Many severe asthma sufferers are resigned to a life of fits, drugs and hospitals. But according to Mrs Nina Marzi of Wollongong, a simple treatment not acknowledged by orthodox medicine could be the answer for many asthmatics.

Mrs Marzi was taught the method by her Russian father – who fought for acceptance of his methods until he died.

“I’m prescribing the same breathing exercises he used and using the special vibrator he invented the way he showed me to,” she said.

The treatment is simple, and according to some of Mrs Marzi’s patients, the results spectacular.

Mr John Kovacevic from Rose Bay, travels down to Wollongong so that his son James can be treated. “My son had been in hospital five times and I was told by doctors that asthma is incurable,” he said. Mr Kovacevic claims his son improved immediately after visiting Mrs Marzi.

“For the first time for years he could sleep properly,” he said. “Now I do the exercises with him at home. The change has been unbelievable.”

Joanne Cambell, 19, of Melbourne, claims Mrs Marzi was a “lifesaver.” Joanne was a chronic asthmatic addicted to cortisone. “In desperation my mother and I flew to Sydney to see Mrs Marzi,” she said. “I’ve already cut down on the cortisone. For the first time in my life I feel as if I am breathing properly.”