Alternative approach to breathing problems

5:54pm Wednesday 5th March 2008

THE UK's two full-time exponents of the Buteyko Method of breathing are holding a training session at Bishop Fox's community school on Monday (March 10) at 7pm to help people cope with asthma.

"Taunton is a city with low pollution rates, but asthma is just as much a problem here as it is in very polluted cities," says Simon Paddon. "Very obviously there is a lot we can do to help sufferers in the area."

He added: "Buteyko is based on correcting the dysfunctional breathing patterns which cause excessive allergic response. The traditional medical approach to a worsening breathing problem is to increase medication intake and many sufferers find they have no option but to do exactly that, until they come to see us; then we work with them to control their symptoms while safely reducing medication."

Nikki Jewell says she suffered with severe asthma for 10 years and used to be dependent on medication to help her breathe including nebulisers and steroids. But since learning the Buteyko method seven years ago she has not experienced asthma or needed any medication.

She said: "Since learning Buteyko I can do the things that I was never able to do when I had asthma. I can exercise and be around things that would have triggered before. It was my turn around in health which spurred us on to train as specialists, so we could help others".

The session costs £15 and is open to people of all ages although under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. To book a place call 0845 456 4533.