The Buteyko method is a way to counteract asthmatic symptoms and various other problematic issues related to respiration by using a series of breathing exercises that you can easily learn in a week or so. It was devised by a Russian doctor called Buteyko, after whom it was named.

The Buteyko method consists of three steps:

Step 1: The "Control Pause" Breathing Test
Breathe twice normally, then exhale, and hold your breath. Try to hold it in for at least a minute.

Step 2: Shallow Breathing
Breathe for five minutes, keeping your mouth tightly closed. Repeat Step 1, and see if you can hold your breath for more than a minute now. If your nose is clogged, hold your nose between your fingers for a few minutes to unclog the nostrils.

Step 3: Putting It Together
Repeat Steps 1 and 2 four or more consecutive times. It should take you less than half an hour.

This simple three-step program should be done at least thrice a day for seven consecutive days. After that time has elapsed, there is a good chance that your asthma will be less of a bother. You will also be able to hold your breath (after breathing out) for more than a minute.