It has now been almost a year since I started practicing the Buteyko method. Prior to Buteyko, I was on Symbicort, 2 puffs twice a day. While my pulmonologist wanted me to cut back, I would get asthma attacks if I tried. I also had a very bad milk protein sensitivity problem. Exposure to very small amounts of milk protein would cause prolonged stretches of gastric distress and sometimes I would even get these problems after intense exercise.
After one month of Buteyko breathing through my nose and breathing less I was off of Symbicort and after 10 weeks I was off all medicines. I have not needed any “rescue” inhaler or steroids this past year. Doing my exercises or chanting has stabilized my lungs in any situation I have faced. I exercise regularly. I participated in a group bicycle ride over the Labor Day weekend and was the oldest person to complete the hardest ride, 160 miles over 2 days with over 7,000 feet of climbing on Day 1.
Even more importantly, my milk protein sensitivity seems gone. I have experimented from time to time and found the symptoms getting less severe. At this point, I can barely tell when I have some dairy. Of course, I am trying to follow the Buteyko dietary recommendations which proscribe dairy.
I found that my ability to exercise with intensity and to continue breathing through my nose took a lot more work than just getting off asthma medicines. Throughout the course of the year, my lung capacity has continuously improved and I am still working on it. But, to me, the most important fact is that I can control my lungs without any medicines.
Lawrence Arem
Merion Station, PA
