Buteyko Breathing

CO₂ tolerance retraining for nasal breathing

A structured breathing retraining protocol developed by Soviet physician Konstantin Buteyko, focused on reducing breathing volume and building CO₂ tolerance through nasal-only breathing and deliberate breath holds. The method aims to correct chronic hyperventilation and mouth breathing — conditions linked in orthotropic theory to midface recession and poor jaw development. Some studies support Buteyko for asthma symptom reduction. CAUTION: The underlying CO₂ physiology is more nuanced than Buteyko doctrine suggests, and extended breath holds can cause hypoxia. The anti-deep-breathing stance conflicts with evidence supporting deep diaphragmatic breathing for stress reduction. Approach with critical thinking and medical supervision if you have respiratory conditions.