Eucapnic-Buteyko Breathing

The source of life energy

The word Eucapnic is defined as "a normal healthy level of carbon dioxide (C02)".

The Eucapnic Buteyko Method is based on the work and research of Russian scientists such as Dr. Buteyko, and current Western scientific research, on the role and importance of carbon dioxide (C02) in the body's physiology.

Myth: C02 is that it is a waste gas.

Truth: C02 is only a waste gas in excess; most of us are severely and chronically deficient.

Good Breathing

Good breathing keeps the level of carbon dioxide in your lungs at about 5.5% to 6.5%. Healthy, strong people breathe less at rest and during sleep but they can breathe deeply and get as much air as they need when they exert themselves or just want to take a deep breath. Good breathing uses the diaphragm rather than the chest, however this must be done correctly or else hyperventilation may occur.

Carbon dioxide is far more than a waste gas. It is a crucial regulator of one's respiratory system, immune system, nervous system and one's energy metabolism.

Overbreathing in the form of hidden hyperventilation "blows off" carbon dioxide from the lungs. Normalising breathing by reducing the volume of breathing restores the body's C02 levels to normal. This leads to healthier respiration, a strengthened immune system, a calmer nervous system and more efficient energy metabolism.

Carbon Dioxide and the Respiratory System

Carbon dioxide is a natural bronchodilator i.e. it is the body's equivalent to such drugs as ventolin. Research shows that a loss of C02 in the lungs leads to broncho construction and inflammation in the airways. Overbreathing leads to this loss of C02. Long term low level hyperventilation leads to such conditions as asthma, sleep apnea and breathlessness.

By raising the level of C02 through reducing the volume of breathing, one can access the body's natural means of reducing bronchspasm and inflammation. This effect can be learnt very quickly and used immediately.

Practice is required to be able ot use it for maximum benefit. In the long term this method can reduce these symptoms until they cease to occur.

The key to efficient levels of C02 is breathing.

Carbon Dioxide and the Immune System

Loss of C02 from overbreathing leads to loss of bicarbonate stores and carbonic acid. These are primarily made from C02. These, along with other minerals, are important buffers which assists the body to maintain its pH balance. The result of short term overbreathing is respiratory alkalosis and in the long term metabolic acidosis. These reactions increase allergic symptoms and causes further hyperventilation. This further weakens the immune system so cols and flus are more prevalent and have stronger impact on the body.

Correcting one's breathing leads to a general improvement in the body's natural immune response.

Carbon Dioxide and the Nervous System

Stress, Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Stress, anger, anxiety or excitement can create a state of sympathetic nervous system arousal. This causes one's heart rate and one's breathing rate and volume to increase. Asthmatics commonly experience acute asthma at times of emotional reactions. Working with breathing can be a highly effective way of controlling stress.

Reducing one's breathing reduces excitation to the nervous system and produces a feeling of calm.

Carbon Dioxide and Energy Metabolism

Decreased C02 causes a number of metabolic consequences including less efficient energy production (C02 stimulates the rate of substrate formation in the Krebbs cycle), and mineral excretion (low levels of bicarbonate induce renal mechanisms that cuase loss of potassium, magnesium, sodium and other trace minerals). Effects of low C02 have also been demonstrated on protein biosynthesis, disruption of enzymatic processes and immune function.

C02 is also crucial for the rlease of oxygen from hemagloblin to the tissues. Low C02 levels mean one can have high oxygen concentration in the blood but poor release for oxygenation.

With thanks to Rosalba Courtney for her permission to reprint excerpts from her writings.