Health & Well-Being A-Z

Buteyko Breathing Technique

woman demonstrating Buteyko Breathing Technique
Description

The Buteyko breathing technique is a breathing practice created by Dr. Buteyko for people with asthma. It teaches people to reduce breathing speed and volume.

Is It Effective?

Effectiveness header

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Possibly effective
  • Asthma. Most research shows that the Buteyko breathing technique improves symptoms and quality of life and might reduce the need for certain inhalers in some people with asthma. But it does not seem to reduce asthma attacks or improve how well the lungs work. It also doesn't seem to work any better than pranayama yoga breathing practice.
Insufficient evidence
  • Allergies.
  • Heart disease.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome.
  • Migraine.
  • Others.

Is it Safe?

Action

Dr. Buteyko theorized that asthma is caused by rapid breathing and not enough carbon dioxide in the lungs. Not enough carbon dioxide is thought to cause constriction in the lungs and difficulty breathing. But the evidence does not support this theory. The practice of Buteyko breathing involves reducing speed and volume of breathing to increase carbon dioxide in the lungs and improve breathing.

Safety

The Buteyko breathing technique is POSSIBLY SAFE when tried with the help of a healthcare professional while also using standard therapies for asthma. The Buteyko breathing technique has not been linked with any side effects.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of the Buteyko breathing technique during pregnancy and breast-feeding. However, there is no reason to suspect safety issues when used appropriately.

Drug interactions

It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

The Buteyko breathing technique trains people to reduce their breathing speed and volume and to breathe through the nose. Sometimes the mouth is taped at night to ensure breathing through the nose while sleeping.

Other names

Buteyko Breathing Training, Buteyko Institute Method, Buteyko Method, Buteyko Technique, Eucapnic Breathing Technique, Eucapnic Buteyko Breathing.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

© TRC Healthcare 2024. All rights reserved. Use and/or distribution is permitted only pursuant to a valid license or other permission from TRC Healthcare.