20/07/2025
The Buteyko Method is based on four main principles that work together to help you breathe better:
Nasal breathing: Breathing through your nose filters and warms the air, keeps your airways healthy, and helps maintain the right balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your body.
Light breathing: Taking gentle, quiet breaths prevents over-breathing, which keeps your blood vessels open and helps oxygen reach your tissues.
Slow breathing: Slowing your breath calms your body and mind, reduces strain on your airways, and supports relaxation.
Deep (Diaphragmatic) breathing: Using your diaphragm for each breath allows for deeper, more efficient breathing and helps keep your airways open.
One of the key tools in the Buteyko Method is the “Control Pause” (CP). This is a simple test that measures how long you can comfortably hold your breath after a gentle exhale. If your CP is on the lower side (under 20–25 seconds), it’s a sign that your breathing could be improved. As you practice the Buteyko Method, your CP should increase, indicating that your breathing is becoming lighter and healthier.
But why does it help you? The way you breathe directly affects how much carbon dioxide stays in your blood. While many people think carbon dioxide is just a waste gas, your body actually needs a certain amount to help oxygen move from your blood into your tissues. If you breathe too much or too quickly, you lose carbon dioxide, which can lead to problems such as fatigue, asthma symptoms, snoring and sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and other health issues. You can find out more on the amazing benefits of Buteyko breathing.