If you're into your health and well being, I mean really into it, you would of come across the Wim Hof method at some point. It's gained a lot of traction in the last few years since appearing on Joe Rogan's podcast a couple of times. If you don't know anything about Wim Hof these two podcast episodes are a pretty good place to start.
At first you'll probably think that Wim Hof is simply a crazy Dutchman, and in many ways he is. Maybe you'll cast him aside as another guru selling snake oil. The difference is, his methods are backed up by science and academia, and also he's completed some rather astonishing feats that you would think impossible. Before we get into his method and what it is, we should take a look at some of the things he's done, in a way you would never think possible.
Some of thing she's done might seem a little nuts, but when you start to understand how his method works, it's all becomes a little clearer.
- Running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle, barefoot only wearing shorts
- Swimming underneath ice for 66 meter
- Hanging on one finger at an altitude of 2,000 meters
- Climbing the highest mountains in the world while wearing shorts ( yes...Everest)
- Running a full marathon in the Namib Desert without drinking
- Standing in a container while covered in ice cubes for extended periods of time
Wim believes he is able to control his sympathetic nervous system and also pain. He's been subjected to studies and experiments with scientists trying to work out how he can do what he does.
Here are some published studies:
https://www.wimhofmethod.com/uploads/kcfinder/files/WHM_Hopman.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4819555/pdf/10067_2015_Article_3009.pdf
https://www.wimhofmethod.com/blog/study-brain-over-body
There has been plenty of discussion about what it actually is. To me, it's essentially a way for us as humans to control the mind (mind over matter), to become healthier, happier and more powerful.
When I first started hearing about it and started digging into the concept, I was struck by how simple it is. I was expecting a plethora of information that was going to take time, energy and money to implement and get results. But nothing could be further from the truth. Immediately you start to realise that this is for everybody. Everyone on the planet has the tools already to do this.
The 3 pillars of the method are Breathing, Cold Exposure and Commitment. Sounds simple, but there is a lot of science behind it.
If you follow this method, Wim and those that follow this method will tell you that it can:
- boost you immune system
- improve your mental health
- Increase your sports performance
- relieve stress
- more energy
- better sleep
- work out recovery
- increased will power
- boost concentration
- deal with depression
- burn out recovery
- fibromyalgia relief
- arthritis relief
- asthma management
- copd management
- increased creativity
- increased cold tolerance
With such a long list of potential benefits, you would think that is might be a panacea. Maybe it is.....Let's hear some testimonials.
This is the part of the method that seems to freak everyone out the most. I get it. It freaks me out too. But when you start to listen the the stories of those who use it, weirdly they start to tell you they love it. But not at first.
The idea is that you either immerse yourself in an ice bath for a period of time, or simply have a short cold shower when your first starting out.
"Proper exposure to the cold starts a cascade of health benefits, including the buildup of brown adipose tissue and resultant fat loss, reduced inflammation that facilitates a fortified immune system, balanced hormone levels, improved sleep quality, and the production of endorphins— the feel-good chemicals in the brain that naturally elevate your mood." Source: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/
This is the part where there is no excuse for anyone to to give it a go. It's simple, relatively easy, and anyone can do it.
"Heightened oxygen levels hold a treasure trove of benefits, and the specialized breathing technique of the Wim Hof Method unearths them all: more energy, reduced stress levels, and an augmented immune response that swiftly deals with pathogens." Source: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/
This is the part where I think most people will struggle, or actually fail. Like anything in life that is beneficial, it generally takes time and effort. Will power is what most people lack the most, and consistency and commitment are tough things to master.
"both cold exposure and conscious breathing require patience and dedication in order to be fully mastered. Armed with focus and determination you are ready to explore and eventually master your own body and mind." Source: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/
Right now I'm just starting my journey with the Wim Hof method. Along with consistent fasting, exercise, diet, Curavita Green Boost, and now The Wim Hof Method, it's going to be an interesting 12 months to see where I can take my body and mind.
After a week of #WimHof breath work I hit my personal breath hold record! #5minutes pic.twitter.com/3TAXLhhOw2
— John D'Orazio (@JohnTDOrazio) July 3, 2019
Comments will be approved before showing up.
