062: Buteyko Breathing with Steve Donald

062: Buteyko Breathing with Steve Donald   When Shannon heard about Buteyko breathing she became curious and reached out to Steve Donald, one of the first Buteyko teachers in Canada. Steve had struggled with asthma throughout his life,  and it worsened as he grew older. He tried raw diets and supplements and some improvement was made but not sustained. In looking for an answer an internet search led him to learn about The Buteyko Method.   Impressed with the extent Buteyko helped him with his chronic condition Steve trained to teach Buteyko in 2006. He is the founding member of the Buteyko Breathing Educators Association ( BBEA) 2010 and was elected as BBEA president and board chair in 2016. Steve has been asked to speak to various groups, including yoga teachers and is preparing to hold teacher trainings in the Buteyko Method in the near future.   Buteyko is based on the concept that we breathe an excessive amount of air and it negatively impacts the function of our bodily systems. It is known as an asthma, sleep apnea and anxiety treatment; however, it is effective in treating a wide range of chronic health issues, as well as being good for general health and wellbeing.   Shannon and Steve discuss breath and the Buteyko method including what happens on a physiological level when we take a deep breath, how much air we should optimally be taking in per minute, and why Steve highly recommends nose breathing (even when engaging in physically demanding activities such as running). Shannon also asks Steve how the Buteyko Method can co-exist with yoga. 11:50 What led Steve to discover the Buteyko method   14:00 How much time does it take to incorporate the breathing exercises into your life   15:35 The theory behind Buteyko   17:00 Steve's process to incorporate Buteyko into his life despite his skepticism   19:40 Other alternative health attempts made by Steve to relieve his asthma symptoms   20:55 How to incorporate Buteyko breathing into your life and how much work is needed in order to maintain the benefits   22:20 Steve's experience as one of the first Buteyko teachers in Canada   23:20 Difference between yogic and Buteyko breathing and the possibility of incorporating Buteyko breathing with yoga   26:05 The culture of "take a deep breath" and what happens on a physiological level when you take in too much breath   30:00 How understanding respiratory physiology informs the understanding of blood pH and the effectiveness of Buteyko   33:50 How much a healthy adult should be breathing and how much those with chronic conditions breathe (liters per minute)   35:50 What Steve wants to share with yoga teachers   38:05 Why Steve believes large volume breathing isn't beneficial and the effect it has on those with asthma and anxiety   40:10 Nose breathing versus mouth breathing   44:40 A great yoga cue for breathing through the nose   45:35 What distinguishes Buteyko breathing from regular breathing   47:35 How to work with Steve and upcoming Buteyko trainings   51:45 Shannon's closing thoughts on breath Links   Steve's Website: Buteyko Toronto   Buteyko Toronto on Facebook   Buteyko Breathing Educators Association   Further Reading: Buteyko and Breathing   PDF: The Health Benefits of Nose Breathing by Dr. Alan Ruth   Article: 28 Reasons to Nose Breathe by Lisa Bowen   Gratitude to our Sponsor Schedulicity