The Breath Connection Facts How can breath training help?

The
1.Overbreathing, either by taking larger
breaths or more breaths per minute or both
The digestive tract and bladder have a
lot of smooth muscle that is immediately
Breath
leads to low carbon dioxide levels in the
lungs.
caused to spasm when carbon dioxide
levels fall due to over-breathing.
Connection
2.Lowered carbon dioxide levels (less than Hyperventilation due to the fight/flight
5%) lead to spasm of smooth muscles that response also increases production of
wrap around airways, blood vessels, histamines that can cause allergic
bladder and other hollow organs. reactions in the gut.
3.Lowered carbon dioxide levels lead to the Hyperventilation causes the pH of the
impaired oxygenation of the body as blood body to be raised and this may trigger
holds onto oxygen more strongly not increased clearance of urine to release
releasing it fully to the tissues. (The Bohr bicarbonate as a means of returning the
effect) pH back to normal.
4.Lowered carbon dioxide levels changes
the acid/alkaline balance of the blood
The fight/flight response to stress raises
blood pressure and the kidneys may
Gut &
thereby impairing the entire chemistry of the
body.
5.Chronic long-term over-breathing causes
then respond by increased elimination
of urine to restore normal blood Bladder
pressure.
receptors in the brain to accept and
maintain lower levels of carbon dioxide in
The normal peristalsis of the gut is
disturbed by the spasm of smooth
Problems
the blood, thereby ensuring the continued
state of over-breathing to the detriment of
muscle and the digestive process is
shut down as another response to the
IBS
the person’s health. fight/flight effect.
6.The above effects all contribute to the Thus by normalizing breathing it is
symptoms experienced by people with possible to reduce the adverse effects
digestive & bladder problems. For more on bowel, digestion, bladder and kidney
details of these physiological effects visit function.
our website at: Normalizing breathing has the effect of
<www.buteykokent.co.uk> minimizing the adverse reactions of the
fight/flight reactions. The Buteyko
Contact: Michael Lingard BSc DO BBEC Our breath connects everything in our lives: our health, emotions,
Method addresses this problem as well our whole being and every living thing in the environment, as we
The Breath Connection as other lifestyle factors. all, plants, animals & fellow humans, breathe the same air.

St Bridgets, Rye Road Good breathing means good health.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most Frequency & urgency of urination are often There are many ways to restore breathing
common intestinal disorder seen by doctors, due to spasm of the smooth muscle around back to normal but the Buteyko Method
affecting approximately 22 million people in the bladder during periods of over-breathing. has been shown to be a very effective
the USA. It causes 34,000 hospitalisations; It is common for this to be more of a problem way of learning how to do this. This is in
3½ million physician office visits; 2.2 million at night when we are asleep. With little part because it is a very structured and
prescriptions are written for it; and 400,000 physical activity there is a reduced production practical approach but also to the fact
people become disabled by it. of carbon dioxide and if we are usually over- that the student can monitor their
breathing during the day this will increase the progress very precisely from day to day.
The main symptoms of IBS are recurrent loss of carbon dioxide so causing the spasm
colicky stomach pain; abdominal pain and of smooth muscle around the bladder. The
distension; bloating, wind and cramps, additional factor may be increased production
rumblings, belching; diarrhoea & of urine by the kidneys as the body attempts Additional Lifestyle Factors
constipation sometimes alternating, to restore the blood pH back to normal by The Buteyko Method is not just about
flatulence and mucous covered stools. eliminating bicarbonate. There is yet another breath training but attention is given to
consequence of this arising from loss of other lifestyle factors such as posture,
Secondary symptoms can include a feeling magnesium that may cause additional relaxation, physical exercise, diet, food
of incomplete emptying after going to the irritation of the nervous system.
allergies or intolerances and coping with
toilet, incontinence and bladder problems,
stress.
nausea, heartburn, indigestion, feeling full, H ow do I know if I am hyperventilating?
back pain, headaches, lethargy, anxiety and For instance those with digestive
depression. Check these associated symptoms: disorders are advised to:
Respiratory system: Shortness of breath,
tightness in the chest, over sensitivity of the
Many of these symptoms are also found in airways, excessive sneezing, production of • Eat little and often
people who have chronic hidden copious mucus, blocked or running sinuses • Drink an adequate amount of water
hyperventilation. There is also a strong & excessive yawning or sighing. • Take regular physical exercise
Nervous system: light headedness,
relationship between stress and bowel dizziness, unsteadiness, poor • Avoid known irritants
problems, the same is true for stress and concentration, numbness, tingling and • Ensure eating is in a relaxed
hyperventilation. It would seem reasonable coldness especially in the hands and atmosphere
therefore that by reducing the impact of fingers and often in the face. In severe • Have a well balanced diet
cases, loss of memory or loss of
stress by normalizing breathing there consciousness.
should be a beneficial effect on digestive Cardiac: racing, pounding or skipped heart
disorders. beats.
Psychological: varying degrees of anxiety,
The automatic reactions to stress are tension and apprehension, even panic
greatly reduced when patients learn to attacks.
General: mouth dryness, abdominal
breathe normally, reducing the symptoms of bloating, belching and flatulence, easily Tel: 01580 752 852
gut & bladder problems. tired, poor sleep patterns, general weakness
and chronic exhaustion.
www. ButeykoKent.co.uk