WIM HOF – WIM HOF APPROACH

WIM HOF – WIM HOF APPROACH

INTRODUCTION

The Wim Hof Method combines breathing, cold therapy, and commitment to help you connect more deeply to your body. It involves powerful inhalation, relaxed exhalation, and prolonged breath holds.

Proponents say the technique can lead to:

• increased immunity
• better sleep
• reduced stress
• heightened focus

However, there are certain precautions and contraindications you should be aware of. Learn more about the Wim Hof Method, how to do it yourself, and what the research says.

What is Wim Hof breathing?

The Wim Hof Method was created by Wim Hof, a Dutch extreme athlete who is also known as “The Iceman.” Hof believes you can accomplish incredible feats by developing command over your body, breath, and mind through the use of specific breathing techniques and tolerance to extreme temperatures.

There are three pillars to the Wim Hof Method:

• breathing
• cold therapy
• commitment

WIM HOF – WIM HOF APPROACH

Benefits

According to the Wim Hof Method website, the technique offers benefits, including:

• increased energy
• better sleep
• reduced stress levels
• heightened focus and determination
• increased willpower
• stronger immune system

Not all of these benefits are supported by scientific evidence.

Those that are include:

• voluntary influence of the nervous system and immune system
• anti-inflammatory effects
• decreases in flu-like symptoms
• increased levels of nervous system neurotransmitters
• reductions in altitude sickness
• improved oxygen delivery during exercise

Scientists are still learning about how Hof’s breathing techniques affect the brain and metabolic activity, physical endurance, mental health, the immune system, inflammation, and pain.