When I first learnt the Buteyko Method I was 22 years old.  I had been asthmatic since I was 2.

My childhood was spent in and out of hospitals and I was not able to join in physical activities because of my asthma. 

I was on a high dose of oral corticosteroid twice a day and  still required reliever medication - much more than the recommended amount.  

I found the breathing techniques very difficult at first.  I could only suspend my breathing for three seconds before I felt like gasping for air! Eventually I could get up to ten seconds and by the end of three weeks I could suspend it for up to thirty seconds. 

I felt the improvements immediately.  From the first two days I slept peacefully, I woke clearer in my sinuses and didn’t have to reach for my inhaler, I could almost breathe completely through me nose!

I persevered intensely for the next month until I was hardly, if at all, using any reliever medication.  I was able to come off the preventer (steroid) medication after three months and have never had to have either ever again.  I kept a  spare inhaler around me for several months, just in case, but never seemed to need it.

Return to Testimonials

That was in 1992.  I am now 38.  I have never had to return to my medication. 

Looking back, since I learnt the Buteyko Method my life is completely different..for the better.  I no longer take medication (of any sort). I don’t classify myself or see myself as “asthmatic” anymore. 

That is a far cry from the days of not being able to go out of the room let alone the house without my reliever medication.  I participate in all sorts of physical activities and don’t get “wheezy”, I don’t wake up in the mornings reaching for my reliever, in fact I don’t even think about it anymore.  The breathing techniques have become engrained and now is an automatic way for me to breathe.  I am sure there is always room for improvement but I certainly don’t get asthma symptoms anymore.

I am also now a health care practitioner and have referred many clients to learn the technique for various reasons.  It is the most satisfying thing to know that those who apply the techniques diligently, always get the results.  The key thing is diligent application.  If you work hard and just persevere, as Steve says, ..the results will astound you!  

Dr Josephine Finlayson

Return to Testimonials