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Collapsed lung – Keith

Keith coped with severe health problems caused by pneumothorax, or deflated lung, since he was a teenager. Over time his lungs develop small holes that reduce their power to bring in and push out air while breathing. Over the years Keith tried a variety of complementary procedures such as acupuncture and herbal remedies looking for help. He had been well for three or four years when last summer both lungs collapsed suddenly. His consultant suggested surgery as a routine solution for this problem but Keith’s immediate reaction was “It sounded hideous.” Fortunately while he was considering having the operation, he bumped into a friend with long-term heart problems who suggested Keith try working with his Buteyko Practitioner, Martha Roe. Keith decided to try the Buteyko Breathing Exercises with Martha, supported by Christopher Drake, Martha’s Senior Practitioner. Christopher would phone Keith and talk him through the exercises when he needed encouragement. Keith’s lungs are now working well again. Christopher has even suggested that the lungs repair their tissue and become more elastic through continuing with the Breathing Method. Keith definitely feels looser in his chest and has less tension in his back as well. Mentally he is feeling more on the level too. “I actually feel good. My brain is noticing more now I have advanced tools to play with” he says. Thinking back on it, Keith remembers that going to the talk and hearing all the good things Buteyko could do he was not convinced at the time but now he can actually say it really works for him. Keith has an appointment booked with his original consultant and will be telling him that after doing the Buteyko Breathing Exercises for a year he feels more expansive in his breathing and considers himself well. “It is an empowering experience.”...

ME – Jo Anne

Jo-Anne is reversing her ME after 23 years of chronic fatigue. And now she’ s fit enough to go out on regular walks and cycle rides. Here she tells how her Buteyko practice is reaping its rewards. By October 2009 when I began Buteyko, I’d had ME/CFS for almost 23 years. At first it had been quite mild but from the early 1990s I had severe ME after a vaccination. I was bed-bound for about 4- 6 months. And my memories of that period are very hazy. Over the next 13 years I would make some progress quickly followed by relapses. I was housebound and in constant pain, with very limited mobility. In the 3 years before I started Buteyko, I made some more progress and gained mobility. I was driving again and becoming more independent. I wish I’d found Buteyko earlier. Months 1 and 2 – soaring energy and coming off tablets In the first 2 months of Buteyko, my energy soared and I experienced a great sense of calm. I was able very quickly to begin reducing the tablets I took to support my adrenals, and I was later able to become medication-free in June 2010. After the first 2 months, for about 6 months, I experienced challenges as my body went through a healing process. It was no worse than the ME, and most of the time easier. I kept going, as I knew I was on the right track. And I had Martha’s caring expertise as guidance to support me. This healing is ongoing, but is now mild and manageable within everyday life commitments. From housebound to walking and cycling up to 7 miles One of the big changes in my life since the summer of 2010 is that I have been able to gradually do more aerobic exercise mainly walking but also a little cycling. Before, exercise – however short and gentle – would leave me feeling shattered. Now I can walk 6 or 7 miles at a moderate pace. I am tired afterwards but in a healthy way. My tao yin teacher has remarked on my increased strength and suppleness. People tell me how well I look, which is wonderful after years of being pale and hollow-eyed. I keep to a healthy diet. But if  I feel like eating chocolate cake, I know I won’t suffer particularly. I have lost about half a stone and now weigh 128 pounds, which is an unexpected bonus. Clear mind and more stamina for life’s ups and downs My mind is clear and I can concentrate for long periods. I can also deal with the small dramas and larger crises of everyday family life in a smooth, efficient way. I think this encapsulates Buteyko. Your mind and body begin to work with calm endurance. And I am keeping this up day after day. I feel a deep well of physical, mental and emotional stamina....

