Buteyko breathing practice
Clinical trials of the Buteyko breathing method
• 1968, Institute of Pulmonology, Leningrad, USSR (bronchial asthma,
hypertension and angina pectoris)
50 patients with severe bronchial asthma, hypertension and angina pectoris,
all of them with many years of heavy medication, most with steroid deficiencies
and organic complications; success rate 95% (Khoroscho, 1982).
Khoroscho A, Interview with Buteyko [in Russian] 1982, in Buteyko
method. Its application in medical practice, ed. by K.P. Buteyko, 2-nd ed.,
1991, Titul, Odessa, p.168-180.
• 1981, Sechenov's Medical Institute, Moscow, USSR (asthma, with pneumonia,
rhinitis, chronic tonsillitis)
52 children (34 in-patients and 18 out-patients; 3-15 years old) with regular
asthma attacks (once per day or more); 41 of them had pneumonia, 27 rhinitis, 36
chronic tonsillitis. All had problems with breathing through the nose,
palpitations, and were bronchodilator users. In 1-5 days the patients were able
to stop the attacks, cough, blocked nose, and wheezing, using the method.
Observations in 1-3 months showed considerable improvements (cessation of heavy
attacks or a total disappearance of the symptoms) in 83%, some improvement (less
heavy attacks and considerable reduction in medication) in remaining 17%. Their
average CP increased from 4 to 30 s, aCO2 from 25 to 36 mm Hg. Higher blood
concentrations of IgA, IgM, IgG, and IgE were found, according to laboratory
reports. Blood pressure normalised, forced expiratory volume raised over 5
times. Significant increases in lung volume, expiratory speed, and other
parameters were found. Average breath holding time (CP) increased from about 3-6
s to over 30 s. For more information on this trial, visit
www.buteyko.com/trials.php#children.
• Reports from two conferences in Moscow and Krasnojarsk in 1988 (large
variety of health problems)
In addition to these trials, there were about 30 published reports (Buteyko
method, 1992) of about 40 Russian medical doctors and health professionals, who
met during two conferences in Moscow and Krasnojarsk in 1988 in order to share
their practical experience of application of the Buteyko method in over 20
medical hospitals and clinics in Russia. The total reported number of treated
people, according to the published conference proceedings (Buteyko, 1991), was
over 3,000. Although most of them had respiratory (asthma, bronchitis, rhinitis,
etc.) and cardiovascular (hypertension, angina pectoris, ischemia, etc.)
problems, hundreds were treated or relieved from arthritis, osteoporosis,
epilepsy, ulcers, gastritis, kidney stone problems, hepatitis, different
infertility conditions, skin diseases (e.g., dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema),
etc. Typical reported results were either some or essential improvement for over
90% patients, while remaining patients were not able to normalise their
breathing parameters due to absence of desire or motivation and quitting the
method during its initial stages. Thus, those patients who achieved large CPs
significantly improved their health state. Normalization of breathing always
leads to dissapperance of symptoms and no need for medication.
Buteyko method. Its application in medical practice, ed. by K.P.
Buteyko, 1991, 2-nd edition, Titul, Odessa.
• 1990, Shevchenko's Central Hospital, Kiev, Ukraine (radiation disease)
50 patients with radiation sickness due to Chernobyl's nuclear plant
disaster. 82% patients had considerable improvement in blood analysis,
cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, pulse, etc.), work of the digestive
system, and reduction in medication. No cases of side effects or complications
due to the breathing exercises were reported (Bebeshko et al, 1990; p.221,
Zimchenko & Romanenko, 1991).
Bebeshko VG, Denisyuk AB, Act regarding the clinical trial of VEDB
(Volitional Elimination of Deep Breathing) method or the Buteyko method in
accordance with the Cooperation Agreement of January 3, 1990 between the USSR
AMS (Academy of Medical Sciences) NRMRC (National Radiation Medical Research
Centre) and the therapeutic center "Buteyko Breathing" during 1990, Kiev, 1990.
Zimchenko VN & Romanenko NF, Conclusions on practical trial of Buteyko method,
conducted in Department of Radiation Pathology of Central Republican Hospital of
Shevchenko region (Ukraine) during 06.03.1990-07.04.1990 [in Russian], in
Buteyko method. Its application in medical practice, ed. by K.P. Buteyko, 2-nd
ed., 1991, Titul, Odessa, p.222-227.
• 1991, Kiev Scientific and Research Institute of Epidemiology and Infectious
Diseases, Kiev, Ukraine (AIDS)
This trial involved 7 young patients with AIDS, two of them had HIV-infection
in the lympho-adenopathic stage (Frolov et al, 1991a). Progression of this
disease is usually accompanied by a variety of symptoms and complaints in the
digestive, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, hormonal and other systems. The
official documents of the Institute provided information about improvements in
clinical symptoms and the patients’ quality of life such as emotional stability,
irritability, panic attacks, chronic fatigue, insomnia, digestive complaints and
some other factors. All symptoms were relieved with no side effects due to
breathing retraining. More about this trial is
here.
• 1991, Kiev Scientific and Research Institute of Epidemiology and Infectious
Diseases, Kiev, Ukraine (hepatitis and liver cirrhosis)
30 patients, mostly 20-40 years old, diagnosed with acute (6 patients) and
chronic (18 patients) hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver (6 patients) applied
the Buteyko method, while continuing to use traditional medication (Frolov et
al, 1991b). 28 patients had remissions of their symptoms while 25 showed
improvements in their blood test results. The official documents report 93%
success rate.
