Self-test: Breathe freely

Bute

Breathing calmly relaxes and energizes. The right breathing technique has an effect throughout the day.

(Bild: SalzburgerLand Tourismus)

A long-time, severe asthmatic has been living without medication since her consistent, daily breathing training and passes on her knowledge. Christina Osinger from Taggenbrunn is a Buteyko trainer. A self-experiment...

"Breathing is at the beginning and end of life," says Christina Osinger, reminding us how vital breathing, which usually goes completely unnoticed, is. For many years, the Taggenbrunn resident had to suffer just how difficult life is with breathing problems: "I had severe asthma. I needed the spray at least ten times a day, and I also took cortisone. My lungs were badly affected."

Christina Osinger trains children, teenagers, adults and people of all ages in the Buteyko breathing technique.

(Bild: Osinger)

But then the learning coach got to know the Buteyko breathing technique: "I immediately felt: this is what I need! I practiced every day, sometimes on the side. I no longer need any medication."

Correct breathing can improve the oxygen supply to the brain and therefore help to control breathing problems, anxiety, restlessness, depression and panic attacks.

Christina Osinger, Buteyko-Atemtrainerin

This success motivated Osinger to train as a Buteyko trainer. "My oldest customer came at the age of 79, with COPD and an oxygen machine, and was able to benefit from the breathing technique. Others report that their high blood pressure has normalized. I have had good experiences with children using the breathing technique for better concentration, athletes are more efficient thanks to the extra oxygen, a client with fatigue syndrome is delighted with the huge improvements, and this breathing technique is very relaxing," reports Osinger.

Back in 2018, Christina and Rainer M. Osinger created an "asthma workbook for parents and children": "Lion Aragon defeats his asthma: Breathing easier with Aragon". A book could also be written about Christina's experiences with Buteyko and instructions for everyone...

(Bild: Osinger)

The breathing technique was developed by Ukrainian-born doctor Konstantin Buteyko (1923-2003), who used it to calm his migraines and high blood pressure and was then able to help many asthmatics.

The basic rule of his technique: less is more. Breathe exclusively through the nose, taking calm, small, slow breaths.

Christina Osinger Breathing training according to Buteyko Taggenbrunn

(Bild: Osinger)

Let's breathe!
I have to try that! My body can breathe, of course, otherwise I wouldn't be alive. Through my biggest hobby, acting, I have already learned breathing techniques in numerous speech technique courses, and through my second biggest hobby, mountain walking, I can breathe quite well even under great exertion. But Buteyko is also said to be good for sleep problems, constantly spinning thoughts and stress. So off to see Christina Osinger!

She wants to know a few key health points from me: No, no asthma, no allergies, fears - yes, of spiders. Yes, I have trouble falling asleep every night and my mind is constantly racing...

Then I should just breathe - but as soon as you concentrate on it, nothing is easy anymore. I can only breathe in and out through my nose and always keep my mouth closed. Breathing quietly is also natural for me, I rarely let out a gasp or sigh.

The breathing pause to check
Then comes the first challenge: inhale, exhale - and pause for breath. Christina Osinger stops with me. 13 seconds. Well. According to Buteyko, anyone who can hold this pause for less than 20 seconds is also more often tired, breathless, wheezing, coughing and has a cold. Those who can hold this so-called control pause for 40 seconds are in top form, breathe properly and are therefore full of energy. In apnoea diving, the world record is 24 minutes and 37 seconds! But I don't have to achieve this goal. But daily, brief practice should increase the number, says the trainer.

And the heart rate goes down! A bit of conscious breathing, and already a few beats less. Wonderful!

And above all, it should help me fall asleep, calm my thoughts and ensure better performance in sport. "My husband Rainer also learned the Buteyko technique and was irritated the first time he went jogging. But he kept trying it, just breathing with his nose while running - and he now swears by it and the increase in performance," reveals Christina Osinger.

Information on breathing training

For information on Buteyko breathing training and individual and small group courses, contact Christina Osinger: 0664 / 43 46 371 or [e-mail]

So I go home with the folder she gives me, with the information and lists for exercise progress in it and fully motivated. The introductory course, which lasted three hours in a relaxed atmosphere, is over. Now it's up to me how many minutes a day I practise. The trainer will give me an update after a month. But I have to finish this report now, because I want to refine my breathing technique and simply do nothing but breathe for a few minutes...