What is buteyko?

The Buteyko Breathing Method was developed by a Ukrainian doctor, Konstantin Buteyko, to normalise breathing volume and bring improvements to many common ailments such as asthma, anxiety, sleep disorders and rhinitis (stuffy nose). Dr Buteyko combined eastern breathing techniques practiced by Yogis with the science of western medicine, and over several decades refined the exercises to optimise the health benefits.

The Buteyko breathing exercises increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues around the body, resulting in improved circulation, better exercise performance and more open airways as well as many health benefits.

diagram of person breathing into lungs

The main principles of Buteyko breathing involve breathing through the nose, using the diaphragm and with a healthy respiratory rate and breathing volume.

I completed my breathwork practitioner training with Patrick McKeown, who trained at Dr Buteyko’s clinic over 20 years ago to cure his asthma and has been sharing his knowledge and skills ever since. Patrick McKeown is the founder of The Buteyko Clinic International and The Oxygen Advantage. He has developed and refined the breathing exercises that he trains to be simple, highly effective and suitable for everyone.

I am a qualified Buteyko Breathing Method instructor (BBMcert) with a degree in psychology (BSc hons). I’m passionate about mental health and how it cannot be isolated from physical health. The mind affects the body, the body affects the mind, and underpinning everything is the breath.

Breathwork is something that everyone can benefit from learning, whether they suffer from asthma or health issues that don’t at first appear to stem from breathing dysfunction.

Breathe Better principles

  • nose

    Make the switch to nasal breathing permanently

  • Breathing volume

    Learn to breathe at a respiratory rate and volume to optimise your health

  • Diaphragm

    Diaphragmatic breathing will increase your breathing efficiency

What will you learn?

Scientific method that optimises your mental health and your physical state.

Reduce anxiety and stress

Increase exercise performance

Get better circulation

Improve mental clarity and concentration

Reduce asthma symptoms

Sleep better

Open your airways and decongest your nose

  • The breath work Masterclass I completed with Breathe Better was so insightful with practical tools to start using instantly. It’s only been a week and I already notice a marked improvement in terms of alertness and clarity and also having the best sleep ever!! Thank you!!!

    E. Moxon, Auckland

  • Ruth's knowledge and skills made the course very enjoyable. The course helped me to review my breathing patterns and to make changes.

    B. Schwenger, Auckland

  • Ruth was incredibly professional and knowledgeable when coaching me and I have been able to implement the techniques into my daily routine to better manage any stress or anxiety I may be feeling. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a breath coach!

    T. Moore, Auckland

  • Ruth is a fantastic coach, very knowledgable and the exercises are simple to fit into your day. I wanted to do the breathing course to improve my breathing when running and I convinced my fiancé to do it with me to help with work stress and sleep.

    L. Quickfall, Michigan

  • Ruth is an incredible teacher. I enjoyed the masterclass so much and came away with practical knowledge I could implement in my life straight away. I look forward to working with Ruth again in the future.

    C. Hacon, Auckland

  • It has improved my sleeping, breathing during physical activities as well as my everyday breathing. I am now much more aware of what good breathing should be. Even though the workshops I attended was a group one Ruth was always very good at personalising it and always answered all my questions. Thank you very much!

    L. Fletcher-Ha, Auckland

  • The name says it all, Breathe Better was a course my partner signed me up for thinking it would help with some work/life anxiety. Ruth's passion for teaching breath work is evident, and the experience is a foundation for a transformative journey to overcome my stress and anxiety struggles.

    M. Olsen, Michigan

  • Ruth is amazing, a true professional and worked to create a personalized programme for me which took into account my unique quirks and issues.

    E. Caughey, Auckland

  • Ruth is truly amazing. I am new to breathwork and it was my husbands first time. Ruth made us both feel very comfortable, she gave clear instructions and explanations, and the exercises were both challenging in a way and incredible. We both felt so good afterwards. Highly recommend.

    M. and S. McCormick