ME, food allergies and more – Jules

Previously healthy I contracted glandular fever at 24 years old. With misdiagnosis and four courses of antibiotics I went on to develop ME and over the past 5 years a respiratory allergy, chronic sinusitis and sugar imbalance. Even though on a daily basis I felt unwell I continued to work and ploughed through daily only to feel exhausted and only fit for my bed at the end. I did socialise too but felt like I was dragging myself around. Over the years I tried various therapies, diet, exercise, relaxation techniques they had some measure of success but never really made much difference to my health. How I started Through a friend I heard about Christopher Drake and Martha Roe and how Butekyo had produced some excellent results, especially with ME. I hadn’t tried anything for years but could feel more and more my body getting weaker (It was speaking more loudly to me) and I also seemed to be developing “add on” diseases. So more clearly than ever before I felt this was my time to get well. So I spoke with Martha and buoyed by her story and energy, I had a good look at the videos on the website. It was like these videos were speaking directly to me and the content and practice of Butekyo made such obvious sense that I couldn’t believe it wasn’t more widely known in the medical profession. I had never heard of it before. I signed on to do a 5 day class in August 2011. What struck me immediately was the how healthy Christopher and Martha looked and how alive in spirit they seemed. I started with a CP of 15 on day 1 and an MP of 20 which was pretty poor and just further magnified the dire state of my body and respiratory system. I found the breathing exercises difficult and my progress was slow. I started mini cleanses almost immediately. There is alot to cleanse. Over three months later After consistent practice four times a day I feel I’m heading in the right direction and feel like I’m genuinely on the right path to reverse all my chronic disease. My CP is now 25-35 and I regularly hit an MP of 70-85 My blood sugar problems have almost reversed. This is so great – I was hungry all the time and it made me feel so ill. I have lost nearly a stone too which is great. I now eat little and often and don’t have to eat gigantic meals that I used to eat The puffiness has decreased from my face due to my sinuses gradually improving. I sleep less and my energy is starting to improve (except when I’m cleansing) My mood is starting to improve. I feel so much calmer and less stressed. I feel like I can tackle things in such a clear and calm way. I’m starting to feel a sense of inner calm that has eluded me My muscles in my body seem stronger than before, and my breathing is becoming stronger. I’m less out of breath. I can do gentle swimming and cycling without heavy breathing. In fact with my mouth closed. I used to mount the stairs like an old lady, breathing heavily but now I whizz up them. Not Zola Budd style but you know! I do feel quite tired still whilst my body is repairing but the tiredness somehow seems more normal and less “wired “tired. I have also noticed my allergy symptoms are becoming less protracted and severe I have just come through my first major “Big Cleanse” from Buteyko which isn’t for the faint hearted by a sign things are starting to shift and my body is getting ready to expel all the nastiness inside. Martha has been great throughout. Solid support. She understands what you go through as she has experienced it all herself. She knows how to alleviate the cleansing symptoms and will encourage you all the way. Martha will push you, but more importantly, she won’t let you give up on yourself and your practice. If you want to get better and end years of being “caged in “with your miserable diseases you have to take the Butekyo Challenge. It is a challenge and but have to be ready to make that change. I’m glad I found Butekyo. Maybe it found me. If you believe that sort of thing! I honestly think I’m on the right path and that I’m shedding my “ ill skin “ and getting my former self back …..Gradually....

