How To Breathe While Swimming? Buteyko Recommendations

Breathe Through Your Nose: How And Why?

Many people assume that swimming always improves breathing, but Dr. Buteyko’s work does not support this belief. Swimming can increase the level of CO2 in the lungs and therefore make breathing better or decrease CO2 and consequently worsen your breathing and health. To turn swimming into a health improvement tool, you need to know how to control your respiration.

First, avoid forceful mouth breathing, which is commonly taught by swimming instructors.

I suggest turning your swimming time into relaxation by practicing enjoyable breaststrokes – a type of long cardio exercise, which, according to the Buteyko Method, increases CO2 and oxygenation effectively. Like many of my clients, you probably have a question: how to do it? Watch this video above to learn the technique I recommend to anyone. It allows keeping the head above the water breathing gently through the nose.

If you wish to exercise a more intense style of swimming, please watch the video below. In this footage, Dr. Douillard not only demonstrates a safe way of doing front crawl stroke but also explains why nasal breathing is essential. Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP is a globally recognized leader in the fields of natural health, Ayurveda, and sports medicine.

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