from asthma since he was seven and basically seen everyone about it, and been in hospital 4 times with serious attacks, Buteyko is the only thing that has made sense intuitively, and offered a hope of medication reduction."
PA, Hong Kong

"Prior to learning the Buteyko Method, I had been suffering from hideous sinus allergy attacks for several years. The doctors kept giving me progressively stronger types of anti-histamines which I took on a regular basis. After only a couple of days of doing Buteyko, my sinus allergies were gone and my medicine intake was completely eliminated. I couldn't believe it. I now have a lower pulse rate, need less sleep and am in generally better health." - MG, (Manila, Philippines)

"Snoring has decreased if not ceased. I am better at breathing - especially when I go to the gym for aerobic exercise. All the benefits in my health like no asthma attacks for over a year, I attribute to the Buteyko Method.
I've also lost much weight since the workshop."
TJ, Manila, Philippines

"Before practicing Buteyko I was taking my ventolin to a dance class. Three months after I started practicing, I climbed a mountain to 12,000 feet above sea level without any medication whatsoever." - J.H. (Bangkok, Thailand)

"I am very happy to report that I have been free of asthma, colds and flu for the first time in my life while visiting here at my mother's home in Birmingham.
Besides using Buteyko I am taking a low dose of Flixotide - very different from numerous puffs of Bricanyl every day with regular attacks!"
JL, Hong Kong

"I don't hyperventilate as much anymore. On the few occasions that I do, I just do the exercises. I always feel much better afterwards. I rarely get headaches now and my overall well-being is so much better.
With my friend ,N., the change has been really dramatic! She's very, very happy she took your workshop. After we wrote you regarding her cough and bout with the flu, she took your advice. She soon recovered completely and up to now, she hasn't had a real asthma attack (just slight tightening of the chest which easily goes away with the exercises) and has never again resorted to the use of Ventolin. She does the exercises in the mornings in the car on the way to work. She's now taking Flixotide only occasionally, maybe just one puff once a week (only when she feels she needs the support of some extra steroid).
Also, her constipation is completely gone, plus she no longer experiences dysmenorrhea with her monthly periods. And the best news is that several people have commented that her skin now looks so smooth and clear! Bet if you advertised this benefit, you'd get more women to take the Buteyko workshop!"
NT, Manila, Philippines

"I would, just like to send you my thanks Jac, for changing my life.. since doing Buteyko, I am a complete different person, I am now 35 kilo's lighter as I am no longer Steroid dependant, I can breathe with ease and I feel terrific.
I have only been, on steroids once, since your workshop 12 months ago, My G.P. cannot believe the improvement in my Asthma, when I tell people I was a Chronic Asthmatic, for 26 years, and now they see, I am so healthy they can't believe it either, I highly recommend Buteyko, to all who will listen.
I am currently down to 2 x flixotide daily, that is all the medication I am taking.... I can't remember the last time I reached for my Ventolin puffer.. I have not been on my nebuliser machine for 12 months.
I no longer suffer, servere chest infections, I got through last winter without pneumonia or pleuracy, which is a great as I usually suffer with pneumonia most winters or pleuracy and I am then sick for most of winter, I am so well I am holding down full time employment in my teacher job.
I have been on two overseas trips since Buteyko, and it felt great not having to carry a machine around with me, on the plane or have it close by in case I began to have breathing difficulties.
Previous to Buteyko, it was such a hassle to go overseas as I had to pack a suitcase for clothes, and one for my machine and medication.. not to mention the high medical insurance I had to take incase I, was rushed to hospital.
My Control Pause is now 50 secs, not bad, for someone who, was struggling to hold their CP for 5 secs. when I first came to you for Buteyko.
I cannot thank you enough Jac, for giving me a new life, I feel fantastic... I have enclosed a picture of myself, to show you how healthy I look, now I am not bloated on Steroids,
Thank you Jac..."
Kerrie-Anne Rees, Taree, NSW, Australia

" It's now a year since that relapse/breakthrough I had when I emailed you.
Since then, no medications of any kind (I've even given up my vit C and other 'healthy' pills) and not one cold or flu. The pollution is no better so it's a great success.... you were right about everything "
S A, Hong Kong

Its been two months now that I am enjoying my new life. No ventolin, no nebulizer, no wheezing in my chest, above all no asthma attack. Thanks to Buteyko Method being the safe and effective alternative for the management of asthma, I can do whatever I want to do without fear of an asthma attack.
Jac, thank you for bringing Buteyko Method here in the Philippines. GOD BLESS!!!
LEWIE ARGOSO, Manila, Philippines.

"I am no longer taking steroids or any sort of asthma medications...and I feel great. No asthma or angina episodes of any sort for almost 2 months. My BP is average 145/85 - down from 160/95. My pulse rate is 80-90 - down from 105-110. My cardiologist is very pleased with my progress and sees it having a "domino effect" as far as healing my body is concerned. If my blood pressure continues on it's downward swing, he'll also reduce the BP medication. I've been off digestive medication for over a month now, and haven't suffered one hyperacidity attack. I've lost 10lbs. in weight already." - M.M. (Manila, Philippines )

I want you to know that I have lost 35 lbs since I joined your Buteyko class last October. As of now, I am still doing some of the exercises. I have also not experienced any asthma attacks since doing Buteyko.
L. M. Makati City, Philippines