MS and overweight – Judi

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1991. My health and mobility started to seriously deteriorate about four-and-a-half years ago. My weight was getting out of control, I was constantly fatigued and heading for a wheelchair. In the summer of 2007 I met up with an old friend Martha Roe.  I knew something had changed her, not least, she had lost a lot of weight. I pressed her for answers. It turned out she had started doing the Buteyko breathing method under the personal tutelage of Christopher Drake a Senior Practitioner in Burteyko. I emailed Chris, who lives in Thailand, and started the Buteyko method six months ago. Within just two weeks things started to change. In the beginning I felt like I was on a roller coaster as my body responded to the technique and went through a lot of Cleansing Reactions. They were not always pleasant but very necessary in terms of becoming well. Not every Cleansing Reactions was unpleasant; I have had some very powerful energy sensations running through my spine. I started by learning one of the basic tenants of the Buteyko breathing method by working on extending my Control Pause. A Control Pause is the length of time a person can comfortably hold their breath before feeling a strong urge to breath again. As my Control Pause rose the Cleansing Reactions seemed less troublesome and more infrequent. I now have a Control Pause of around 50. When I started learning Buteyko my Control Pause was 14! It’s essential to mention how the method is imparted from practitioner to student and followed up. The Buteyko practitioner, Chris in my case, works very closely with the student, sometimes by Skype, in person or sometimes by telephone. This is to make sure that the correct procedure is being followed and also address any questions or concerns that the student may have. It is a tailor-made, personal approach for each student and the complete antithesis of learning ‘One size fits all’ Buteyko from a DVD, or going to a short workshop! During the early days Chris would follow me up once a day, or more, if I was going through some challenging Cleansing Reactions that needed managing. I am under no illusion; I have a long term incurable health condition which supposedly will inexorably progress over time. Yes, my mobility has worsened over the last five years, however I have now been stable for over nine months since I have been doing the Buteyko technique and I feel that slowly everything is coming to right. In order to support the practice I am making sure that my body’s healing capacity is fully engaged to give myself a fighting chance. So far, the main benefits have been : Huge weight loss – over 55 pounds (55 kilos, 3.9 stones). I have dropped three dress sizes. An amazing feat considering I was unable to exercise due to the MS. The technique seems to control appetite and I am hardly ever hungry. Lack of reactivity. I’m very calm and laid back, even in stressful Stamina has increased and fatigue has lessened. My leg seems to be getting stronger. I have a diagnosed arthritic thumb joint. It was very painful and difficult to articulate.  This has become a lot better and I can unscrew lids again. I can do without as much sleep No more crippling migraine type headaches I’ve been ill for nearly seventeen years and I don’t expect an overnight miracle. So I’m giving myself eighteen months to assess the gains I’ve made.  People are starting to comment on how well I look and even my physiotherapist told me I was looking glamorous! It seems the body has the capacity to heal if it’s given the right tools and materials and in my own short experience Buteyko is proving to be the most important component of getting back to peak health and maintaining it. In order to get well a consistent, persistent application and  rigorous approach is important along with having expert instruction and an exceptional teacher. I feel blessed that this arrangement has been available to me....

Smoker’s cough and fatigue – Iza

Iza, Health conscious female executive, aged 50 Before I started the Buteyko exercises almost a year ago, I had been finding my age and lifestyle were starting to catch up with me. I had thought I was taking care of myself by eating a vegetarian diet, regularly swimming, jogging and relaxing with yoga. Now that I was fifty, I found the regular air travel that was necessary in my work was beginning to take its toll. I also smoked occasionally, but began to have a smokers’ cough. The constant colds, mood swings and increasing stress associated with jet lag, constipation and all the other downsides of longhaul travel and a busy schedule began to wear me down. Within days of starting the Buteyko workshop, I needed less sleep and the craving for sugary foods almost disappeared. I even found I was now being complimented on my revitalised appearance; less wrinkles and more energy! Part of the Buteyko teachings included the suggestion to give up on physical exercise until I improved my breathing by lengthening the Control Pause. A Control Pause is the time that you can hold your breath until you feel the first impulse to breathe in again. This is an indication of the level of carbon dioxide CO2 level in the lungs, and the efficiency of the lungs to work for the benefit of the body. Within five months of regular practice I had increased my CP over three times and my smokers’ cough was gone. I felt clear-headed, less hormonal and no longer suffered from jetlag. After the intense Buteyko exercise regime at the start I now practice less often but the benefits remain. One of the techniques, Very Shallow Breathing, is now a natural part of my life while swimming, jogging and even walking to the station. Because I still now longer crave sugar I have lost weight and find myself more relaxed, tolerant and more contented. I even can continue to enjoy my smoking in the knowledge that I’ll not end up wheezing. Buteyko has revived my enjoyment in life....

