NY Times article – and the world is catching on…
This from our friend and NYC based-yogi, Amanda Murdock -
I just read an interesting article today in the New York Times titled, “A Breathing Technique Offers Help for People With Asthma”. This article discusses a method of breathing called Buteyko method or the Buteyko Breathing Technique named for the late Ukrainian doctor, Konstantin Pavlovich Buteyko, who first formulated its principles during the 1960s. The basic principles of the method focus on nasal breathing, breath holding, and relaxation. Mmm…sound familiar yogis? Pranayama anyone?
There have been several clinic trials in the UK using this method for asthmatics that have shown a great reduction in the use of inhaled steroid medication due to better breathing. The trials also showed reduced rates of anxiety, hyperventilation, and sleep apnea. The Buteyko method emphasizes conscious breathing by controlling the amount of air inhaled and exhaled through the nostrils. The nasal breathing, which warms and cleans the air entering your lungs, combined with the short retention and exhalation of the breath through the nostrils slows and regulates the breath and relaxes the body.
So now there is just more proof that yogic breathing is important during your asana practice and in your everyday life. Happy Breathing!
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Dear Yoganonymous,
Thanks so much for posting this! If you’d like to learn more about Buteyko, take a look at our website. We are the center cited in the NYT article and the official North American Buteyko headquarters.
Happy Breathing!
All the best,
Buteyko Center USA
buteykocenterusa.com
I saw this article, too. What troubles me about this “method” is that, according to the Buteyko Center USA website, they also claim to cure — and yes — Cure is the word they use — 72 other ailments. Schizophrenia? Hearing Loss? Paresthesia? These are going to be cured by breathing? Also, I initially stumbled across Buteyko Center USA back in maybe June of last year. Their rates at that time were $375 for each part of two part introduction to the Buteyko method (i.e., $750 total).
Immediately after the NYTimes article they raised their rates to $1150 for the two classes. Uh… what changed that now it’s suddenly worth soooooo much more money? Could they just be capitalizing on their new found fame? Something is rotten in the hamlet of Woodstock.
I would be very curious to hear the USA center respond to the criticism above. In fact, the rates have gone up another $500 in the last two weeks. The class is now $1800. I am sure they are inundated but it does look suspicious. The New York Times should weigh in on this too.
yeah totally! great stuff all around!