Scientific breathing method can treat chronic diseases

THE CHAOTIC preparations, endless parties, and binge eating during the holidays may have caused not just headaches, but also stress or even depression.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2010 that 388 million people will succumb to chronic diseases over the next 10 years. The four main chronic diseases are heart ailments, diabetes, cancer and emphysema, which account for 60 percent of deaths worldwide.

Filipinos are turning to a scientific treatment that is inexpensive, effective and lasting to help reverse these diseases—the Buteyko breathing reconditioning program.

Introduced in the country by Jac Vidgen, an Australian senior practitioner with 17 years of experience in teaching the method, Buteyko has helped thousands of Filipinos find immediate relief from so-called lifestyle diseases: asthma, allergies, sleep apnea, anxiety disorders, hay fever, coughing and stress.

Some use the method to control weight, treat skin disorders, and enhance their sports performance or meditative practices such as yoga.

Buteyko Method was developed over 50 years ago by Russian respiratory specialist Dr. Konstantin Buteyko. It has since found acceptance all over the world for treating hyperventilation and other breathing-related conditions while strengthening one’s immune function, reducing stress, and improving overall wellbeing.

Learn more about the Buteyko Method as Vidgen holds free introductory lectures starting today, Jan. 17, 7-9 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 22, 5-7 p.m., at Living Life Well, 5/L, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

He will also speak on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., at In Touch Community Services, 48-A Mckinley Road, Forbes Park (2/F, Holy Trinity Church compound across from San Antonio Plaza), Makati City; and Thursday, Jan. 19, 7-9 p.m., at PHILDHRRA Partnership Center, 59 C Salvador St., Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

Vidgen will conduct Buteyko workshops in Metro Manila from January to February.

He will be at Living Life Well, 68 p.m. on Jan. 24, 25, 26, 30 and Feb. 7. Next is at PHILDHRRA Partnership Center on Jan. 27, 28, 29, Feb. 4 and 11, 4-6 p.m. (except Jan. 27, 6-8 p.m.). His last workshop is at In Touch Community Services on Jan. 31, Feb. 1, 2, 6 and 10, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

Call Jac at 0919-6356060 or 8971804; e-mail jacvid@gmail.com; log on to www.buteykoasia.com and www.buteykoasia.multiply.com.