Stiff hip and overweight – Liz

Liz, a woman in her early fifties, started with the Buteyko Beathing Method just over a year ago. She was beginning to feel the effects of her age, especially a pronounced pain and stiffness in her hip and generally felt she could lose some weight. Liz had tried going to the local gym and regularly attended exercise classes. Liz never felt committed to them and it didn’t shift the weight. In addition the family responsibilities were increasing as children grew up and her parents became much older and needed help too. It was all becoming a bit much to cope with. When Liz started the Buteyko Breathing exercises she worked hard at the beginning and had strong support from Martha. It was a case of trusting something without knowing how it would actually benefit her in the long run. As the weeks went on Liz realized she had less appetite and was feeling calmer about the stresses of family commitments. After following the specific exercises given she gradually discovered many improvements in her wellbeing and fitness. A year later the change is much greater. Without needing to practice so intensively Liz now can not only maintain this better state but also see it continue to improve. “The Buteyko Method has definitely given me a much-needed handle on life” Liz concludes....

Stress and poor digestion – EM

A male in his mid forties; EM had suffered from a lack of energy and tiredness for many years My concentration was fairly poor and I suffered from low level but persistent stress which resulted in low mood and low confidence levels. I also have always had very dry skin, poor digestion and chronic indigestion was also a problem. My legs were constantly tired and heavy. Symptom History: Over eating, over sleeping, slightly overweight, lack of energy in the morning and it took a long time after getting up to be fully alert. Social history : I am self employed running a growing business with little time for leisure pursuits. Control pause before starting: 8 Control pause now: 25-30 After days of practice After initially starting the program I felt much more alert and was eating less. My mood improved and I felt much more calm; I also felt much less under the pressure of time. After weeks of practice As my practice progressed and control pauses went into high double figures (15-20), I felt the impact of cleansing and at times found this difficult. Support from the teacher (Martha) was critical to my continuing with the practice when this was happening. Symptoms included gum infections, kidney infection and other minor illnesses. These usually lasted a couple of days, unpleasant while happening but I felt much better afterwards. After months of practice I feel that the practice has enabled me to cope with a very very busy lifestyle. Since beginning my practice I have undertaken a degree course in the evening. This is in addition to running my own business. I am certain that without the Buteyko breathing practice I would not have been able to take on the extra commitments. After several months of practice I have more energy overall and am able to get an awful lot more done in the day than previously. I eat less and have lost some weight and feel better because of this. My digestion has improved dramatically and my feet and legs feel better with the tiredness and muscle fatigue gone. I strongly recommend this Buteyko breathing practice to others. I was very sceptical before starting the course but now am absolutely convinced of its value. Martha was a wonderful support throughout the difficult times when symptoms were an issue and this enabled me to keep going with the breathing and reap the benefits long term. I now plan to make another push with my practice and get my control pause up to 35-40....

