Buteyko Certification Alternative: Which Path Fits You?

The right Buteyko certification alternative depends on your goal. Clinical reduced breathing for asthma, sleep and anxiety belongs with a Buteyko school. The whole spectrum of Breathwork belongs with us.

Liquid Breathwork is not affiliated with or endorsed by Buteyko Clinic International or Patrick McKeown, and we don't teach or certify the Buteyko Method.

Next training
Online: next cohort March 9, 2027
In person: Scottsdale, Feb 5-7

See Our Training Side-by-Side Comparison

Clinical Breathing or the Full Spectrum

Choose a Buteyko school

If you only want an exclusive deep dive into clinical reduced breathing, they are your best bet. Go with them.

  • Asthma and other breathing disorders
  • Snoring, sleep apnea and insomnia
  • Stress, anxiety and panic
  • A credential aimed at health, dental, sleep and myofunctional professionals

Choose Liquid Breathwork

If you want the principles behind reduced breathing AND the entire spectrum of Breathwork, we're the better fit.

  • When to breathe less, when to breathe more, and how to guide either safely
  • Breathwork history, from ancient lineages to modern methods
  • A full conscious connected session you learn to lead
  • The therapeutic and spiritual benefits of surrender, our specialty

Liquid Breathwork vs Buteyko Certification

ComparedLiquid BreathworkButeyko Clinic International
Who runs itRyan McBurney and Shelby Von Oepen, RN, teach every cohort togetherLed by Patrick McKeownHe trained clinically with Dr. Konstantin Buteyko in Russia.
FormatLive training, in person or on online group calls, built around hands-on practice and real experience so you leave confident guiding.Online: self-paced, plus 7 two-hour live classesLive: four days in person, plus online assessments and case studies.
Trauma-informedYes. Woven throughout the training and built into our whole approach to Breathwork.Not stated on their site
SessionsA taught session structure, script, AND guiding phrasesThen we encourage fluidity and following your intuition.Not stated on their site
In person in the USYes. Phoenix area, plus seven more US cities in 2027.Yes. Their October 2026 listing included Denver, Colorado.Other live dates were in London and Malaga.
Duration3 days in person, or 12 weeks onlineOnline: 100 hoursLive: four days plus the online work.
Price$1,497Online. Early bird through January 1, 2027, then $1,797.$1,997In person, 2027 early bird, then $2,497.Online: €995Denver: $1,495. London: €1,350.
FocusConscious connected Breathwork / Rebirthing and surrender, with our signature Liquid Breathwork sessionPlus a wide technique range and business training.Clinical reduced breathing for respiratory, sleep, anxiety and mental health conditions

Buteyko figures from buteykoclinic.com, checked October 14, 2026, trauma-informed claim checked October 26, 2026. We compare this school because it publishes prices and US dates. Confirm current details on their site.

Ryan McBurney guiding a live Liquid Breathwork class in Phoenix

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Where Our Training Overlaps, and Where It Stops

You'll learn both ends of the breath: when to breathe less than the body is asking for (hypoventilation), when to breathe more (hyperventilation), and how to guide people safely through either.

That includes nasal breathing, CO2 tolerance and breath holds, taught as one part of our Breathwork certification. Liquid Breathwork is a surrender-based inward journey: still powerful, but not as intense as some styles like Holotropic Breathwork, so you can actually go deeper through surrender.

These lessons cover the reduced-breathing side of the curriculum.

  • Breath Rate & Lifespan: Breathe Light, Low & Slow
  • Nose vs Mouth: When to Use Each
  • The Biochemistry of Breath: Oxygen, CO2 & the Bohr Effect
  • Breath Mastery Techniques: Part 3
  • Breath Mastery Techniques: Part 2

See the full curriculum

What we don't teach: BOLT scoring or Buteyko protocols. We cover CO2 tolerance and hypoxia as theory, not as an altitude-training protocol. We don't treat asthma or sleep apnea, and our training doesn't prepare you to. For clinical work, train with a Buteyko school.

Breathwork Training
Dates and Tuition

Three days in person or twelve weeks online. The same surrender-based method and mentorship from Ryan and Shelby either way.

See all dates and locations (6 more)

Every Training Includes

  • Complete course materials and manual
  • Ongoing mentorship from Ryan and Shelby
  • Private graduate community
  • Monthly graduate call on the first Wednesday of every month

Not sure yet? Share your info and we will reach out or Book a Clarity Call.

Buteyko Certification Alternative FAQ

What is the Buteyko breathing method?

A reduced-breathing method developed by Dr. Konstantin Buteyko and refined by Patrick McKeown. Buteyko Clinic International applies it to asthma and breathing disorders, snoring and sleep apnea, and stress, anxiety and panic.

Does Liquid Breathwork teach the Buteyko Method?

No. We teach the principles behind breathing less (hypoventilation) and breathing more (hyperventilation), but not Buteyko protocols, and we don't certify anyone in the Buteyko Method.

How much does Buteyko certification cost?

In October 2026 Buteyko Clinic International listed its online certification at €995 and a four-day live training in Denver, Colorado at $1,495. Its London live training was €1,350. Check their site for current prices.

Is Buteyko the same as Oxygen Advantage?

No, but they are related. Patrick McKeown leads both. Buteyko Clinic International centers on clinical work such as asthma, sleep and anxiety, while Oxygen Advantage centers on functional breathing for health, performance and sport.

Still comparing? Read our roundup of the best Breathwork certifications, or the Oxygen Advantage certification alternative comparison.

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