The Carbon Dioxide Syndrome

What is the Carbon Dioxide Syndrome?
It is a physiological condition of the blood in which there is too little dissolved carbon dioxide.

Why is that important?
Carbon dioxide is what stimulates oxygen to leave the blood and nourish the tissues of the body.  An extreme example of too little carbon dioxide in the blood is hyperventilation, where a person is breathing excessively and passes out.

What are other possible symptoms of this condition?

1. Asthma
2. Allergies
3. Bronchitis
4. Diabetes
5. Snoring
6. Hypoglycemia
7. Headaches
8. Sleep Apnea
9. Chronic Fatigue
10. Panic Attacks

* Remember every cell of the body requires oxygen to function properly, so a wide range of problems can be potentially caused by this condition.

How can I improve this condition?
Dr. Konslantin Buteyko developed a breathing technique, which aims to increase carbon dioxide in the blood.  The following is a simplified version of his technique.

1. Always breath through your nose if possible.
2. Take a gentle breath in for 2-3 seconds.
3. Exhale for 2-3 seconds.
4. Hold your breath out for 2-3 seconds
5. Do two sessions per day for 20 minutes, if time permits. As you improve, you can extend the breath holding time, as long as it is comfortable to do so.

Where can I look for further information?

1. Patrick McKeown has several books on the subject and sells a book/DVD combo which presents the Buteyko technique in detail.
2. There are numerous YouTube videos on the subject.

See backside for web site, books, DVD/CD and YouTubes videos.

Web Site
Buteyko Clinic International
http://buteykoclinic.com/

Book/DVD
Book – Buteyko Clinic Method 2hr DVD, CD, Manual; the Complete Instruction to Reverse Asthma, Rhinitis and Snoring Permanently  by Patrick McKeown (Breathing techniques)
Available on Amazon $20
Available on Buteykodvd.com $50
Book – The Carbon Dioxide Syndrome  by Jennifer and Russell Stark  (Presents an excellent explanation of the physiology and symptoms of this condition, but no technique.)

YouTube Videos
Ted Talk: Shut your Mouth and Change your Life
Patrick McKeown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBqGS-vEIs0

Buteyko Breathing Exercises in 3 minutes
by Patrick McKeown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKaUEVnducI

Buteyko Method: The Control Pause
by Patrick McKeown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjCVKgT_6y8