Scientific Basis

The symptoms of acute hyperventilation or panic attacks are obvious. According to Dr. Buteyko, chronic, hidden hyperventilation goes unnoticed and undiagnosed. Many people breathe twice the recommended rate of 8 – 12 breaths per minute and 3- 4 times the volume. Correcting hidden hyperventilation is the basis of the Buteyko method.

Hyperventilation results in a drop in carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodstream. A CO2 level of 6 – 6.5% is necessary for healthy gas exchange. It regulates oxygen release from blood. A drop in CO2 results in greater binding of oxygen to hemoglobin, reducing the efficiency of oxygenation of tissues and organs. (Verigo-Bohr Effect) Poor oxygenation leads to a wide range of symptoms.

Respiration is stimulated in the respiratory centre by a rise in partial arterial pressure of CO2 to about 40 mm of mercury. Chronic, hidden hyperventilation constantly lowers the CO2 pressure. The respiratory centre compensates by lowering the threshold at which respiration is triggered. This lowered tolerance of CO2 results in an increase in breathing rate and a further loss of CO2, creating a vicious cycle.

For proper oxygenation of cells, our blood requires a concentration of 6.5% CO2 and 2% oxygen. The air we breathe contains 200 times less CO2 than we need and 10 times more oxygen. A healthy respiratory system maintains a specific ratio of oxygen to CO2.

CO2 is the most important regulator of our acid/alkaline pH balance in the bloodstream. A lowering of CO2 results in a shift of the pH toward alkalinity, which compromises the immune system.

CO2 is a smooth muscle dilator. A shortage of CO2 causes spasms of blood vessels, bronchi and other smooth muscle tissue. When a person has an asthma attack, they cannot exhale easily. This is due to the contriction of the airways and the body’s attempts to restore a healthier CO2 level.

CO2 is a regulator of the nervous system activity. A lowering of CO2 in the nerve cells heightens their excitability, alerts all branches of the nervous system and heightens sensitivity to outside stimuli, thereby triggering the sympathetic nervous system. This leads to irritability, sleeplessness, stress, anxiety and allergic reactions.

CO2 is a regulator of the cardiovascular system. A depletion of CO2 can result in angina, chest pains, hypertension and strokes.

There is a direct relationship between CO2 levels and the intensity of gastric secretion in the digestive tract. Lower CO2 levels can lead to ulcers, poor digestion or gastric reflux.

Buteyko Breath Retraining method restores healthy breathing patterns which normalize CO2 levels and resets the respiratory centre.

For a more complete explanation, see 'The Carbon Dioxide Syndrome', written by Jennifer Stark.