Physiotherapist Gill Austin describes a simple breathing technique to quickly stop an asthma attack.

Physiotherapist and Buteyko teacher Gillian Austin teaches the simple Mini-Pauses exercise to help nip asthma symptoms in the bud, with Janet Brindley demonstrating how to practise. Useful for people suffering with asthma, anxiety, panic, and other conditions.
Put a 4 minute audio talk through of Mini-pauses on your phone for emergencies -
• 4 minute audio talk th...
HOW TO PRACTISE MINI-PAUSES
Nose breathing throughout. Small breath in and release
Normal breath in out and PAUSE -1
Normal breath in out and PAUSE -1 - 2
Normal breath in out and PAUSE -1 - 2 - 3
Normal breath in out and PAUSE -1 - 2
Normal breath in out and PAUSE -1
Try two or three rounds, if you still feel breathless follow your normal procedure.
For one-to-one tuition please look at www.buteykobre...
The Mini-Pause exercise is one element of the full Buteyko programme.
Gillian Austin is a Respiratory physiotherapist for Hertfordshire Community NHS Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service.
Janet Brindley is the author of the Buteyko Practice Diary and Breathe Well and Live Well with COPD:
A 28-Day Breathing Exercise Plan. She is also a co-author of the Self Help Asthma - the Buteyko Method DVD pack and the Buteyko Breathing Association Teacher training manual.
The exercises shown here are designed to help you as you take your first steps in learning Buteyko with a trained teacher or physiotherapist. It is important to follow the programme your teacher sets out for you, so work through each section before moving on. Don't be tempted to jump ahead or rush through to the end.
In your first week of Buteyko, try to stick to the programme as closely as possible. The first week establishes important elements such as posture and relaxation, making the new exercises learned in the second and subsequent weeks easier to master.