Buteyko improves lives of asthmatics

MANILA, Philippines – Health watchers worldwide are now recognizing the impact of Buteyko, a breathing method that has helped many asthmatics and those suffering from chronic diseases and psychological disturbances to resume their normal, productive lives with little or no medication at all.

Not one to write about “alternative remedies to serious medical conditions,” New York Times’ Jane Brody personally found out that shallow, not deep, breathing and through the nose, among other lifestyle management techniques that Buteyko teaches, can “improve the health and quality of life of people with asthma, while saving health dollars.”

She cited the “miraculous” improvement of her friend, well-known New York violin and cello maker David Weibe, 58, whose life literally depended on heavy steroid treatment for two decades in his 48-year battle with asthma. Had he not discovered Buteyko, Weibe could have been blind by now, one possible side effect of long-term steroids, or worse, he could have died of severe asthma attack.

Developed through more than 40 years of research, the Buteyko Method has been found by scientific trials in Canada, Australia, Scotland, and New Zealand to be a highly effective tool for the dramatic relief of breathing-related conditions, which subsequently strengthens the immune function, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being.

Filipinos can find immediate relief from asthma, allergies, emphysema, rhinitis, sleep and anxiety disorders, and other cardiovascular and respiratory diseases as Australian senior Buteyko practitioner Jac Vidgen returns to the Philippines this January/February for a series of workshops to help both adults and children retrain their breathing patterns.

Fresh from workshops in Thailand’s Six Senses Spa in Phuket and Kamalaya in Ko Samui, Vidgen will conduct introductory lectures on Monday, January 25, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at Sustainable Living Club, 2nd floor, Highway 54 Plaza, EDSA (across SM Megamall), Mandaluyong City; Tuesday, January 26, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at the PhilDHRRA Partnership Center, 59 C. Salvador St. (left off B. Gonzales, Katipunan), Loyola Heights, Quezon City; and Wednesday, January 27, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at In Touch Community Service, 48-A McKinley Road, Forbes Park (Holy Trinity Church compound across San Antonio Plaza), Makati City.