Underactive thyroid – Sue

Sue is a gardener in her 50′s. She suffered from an early menopause and whirring head at age 37! At age 48 she had many unexplainable niggling problems e.g. aching legs, falling asleep a lot at any time of day and diabetic like symptoms (needing to eat regularly). This coincided with a steep decline in thyroxine levels, at which point the GP could diagnose the problem as Under-active thyroid – Hashimotos syndrome Medication: Thyroxine 100mg/day Control Pause when starting: 12 seconds. Average air intake 4 times more than is optimal Control Pause after months of practice:54 seconds Treatment: Buteyko Breathing Method Workshop plus a bit of extra help After days of practice: My head would feel more awake, (head whirring that precedes sleepiness was much reduced). I could stay awake deep into the night and didn’t need to eat every 2 hours. After weeks of practice: As above and I was generally able to sustain a lot more physical ctivity feeling much more alert. Niggling problems that weren’t addressed by thyroxine were solved, e.g. I had felt that I was deficient in some crucial vitamins or minerals. I started to lose some weight and can take or leave eating. I didn’t get severe cleansing reactions; Martha says because I am vegetarian and eat fairly well. (I did get about 2 hours of alarming excruciating pain where I broke my arm!) After months of practice: After 18 months, I suddenly lost all my fat!. (It did coincide with a major trauma). It has taken 18 months to put some weight back. Now 22 months on I have completely stopped taking thyroxine after gradually reducing the dose. Now I am hardly ever reminded of my under-active thyroid. Occasionally, I would have a bad day when I would need to take some extra thyroxine. This particularly seemed to coincide with illness outbreaks e.g. swine flu or nororvirus. I had some minor symptoms which only lasted a day or so....

Wellbeing and energy – Russell

Russell, an athletic man in his forties has been practicing the Buteyko Breathing Method for just over eight months. He led a healthy and physically active life and held the belief that he just wanted to be healthier. His girlfriend suggested attending one of the free lectures with Martha Roe and Christopher Drake that she had been told about by three different people within a day. Russell had seen a program on the benefits of Buteyko a few years earlier so they were keen to give it a try. He was feeling amazing within the first month. Russell said “My mind was clear and I was coping with stresses from work so much better.” Martha guided Russell through the initial techniques and within six months he was ready to move on to the advanced levels with Christopher. The advanced Buteyko Method works on “The Fire Within” dealing with spiritual understanding of reality linked with the philosophy of Buddhism as well as maintaining optimum health. Russell’s training in psychology reinforces his belief in the ethics of mental health for well people. Russell has continued his daily run and finds that breathing through his nose has helped make it a much more enjoyable experience. His partner has also continued with the exercises. They were astonished to find their appetites have changed and the attraction of sweets and biscuits has vanished. They both feel incredibly healthy and clear-headed. Russell is confident that it is time for the Buteyko Method to be embraced by the medical profession particularly as the Buteyko Method stemmed from years of highly detailed medical research. “It is criminal that every asthma sufferer is not taught how to breathe with this method” he declared. “I will be talking with my GP about how important this is to everyday health. Buteyko Breathing makes the body better.”...

Winter depression (SAD) – Assuntina

After meeting Martha one day and noticing how healthy and well she looked Assuntina came to one of Martha Roe’s introductory talks on the Buteyko Breathing Method.  She was inspired. She had been feeling generally run down, with continual colds and battling severe depression each the winter. She realised it was time to take herself in hand and to get the energy and verve back into her life. Within weeks of starting the breathing Exercises Assuntina could feel the benefits from learning how to breathe correctly. Her mind was agile again and she stopped sleeping in the afternoon. Unfortunately she had lots of cleansing reactions from the beginning; a weekly migraine and a constantly streaming nose culminating in severe sinusitis. It was after this she really felt the benefits of Buteyko. That winter she kept expecting the doldrums but was overjoyed to be full of bounding energy and enjoying the winter for a change. Assuntina then brought her young asthmatic son to one of Martha’s workshops to help him strengthen his chronically weak chest and mentally prepare him for his forthcoming move to secondary school. Since the workshop a year ago he has maintained good health and not missed any days off school during the winter as had been usual. He is now able to forgo his inhaler and has barely had any asthma attacks. The exercises were useful for other kinds of stress too. Before starting his new school he got very agitated. With his mother’s encouragement he practiced his breathing exercises and managed to prevent himself from having a panic attack. They are both very proud of his improvement and self-confidence. He still continues with his exercises. It is a grind at times but he knows the benefits if he keeps it up. Assuntina has let things slip at times but always comes back to it. It is a family thing for Assuntina and her son. They are both convinced of the benefits of the Buteyko Breathing Exercises and are great advocates about the improvements it has brought to their health and mental well-being....

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