Frolov AF, Buteyko KP, Vovk AD, Novosel’tsev VA, Degtyareva RM, Report about
approbation of the VEDB (voluntary elimination of deep breathing) method or the
Buteyko method in the Clinic of the KSRIEID (Kiev Scientific and Research
Institute of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases) on patients with acute and
chronic hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis during 10 January-30 April 1991, Kiev,
1991b.
• 1995, Mater Hospital, Brisbane, Australia (asthma)
20 patients with a long history of asthma and significant medication. In 3
months, they decreased use of relievers (bronchodilators) by 96%, preventers
(inhaled steroids) by 49%. Minute volume decreased from 14 l/min to 9.6 l/min.
The symptoms' score was improved by 71% (Bowler et al, 1998).
Bowler SD, Green A, Mitchell CA, Buteyko breathing techniques in asthma: a
blinded randomised controlled trial, Med J of Australia 1998; 169: 575-578.
• 1997, Perth Academy of Natural Therapies, Australia (chronic fatigue
syndrome)
A study by Shellie Gaskin, as a partial fulfillment for a Diploma of
Naturopathy, was conducted on 15 people diagnosed with CFS. There were following
improvements: fatigue 87%, night sweats 75%, depression 70%, allergies 66%,
anxiety 66%, muscular aches 60%, difficulty sleeping 54%, and headaches 50%.
After 10-12 weeks all those who continued their breathing exercise regimes
reported a 100% reduction in fatigue.
• 1999, Alfred Hospital, Prahan, Australia (asthma)
18 patients with mild to moderate asthma were taught the Buteyko method by a
video and compared with 18 control subjects (Opat et al, 2000). The study found
a significant improvement in quality of life and significant reduction in
inhaled steroid use.
Opat AJ, Cohen MM, Bailey MJ, Abramson MJ, A clinical trial of the Buteyko
Breathing Technique in asthma as taught by a Video, J Asthma 2000; 37(7):
557-564.
• 2003, Gisborne Hospital, Gisborne, New Zealand (asthma)
In this blinded randomised controlled trial conducted in 38 people with
asthma Buteyko Breathing Technique group was compared with control (McHugh et
al, 2003). The Buteyko group was taught by a Buteyko practirtioner Russell
Stark. As in the previous western trials, the Buteyko group reduced inhaled
steroid use by 50% and ß2-agonist use by 85% at six months from baseline.
In the conclusions, the medical professionals wrote, “Conclusions BBT is a safe
and efficacious asthma management technique. BBT has clinical and potential
pharmaco-economic benefits that merit further study.” The instructions for the
Buteyko group were provided by Russell Stark.
McHugh P, Aitcheson F, Duncan B, Houghton F, Buteyko breathing technique for
asthma: an effective intervention, New Zealand Medical Journal 2003; 116: 1187.
• 2003, Division of Respiratory Medicine, City Hospital, Nottingham, United
Kingdom (asthma)
90 patients with asthma taking an inhaled corticosteroid participated in a
randomised controlled trial. The groups were followed in 3 and 6 month periods
(Cooper et al, 2003). “Symptoms remained relatively stable in the PCLE and
placebo groups but were reduced in the Buteyko group…The Buteyko breathing
technique can improve symptoms and reduce bronchodilator use…”
Cooper S, Oborne J, Newton S, Harrison V, Thompson Coon J, Lewis S,
Tattersfield A, Effect of two breathing exercises (Buteyko and pranayama) in
asthma: a randomised controlled trial, Thorax 2003; 58: 674-679.
• 2003, Glasgow, United Kingdom (asthma)
According to the recent press release (4 December, 2003) of the British
Thoracic Society (the UK’s professional body of respiratory specialists),
“Nurse, Jill McGowan, led the world’s largest clinical trial to measure the
effects of the Buteyko method (breathing retraining exercises in conjunction
with conventional asthma management). 384 of the initial 600 participants (64%)
completed the trial…
Those patients who were taught the Buteyko Institute Method all experienced
significant improvement in asthma, with reduced symptoms, reduced medication and
improvement in quality of life:
- asthma symptoms decreased by an average of 98%;
- use of reliever inhalers decreased by an average of 98%;
- use of preventor inhalers decreased by an average of 92%.”
These results were found after 6 months (McGowan, 2003). This self-funded
trial was possible due to heroic and sacrificial, in financial terms, efforts of
the Buteyko practitioner Jill McGowan.
McGowan J, Health Education: Does the Buteyko Institute Method make a
difference? Thorax, 58, Suppl. III, p. 28 December 2003.
• 2005, Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Canada
64 patients, all of whom were using inhaled corticosteroids, after 6 months
improved their asthma control from 41% to 75% (Proceedings, 2006). Decrease in
inhaled corticosteroids was found in 39% patients, elimination of steroids in
21%.
Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society, 2006; 3: A530.
• 2006, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia
The Buteyko method was applied for 12 weeks. Median reduction in usage of
relievers was 86%, preventers 50%
(Slader et al, 2006).
Slader CA, Reddel HK, Spencer LM, Belousova EG, Thien FC, ArmourCL,
Bosnic-Anticevich SZ, Jenkins CR, Impact of breathing exercises on asthma
symptoms and control, Thorax Journal 2006, 000: 1-7.
• 2006, Gisborne Hospital, Gisborne, New Zealand
8 children, from 8 to 14 years old, in 12 weeks reduced their average b2-agonist
use (salbutamol) by 66%. Inhaled steroid (fluticasone) use reduced by 41% McHugh
et al, 2006). While 11 courses of prednisone were given 3 months before the
trial, only 1 course of prednisone was given three months after the trial.
McHugh P, Bruce Duncan P, Houghton F, Buteyko breathing technique and asthma in
children: a case series, New Zealand Medical Journal Vol 119 No 1234 May 2006.
