What is Buteyko?

Buteyko (pronounced Bu-tay-ko) is most commonly used as a treatment for those with asthma and other breathing disorders.

The breathing exercise programme was developed in Russia in the 1950's by a Russian doctor called Konstantin Buteyko, from whom the technique gets its name. In 1981 the Russian authorities officially recognised the method as beneficial and approved it for use as a treatment for asthma throughout the former Soviet Union. For more information, click here.

What is the evidence that Buteyko works?

There are now five published studies showing that this approach to managing asthma symptoms leads to a reduction in the need for bronchodilator medication in the order of 60-95%, with no reduction in quality of life. 

Of particular interest to those following this course are the results of one of the studies that looked at learning Buteyko from a home video.  This showed that those using the video were able to reduce their use of reliever inhaler by over 60% in 4 weeks. Meet the team, click here.