BREATHING might come naturally but that doesn’t mean we can’t improve on our technique.

And this week you can take part in a free session aimed to help people with all types of breathing problems, when an expert in the Buteyko Breathing Rehabilitaion Method visits Hampshire.

The event, held at the Pavilion on the Park in Eastleigh on Thursday, will be hosted Simon Paddon, one of fewer than 300 specialists in the world who is qualified to teach Buteyko Breathing.

Simon has led a series of NHS pilot studies of Buteyko Breathing, all of which have shown significant improvements for sufferers of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma, emphysema, bronchial problems, panic and anxiety, and other breathing problems, while at the same time enabling them to safely and substantially reduce medications, in line with guidelines from Asthma UK.

A spokesperson for the event said: “Published results of these studies conclude that if Buteyko were to be used nationally, within primary care, the NHS could save £268 million every year.”

Simon added: “Buteyko Breathing is unlike any other form of breathing regime. It focuses on every aspect of breathing, such as, how we should be breathing when we cough, sleep, speak, exercise, eat, panic, and at all other times – as well as using gentle breathing techniques.

“There is often confusion as to what exactly correct breathing is, with the perception that breathing deeply or breathing as much air as possible is best, when in fact this is not true at all, and can be very misleading.

“My session in Southampton will provide easy to follow advice to ensure breathing sufferers are correctly informed.”

  • The free two-hour session will began at 10.30am on Thursday. Places must be booked in advance either online at buteykomethod.co.uk or by calling 0844 357 7373.