Woodstock, NY -- There's a safe, nonmedical treatment for asthma, long used in other countries, that's just now gaining recognition in the US as asthmatics get cured with it. It's called the Buteyko Method, and it's been used in Russia for more than five decades.

Leading Buteyko advocates and practitioners Sasha and Thomas Yakovlev-Fredricksen say the Buteyko Method is gaining traction here in the US. Even New York Times health writer Jane Brody, who rarely covers "alternative treatments," has written in praise of this one (link).

Asthma has reached epidemic proportions in the US. The CDC states that more than 17 million Americans suffer from asthma -- including 1 in 10 children. The good news? The Buteyko Method is a safe, natural, and proven cure for asthma.

Unlike other "alternative treatments," the Buteyko Method, which involves simple breathing techniques, has been studied in major clinical trials, written about in peer-reviewed medical journals, and is taught in Russian medical schools and covered by insurance in Australia. It was developed by MDs and is used by many MDs worldwide. Yet many US doctors and patients still don't know about it.

Sasha and Thomas hope to change that. According to Sasha, "Asthma sufferers are overcome with gratitude once they learn the Buteyko Method breathing techniques from a trained Buteyko practitioner." She has seen hundreds get immediate relief from coughing, stuffy nose, shortness of breath, and panic from not being able to breathe.

Scientists agree that one of the main causes of bronchospasm in the lungs is a low level of CO2. Put simply, the Buteyko breathing techniques help a person quickly normalize CO2 level in the lungs, causing the walls of the bronchioles to relax, and opening up the airways. Instead of hyperventilating, which is what asthmatics do to get more air, the Buteyko Method teaches them how to breathe less. Although it sounds counterintuitive, when people take in less air, asthma symptoms can be reduced or completely eliminated.

Sasha and Thomas share these seven benefits of the Buteyko Method:

· It's harmless. The breathing technique is harmless if practiced as directed by a well-trained Buteyko specialist.

· It helps you save money. Once you've learned the Buteyko Method -- from a specialist, an audio CD course, a webinar, or a weekend workshop -- you'll spend less on doctors' bills and little or nothing on medications.

· It helps you taper off drugs. Once patients have mastered the breathing exercises, most of them can taper off or completely eliminate their asthma medications, including steroids, which have harmful side effects if taken over the long term.

· It changes the way you feel. Asthmatics who learn the Buteyko Method naturally start eating less, feel healthier, and need less time for sleep. They wake up feeling energetic, have more fun exercising, and experience fewer incidents of coughing, sneezing, and breathing problems.

· It gives you control. The Buteyko Method enables you to completely control a coughing fit, relax into an asthma attack so you can regain your breath, and avoid panicking if you are somewhere without your inhaler.

· It can be taught to children. The Buteyko Method exercises are simple enough to be taught to children -- and the Buteyko Center provides educational programs that are specifically designed for parents who want to help children as young as three overcome symptoms of asthma, quickly and effectively.

· It contributes to overall health. Because the Buteyko breathing techniques bring CO2 levels in your lungs back to normal, they have a positive effect on the immune and metabolic system. People discover that they feel better, have fewer colds and flus, and get relief from symptoms they didn't even know were related, such as fatigue, low-level depression, joint pain, and eczema.

Sasha and Thomas will be teaching Buteyko Method workshops in Woodstock, NY (March 19-20) and Manhattan, NY (April 2-3). Learn more at 845-684-5456 or info@buteykocenterusa.com, or by visiting www.ButeykoCenterUSA.com.

Cofounders of the Buteyko Center USA (www.ButeykoCenterUSA.com), Thomas and Sasha Yakovlev-Fredricksen are Certified Advanced Buteyko Method Specialists. Buteyko Center USA was granted exclusive rights by the Clinica Buteyko in Russia to serve all Buteyko practitioners around the world by being the official clearinghouse for learning materials, courses, and Buteyko Method certification training programs. A former serious asthmatic, Thomas credits the Buteyko Method with saving him from a life filled with fear, disability, and heavy medications.