Cautions to Buteyko
Note of Caution: - While Buteyko breathing exercises are perfectly safe for most, they are unsafe for a number of people. If you are unsure, do not attempt Buteyko breathing exercises.
Category 1- Do not attempt any of the breathing exercises if you have or are undergoing any of the following;
- Current Cancer treatments
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Thrombosis
- Epilepsy
- Schizophrenia
- Unsatisfactory blood pressure levels
- Chest pains or pain in the heart region
- Sickle cell anemia
- Arterial aneurysm
- Any heart problems in the past six months
- Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism
- A known brain tumour or kidney disease.
Category 2 - People who should have very gentle air shortage only;
- Severe asthmatics and people with emphysema and COPD
- Severe asthmatics and people with emphysema and COPD
- Type 2 Diabetics
- Pregnant
- Anxiety/depression
- Migraine Sufferers
An even better option would be to find an experienced practitioner to help. (A list of practitioners can be found at the back of book) If you are predisposed to anxiety or migraines, it is better to increase the BUTEYKO CP gently. If your BUTEYKO CP increases too quickly, you may experience an aggravation of your symptoms for a short time. This is a cleansing reaction and your BUTEYKO CP will increase when it passes. To increase the BUTEYKO CP slowly, the air shortage should be tolerable.
Cleansing reactions or Buteyko side effects
About two thirds of people who undergo reduced breathing will experience a detoxing or slight side effect. Better volume breathing improves blood flow and the oxygenation of all tissues and organs. Cleansing reactions take place when the BUTEYKO CP moves through 10, 20 and 40 seconds. It can also occur when the BUTEYKO CP is 2, 4 and 6 times the initial value.
Generally cleansing reactions are an aggravation of your symptoms, are mild and can last from several hours to several weeks. For most people it lasts just one to two days. Depending on the person, typical symptoms include:
- increased secretions of mucus from the lungs, head cold with runny nose,
- diarrhoea,
- more frequent visits to the bathroom
- loss of appetite,
- increased yawning and fatigue,
- insomnia,
- general unwell feeling,
- smell from the skin (especially if you have been taking large amounts of oral steroid),
- short term headache,
- increased irritability or anxiety, (if you have anxious tendencies, it is better to increase BUTEYKO CP slowly by applying a tolerable air shortage only),
- metallic or coppery taste in the mouth and increased demand for water.
Don’t worry; it is highly unlikely that you will experience every reaction. If you do have a strong cleansing, your body has undergone a major physiological change and you will feel so much better from it.
To help reduce the intensity and duration of cleansing reactions, drink warm water regularly throughout the day and continue with reduced breathing by relaxation. Most importantly, continue to practice reduced breathing and Many Small Breath Holds (EXERCISE 6) throughout the cleansing reaction. During the cleansing, your Control Pause will quickly reduce. It will increase again when the cleansing reaction has passed and you will be feeling so much better.
On a positive note, everyone will experience signs of health improvement including: far less wheezing, coughing and breathlessness, increased calmness and concentration; better sleep and more energy, and reduced appetite and cravings for coffee, chocolate and other foodstuffs.