Papworth Method for Asthma
Anti-inflammatory and allergy relief medication is not the only means to control asthma symptoms. Many people find breathing techniques, such as the Papworth method, to be highly effective.
Other People Are Reading
-
The Method
-
The Papworth method focuses on breathing and relaxation techniques to make efficient use of the lungs. It emphasizes nose breathing and developing appropriate breathing patterns for specific activities.
The Effects
-
Though the effects of the Papworth method are largely unknown, studies have shown that symptoms can be reduced by a third in people with mild asthma.
-
Application
-
The Papworth method requires that patients attend five learning sessions where the techniques are taught in detail. The availability of classes may be limited. For those looking to learn more about availability in your area, contact your physician or a respiratory specialist.
Other Methods
-
Another non-medication oriented technique for treating asthma is the Butyeko method. There has been little buzz about Butyeko compared to the Papworth method in recent years, but that may be because there haven't been any recent studies on it. Much like the Papworth, method, Butyeko is centered on the notion that people with asthma tend to over-breath, and it emphasizes breathing through the nose. In addition to the Butyeko method, there are also some striking similarities to the Papworth method in Yoga. Yoga implements a lot of stretching, but it also emphasizes deep diaphragmatic breathing as a means of relaxing the body.
Reciprocal Uses
-
The Papworth method can be effective not only for treating asthma, but also for reducing stress and anxiety. Some of the residual effects of studies done on the Papworth method showed a reduction in stress and symptoms of depression in addition to asthma symptoms. For that reason it might be advantageous for everyone, asthmatics and non-asthmatics, to learn to use our lungs in a more effective manner.
-
