MANILA, Philippines - For three years, Rolly, 55, suffered from sleep apnea, which led to his being overweight (his body ballooned to 240 lbs.), an elevated hypertension, and later on shortness of breath at night.
Since attending the Buteyko workshop in November last year, he has shed 20 lbs. (without doing strenuous physical exercise) and reduced his antihypertensive drug by 75 percent because his blood pressure is now within normal range. He expects to be able to safely stop it soon.
Sleep apnea, a life-threatening sleep disorder, affects millions of children and adults all over the world.
Hundreds of Filipino sleep apnea sufferers like Rolly, however, have found safe, drug-free (or machine-free), and usually immediate relief from the disorder, including the snoring and shortness of breath, through the Buteyko Method.
Developed over 50 years ago by Russian respiratory specialist Dr. Konstantin Buteyko, the method has been found effective in relieving lifestyle diseases such as asthma, allergies (rhinitis or having excess mucus), panic attacks and anxiety disorder, hay fever, coughing, immune and hormone imbalance, hypertension, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
“Sleep apnea is a result of dysfunctional breathing, when we breathe too much or hyperventilate,†says Jac Vidgen, an Australian senior Buteyko practitioner with 20 years of experience in teaching the method in Australia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand, Bali, and other parts of the world. “To apply this method effectively takes some training and work, but results are consistent,†Vidgen explains.
Learn more about the Buteyko Method with Vidgen’s free introductory lectures in Quezon City on Tuesday, April 22, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday, April 26, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at Health Is In, 59 West Ave. near Cavite Street (tel. no. 416-0123).
He will also speak on Sunday, April 27, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at PhilDHRRA Partnership Center, 59 C. Salvador St., Varsity Hills (turn right on Rosa Alvero/McDonald’s), Loyola Heights (tel. no. 408-0378).
In Mandaluyong City, his lecture will be at Living Life Well, 5th Level, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall on Wednesday, April 23, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. (tel. no. 470-4955).
In Makati City, he will speak on Thursday, April 24, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at In Touch Community Services, 48-A McKinley Road, Forbes Park, 2/F Holy Trinity Church compound across from San Antonio Plaza (tel. no. 893-1893).
Vidgen will conduct Buteyko workshops in Metro Manila, each comprised of five two-hour sessions for both adults and children (over four years old), starting April 29. He is also available for private workshops, consultations, and online coaching via Skype.
For more details, call Jac at 09196356060 or 897-1804 Unit 1704 (after April 14); e-mail jacvid@gmail.com, log on to www.buteykoasia.com and www.learnbuteykoasia.com or visit the group page Buteyko Asia on Facebook.