Control Pause How to measure video

Control Pause

The control pause is agreed to be the most direct measure of the index of sensitivity of CO2 build up in the body. As you practice buteyko breathing your CP can increase. Contrary to how we might think about oxygen and CO2; we need a good amount of CO2 in our body to allow oxygen to get into our tissues. Our goal is to have a CP that is more than 40 seconds (at least 30 seconds).

- 3 normal breaths in/out and hold as long as possible until sensation of movement from body - diaphragm, sometimes in throat,- muscle movement, not the brain/thoughts of needing to breath.
- CP is thought to provide Indirect index of sensitivity of CO2 build up
- If sx go away and/or high 20s-30s ok. Ideal over 40.
How to perform the control pause:
- Breath 3x normally: inhale - exhale, inhale-exhale, inhale-exhale.
- On this final exhale - push all the air out completely and start a timer once completely emptied.
- Hold your breath for as long as possible. How long is as long as possible? It will be indicated by a muscle or movement that comes from your muscles. This distinction is very important! The desire to breath will come when your brain tires to tell you 'it's time to breath' - ignore this for a long as possible. Your indication that you 'have' to breath will come when you feel a muscle flutter or muscle movement from you diaphragm, chest muscles, or throat. Note that this may take some practice.
- Stop the timer when you feel your body wanting to breath e.g., a flutter of the diaphragm, or throat muscles.