Not a miracle cure  

Firstly, the Buteyko Method is not a miracle cure for emphysema - it is just the systematic application of a breathing method that is profoundly aligned with certain (but not very well known) laws of physiology and biochemistry. 

 

 “It has changed my life. Before, I could barely walk up stairs now I can manage a 10 mile hike. I was using my puffer four times a day as well as steroids, and now I’m off all drugs.”   

Dr. John Stanley, the Independent Newspaper (UK)

  

The asthma and emphysema connection  

The Buteyko Method is known for successfully reversing the symptoms of asthma as numerous trials indicate - see trial results - yet emphysema and asthma a quite different.  

There is however, a strong connection between asthma and emphysema - as evidenced by the fact that emphysema sufferers are prescribed the very same medications as asthma sufferers. Medications like Ventolin, Bricanyl, Serevent, and Prednisone etc. 

And like asthma sufferers, people with emphysema share another trait - they invariably chronically hyperventilate or over-breathe. 

This may initially sound strange and counter intuitive, because almost every sufferer of emphysema complains, that if anything, they can't get enough air into their lungs. The suggestion to breathe less is usually precisely what they don’t want to hear.  And it's the same for asthmatics. But in reality they both over-breathe some three, five and in some cases (especially the most severe) more than ten times above the physiologically recommended norm for ventilation. And for reasons of great technical complexity - this is the heart of the problem. It is the functional reason for their symptoms.

 

  “Buteyko saved me from a fate of slow strangulation.”  

Ken Mickelson - emphysema sufferer - U.S.A.

 

The problem with most medications  

Dilating symptomatic medications give instant relief - but on the whole cause the condition to generally deteriorate. This is because they further increase lung ventilation and acerbate an already disturbed biochemistry. And this subsequently leads to a worsening of the symptoms, which is usually countered with even stronger dilating medications and eventually the introduction of oxygen. After the administration of regular oxygen - deterioration is greatly accelerated. Every nurse and doctor knows this - but what to do, it gives some temporary relief?

 “It has given me a new lease on life.” 

J. A, Member of Parliament, U.K.

 

The Buteyko approach

The Buteyko approach adopts a broad range of breathing exercises and life style changes which aim to firstly improve the gas exchange mechanism and thereby the indigenous uptake of oxygen. This is achieved by retraining the breathing pattern, using a system invented by the Russian medical scientist, Professor K.P. Buteyko. You can read about Professor Buteyko here. 

 

  “I recommend this skill without reservation, this is a resource anyone would benefit from learning. All this in addition to the broad spectrum of well documented therapeutic applications.” 

Dr. Anthony Soyer, MB.BS., (London)  

 

For most emphysema sufferers the Buteyko Method is initially hard work and requires serious commitment and practice. But positive results usually begin within a few days. 

 

 “I am surprised and impressed” 

Dr. Paul J. Ameisan MB., BS.,MD. Ac., N.D. (Sydney)

 

Results 

Usually with a few days, most emphysema sufferers find they can walk a little further before becoming breathless. They begin to sleep a little better. They require less medication to overcome the symptoms of breathlessness. And this is just the beginning. Of course, the underlying problem has not changed – the lungs are still damaged - but alveoli gas exchange and consequently oxygen uptake has slightly improved. This slight improvement and the reduction in symptoms is indicative of the correctness of the approach.

Usually within a few weeks of diligent practice of the Buteyko Method, most emphysema sufferers will not require any symptomatic medication whatsoever, because they are not having breathless symptoms. This is not because they are cured - it is because practicing the Buteyko Method on an ongoing basis means they can manage to avoid having the symptoms in the first place. 

It’s not a miracle, it's management.

 

 “Very impressive”

 Dr. Gerald Spence, M.B.BS., (Glasgow)

 

Improve your quality of life

We are not talking about running marathons  - but a way to feel better, to have greater mobility, to enjoy a greatly improved quality of life. Getting dressed, taking a shower or a walk need not result in the agony of breathlessness. 

Instead of only getting worse, most can begin to feel better for a change.

I should point out that all of the above depend of the severity and general health of the student. Paradoxically,  it's the ones who are the most medicated and with the least amount of mobility that get the most noticeable results - but they also have to work the hardest and be the most diligent to begin with.  

Skeptical?

Naturally people are skeptical about new ideas and for good reason. Marketing health services (especially over the internet) is a complex and sophisticated business. Pharmaceutical companies promote and manage billion dollar markets with the help of professionals, as do (although to a lesser degree) alternative product based companies. They have the power to shape opinion and even health care policy. There are also organizations that genuinely have good intentions, but not the technology that is effective. Then there are the disingenuous promoters, who sell their products to desperate and vulnerable people. This is the result of our modern society, wherein authentic health care has been over taken by ruthless business principles. It might be a great environment for savvy investors and marketing people - but bewildering for those who suffer with chronic disease.

You can see a few published articles around my work around the Buteyko Method here.

 “Impressive results” 

Charles Mitchell, Professor of Medicine University of Queensland, (Australia)

 

I am happy to make the following online offer to sufferers of emphysema: 

1. A free initial consultation via Skype or telephone wherein I will explain the Buteyko Method and in particular how it might be helpful to your situation. I will need to know some of your medical history, symptoms and the medications you currently take. This initial consultation usually takes around 30 – 40 minutes.

2. If you would like to try the Buteyko Method, you can opt for a limited trial course held over three consecutive days and at a fee of $100.00. You will need to practice the prescribed exercises diligently and follow some general life style guidelines. Our online sessions will go for around one hour per day, additionally you will need to practice the breathing exercises for 30 mins, 3 to 4 times a day.   

3. If you are pleased with the initial results, we can then discuss a program wherein you can maximize your training and coaching to get the best possible results. This will naturally vary from case to case.   

DIY  

There are DIY book and videos on the Buteyko Method - but they seldom enable people to get results - this is because the method needs to be tailored to the needs of the individual and requires adjustments according to progress and other factors. Professor Buteyko was very much against DIY for these reasons - you can read more precisely why here. 

 

“Keeping in mind all the complications that can emerge during the training, we forbid self-training. Supervision by a specially-trained practitioner is essential.”

Professor K.P. Buteyko

 

If you would like to know more about the Buteyko Method and in particular my history around it - go to http://www.learnbuteyko.com - there you will find various articles about the method and other information you may find of interest.

If you would like to schedule a free initial consultation, please email me and advise me of a suitable time and number to contact you. My contact details are here

Warm regards, 

 

Christopher P. Drake 

Senior Buteyko Practitioner, Dip B.M.(Moscow), I.A.O.B.P (London