Learning the Buteyko method by modules
Module 8. Restrictions, limits, and temporary contraindications
Blood clots
Reduced breathing dilates arteries and arterioles and makes blood thinner so that an existing blood clot could get loose and travel via the blood. The released clot may block blood flow through the artery leading to the brain or heart muscle and cause death. Hence, a person with a blood clot will benefit only from defensive measures in relation to breathing retraining (prevention of CP drops due to mouth breathing, sleeping on one’s back, correct posture, etc.). These defensive activities prevent periods of hyperventilation that make blood thicker and the clot larger.
Later, when the clot is dissolved or removed, the person can follow the program of breathing retraining adjusted to their new health state.