I stumbled on this last night. Apparently it is a treatment for Asthma, which, I don't have. But it could have applications for weight loss, anxiety and chronic disease.

"The Buteyko method is based on the concept that "hidden" or undiagnosed hyperventilation is the underlying cause of numerous medical conditions, including asthma. It is known that hyperventilation can lead to low carbon dioxide levels in the blood (or hypocapnea), which can subsequently lead to disturbances of the acid-base balance in the blood and lower tissue oxygen levels."

So due to breathing all the time you are actually starving your body of oxygen levels. When you increase your carbon dioxide levels in the blood your body releases oxygen to the tissues to counter act the carbon dioxide. But the lower your carbon dioxide levels the less it does this.

It is of interest to me because for a while now I have felt that I am over breathing and my respiration rate is 18 though I don't see why it should be as all other areas of my body are in good shape. I have also felt wheezes... small, but persistent. I checked the CO2 levels in my blood and while I can't say they are low... they aren't high... on the lower end of the spectrum.

I watched a BBC documentary on the method and the people there (who had asthma) said it worked. There is also a ted talk.

Anyone used it?

[Wren_]

I vaguely remember hearing about it in connection with weight loss but that's it so far ... interesting