Wim Hof (born 20 April 1959), also known as The Iceman, is a Dutch extreme athlete noted for his ability to withstand extreme cold, which he attributes to his Wim Hof Method (WHM) breathing techniques. This method enables you to manipulate your central nervous system, and increase your PH value in your body, boost your immune system and your energy level.
His method is based on three powerful pillars:
1.Cold Therapy: The cold is your warm friend and one of the three pillars of the Wim Hof Method. 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.
2. Breathing: The second pillar of the Wim Hof method is breathing. We’re always breathing, yet we’re mostly unaware of its tremendous potential. 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.
3. Commitment: The third pillar of the Wim Hof method is the foundation of the other two: 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.
Controlled hyperventilation - The first phase involves 30 cycles of breathing. Each cycle goes as follows: take a powerful breath in, fully filling the lungs. Breathe out by passively releasing the breath, but not actively exhaling. Repeat this cycle at a steady rapid pace thirty times. Hof says that this form of hyperventilation may lead to tingling sensations or light-headedness.
Exhalation -After completion of the 30 cycles of controlled hyperventilation, take another deep breath in, and let it out completely. Hold the breath for as long as possible.
Breath retention -When strong urges to breathe occur, take a full deep breath in. Hold the breath for around 15 - 20 seconds and let it go. The body may experience a normal head-rush sensation.
Why do I bring up this method in this site?
Because this method is so efficient and so easy. The story of Wim how inspired me. He is so strong mentally and physically. And of course he had emotional pain in life. Every strangeness in our life comes from a reason. We as human beings have some pain points, sometimes the feeling that we lose the control of our lives, or feel depressed and don't know what do to, where the journey brings us. Wim How had also a situation where he felt that he couldn't understand the world, and lose the control when his wife took the decision to take her own live. Wim How is a real life example of how you can go out of your comfort zone, how you can break your limits and be stronger mentally and physically.
We will share our experiences with you in this journey by using this method as well.
Are you curious about the method? Below you can find a video of his