Is Buteyko Breathing For Everyone?

Question: Is Buteyko Breathing For Everyone?

Answer:

Buteyko breathing is generally safe, but the Buteyko breathing exercises are not appropriate for certain groups of people. You should not begin a Buteyko breathing program if you have any of the following conditions:

• Arterial aneurysm
• Brain tumor
• Heart problems during the last 3 months
• Kidney disease
• Sickle cell anemia
• Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism

If you have any of the following conditions, Buteyko breathing may still be appropriate for you, but should only be started under the supervision of your physician:

• Chest pains or discomfort
• Diabetes
• Emphysema
• Epilepsy
• Poorly controlled asthma
• Poorly controlled blood pressure

Bottom Line

If you are:

• Unsure if Buteyko breathing is appropriate for you
• Have any of conditions mentioned above
• Experience distress or a worsening of your asthma symptoms with Buteyko breathing

Then make sure you discuss Buteyko breathing with your physician or a professional qualified in the Buteyko breathing method.

_Sources:

_{McKeown, P. Close Your Mouth: Buteyko Clinic Handbook For Perfect Health. Buteyko Books: Unit Six, Calbro House, Tuam Road, Galway, Ireland, 2004.}