Breathing space for Ayrshire asthma sufferers

Aug 29 2008

A REVOLUTIONARY new treatment could ease the suffering of Ayrshire asthmatics.

Physiotherapist Jennifer Burn is one of the first professionals to offer the pioneering breathing technique, which has been proven to help asthmatics breathe easier.

Buteyko breathing therapy uses a series of breathing exercises to restore the natural balance of breathing by teaching people how to breathe less.

Jennifer explained: “Buteyko works by improving control over respiratory muscles, increasing tolerance of the feeling of breathlessness, and relaxation.

“I have been a physiotherapist for over eight years and although I have used other techniques in the past to treat patients with asthma, the Buteyko method has given me a more holistic and structured treatment approach. I have been impressed by how quickly my patients have felt more in control of their breathing.”

Buteyko was developed in Russia and has gradually been introduced in the UK.

The British Guideline for the Management of Asthma 2008 recognises the effectiveness of the complimentary therapy and recommends Buteyko to patients in their battle to control their symptoms.

Not only has it been proven to reduce the symptoms of asthma, Buteyko also results in patients relying less and less on bronchodilator inhalers.

One of Jennifer’s patients, Donna Sloan, says the treatment has made a massive difference to managing her asthma.

Ayr woman Donna, 26, said: “I’ve had asthma since I was 13 but it only started causing me real problems a couple of years ago.

“I started looking on the internet for alternative therapies. I wanted something more natural instead of always taking medication.

“Buteyko kept coming up and I was told Jennifer offered it.

“I only started a few months ago. It’s not a cure but it definitely helps.”

School teacher Donna continued: “When I start getting breathless I can use Buteyko to stop an attack coming on as severely as it normally would. It makes you feel far more in control of the condition.

For more information on Buteyko or to book an appointment with Jennifer contact her on 07766027190.