Take a breather: buteyko really can help asthma

The Buteyko breathing technique may offer genuine hope to asthma sufferers, a new clinical trial has found.

Sufferers who used the technique were able to dispense with their bronchodilators, their health improved, and they were able to reduce their use of inhaled corticosteroids. Of the 20 patients who tested the Buteyko method, eight reduced their inhaled steroid dose by between 75 per cent and 100 per cent, and three by 25 per cent to 50 per cent.

The Buteyko system was tested against yogic pranayama breathing and placebo, neither of which were able to produce significant benefits. The trial, carried out by Nottingham University, was the first to test the Buteyko method as an asthma therapy. The participants were taught the Buteyko method by Lifesource Ltd.

(Source: Thorax, 2003; 58: 1-6).

* To find out more, Lifesource can be reached on: 01623 490141, or via their website: http://www.lifesource.co.uk

* Our Asthma Manual is the very last word on asthma and the many ways used to treat it. It's a ring-bound manual that can be updated with our news broadcasts, specially designed to fit in to the manual. It explores the causes of asthma, and evaluates the conventional and alternative therapies that have been scientifically tested. It's an absolute must-read if you have asthma, or for anyone you know who's a sufferer. To order your copy, click on this link: http://www.wddty.co.uk/shop/details.asp?product=391