Breathing Exercises for Asthma : Evidence and Practice

Buteyko Breathing Technique Aims to reduce hyperventilation through periods ofcontrolled reduction in breathing, known as „slowbreathing‟ and „reduced breathing‟ Combined with periods of breath holding, known as„control pauses‟ and „extended pauses‟ emphasis is on self-monitoring using the pulse rateand the pauses as objective measures of outcome Longer pauses = better breathing control Includes advice and training on the benefits of nasalbreathing over oral breathing