"I'm so pleased with the way my 12 y.o.daughter has naturally taken to Buteyko. I guess children have less skepticism so they can fully benefit from Buteyko . . . and they intuitively follow whatÕs best for them. She's become more aware of what helps with her health. Her asthma and migraine attacks haven't bothered her for over a year now - since the workshop. Her swimming performance has also improved. and she's showing a lot more strength in Taekwondo. I'll be delighted to continue inviting my friends to benefit from your workshops." - M.A. (Manila, Philippines)

My daughter and I were your pupils when you were here two years ago. The Buteyko method has helped us a lot. She didn't need an operation for her ears (she was supposedly due for a myringotomy) as her ears cleared up as a result of the Buteyko breathing method - which she still practises religiously to this day. She is now 8 y.o. and is no longer troubled by asthma and needs no medication.
M.R. Manila, Philippines

"I've not used Ventolin since the first day of our workshop a month ago. Also, I no longer experience any of the usual shortness of breath, general fatigue, tinnitus, numbness in my arms and legs, heartburn, hyperacidity, constipation and frequent urination. I've lost 20 lbs. I wish to thank you again for your sincere concern for helping us to overcome our various illnessess and for our unnecessary dependency on expensive medicines. I'm very happy Buteyko's method has enabled me to perform intense gym work again after years of having to stop." - R.V. (Manila, Philippines)

Since learning the Buteyko method my concepts regarding health and the human body have changed dramatically. Thanks to you for committing your time to teach this valuable information.
G. S., Hong Kong

I have realized my goals of better sleep, more stamina and weight loss, so I'm very pleased to have taken your program.
V.G., Hong Kong

I was born with various disabilities while drugs & the birth trauma aggravated those challenges. I am profoundly deaf with low vision (myopia, macular & early cataract issues), moderate dyslexia & various structural challenges including the neck. It is early days, yet Buteyko Method is greatly transforming & rejuvenating my life in various ways. Life has always been challenging like when I am in public. I rely on the writing board, binoculars &/or digital camera to get around. Buteyko Method gives me more courage & confidence to face & resolve new experiences & challenges. For example, I took a new train route & located a new store. In the past, such experiences were very stressful. Nightly, I sleep better & need less sleep. Whenever I come home, I am calm & not wired up. Hearing & dyslexia is slowly improving. I have more vitality that I didn't have for the past 4-5 yrs while various supplements were stopped &/or reduced. HK smog no longer bothers me thus it is a joy to hike in the hills. I am optimistic that in time, my disabilities & quality of life will improve as I integrate Buteyko in my daily life.
K.E., Hong Kong

I found that at 11,000 ft. elevation when it was cold and rainy outside, I had to take it easy as I climbed steps. Once I went inside I had no difficulty. Now that I am back in Manila, my husband and I walk one and a half to three miles a day at a brisk pace to and from work. Sometimes we add 45 min. to an hour of walking in the evenings on to that. Three days a week I exercise on a ball and then lift light weights (5 lbs). Every day I also do exercises to strengthen my back and knees. The hill that I had to stop at least three times when I climbed it prior to Buteyko, I can now climb to the top at a fast pace and not have to spend time to recover. It seems that on cloudy and cloudy, hot days that it is more of a challenge to climb than other days. I can usually feel somewhat of a strain in my breathing but not so that I pant or am so out of breath when I get to the top that I need time to recover. My husband read on the internet that people who have taken Buteyko don't seem to perform significantly higher on lung test than before they took the course. I tried my peak flow meter. I blew 450 which is about the highest that I achieved when on maintenance medicine before. More of the time I was at 425 or 400. So I am doing as well or better now without medication than I was before on medication if you can trust the peak flow meter results. I have not used medication since two years ago this past Christmas. I have also been able to safely halve my blood pressure medicine and eliminate medicine to regulate my heartbeat.
E.L. (Manila, Philippines - previously a quite severe asthmatic on several medications for asthma and rhinitis)

One year ago I was desperate. I have chronic emphysema, and was constantly gasping for air. The slightest exertion (eg climbing as few as 5 stairs) caused further gasping, and usually resulted in a panic attack. I was on three different inhalers which I used at intervals throughout the day. Winter was a nightmare, one bout of pneumonia or bronchitis after the other. The future was bleak, and my condition was worsening rapidly. One day I came across the Buteyko method on the internet, and then my Practitioner, Jac Vidgen. (I was unable to locate a practitioner in South Africa). Jac has very kindly and very patiently taught me to breathe correctly via e-mail. I have not looked back. Within six months my husband and I went to China for a months holiday. My medication has reduced to one inhaler, which I use only at nightand in the morning. My general health has improved dramatically. Where before I was the colour of cheese, I now have rosy cheeks. People are always commenting on how well I look. Jac is a wizard. He says it is the Buteyko method, and yes it is. But it is he who has trained me and encouraged me, and is always there when I need him. I will always be grateful to him for giving me quality of life.
Diana Petrie, Cape Town, South Africa

"I thank you very much for teaching me Buteyko's method. It is such a powerful tool. I feel so much better and more alive. I can handle the absence of sleep, stress and jet-lag a lot easier." - D.K. (Cathay Pacific pilot, Hong Kong)

"I am 59 years old - a mother of 9 children. After 3 months of applying Buteyko's method in my life, I've lost 14ibs, and I've been able to safely stop taking all of my maintenance medicines - for hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and asthma. My blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels are now within normal range without the maintenance medicines. My Body Mass Index also went down considerably. Many friends have commented about my trimmer, firmer body and that I'm more relaxed." - V.T. (Manila, Philippines)