Wim Hof Breathing
The “Iceman,” Wim Hoff, is a Dutch motivational speaker and Dutch super-athlete, noted for his ability to withstand freezing temperatures. He has set Guinness World Records for swimming under ice and prolonged full-body contact with ice, and previously held the record for a barefoot half marathon on ice and snow. In other words, he is a badass. He’s also incredibly affable, as evidenced by his elevator pitch, “Wanna get rid of stress and pain? Don’t hold your breath…”
Watch a few seconds of his introduction/mini class “High on Your Own Supply” HERE and try to disagree!
His practice, The Wim Hof Method is a way to keep your body and mind in its optimal natural state. Wim has discovered the nearly supernatural powers of intentioned, focused breathing and developed techniques that reign in boundless mental and physical health boosters.Wim’s breathing exercises are meant to train the body to breathe actively, encouraging the regaining of control over a range of physiological processes in the body. The practice is premised on the idea that the amount of oxygen that we inhale through our breathing influences the amount of energy that is released by the cells in our body—unearthing several health benefits.
Breathing is an unconscious process, regulated by the autonomic nervous system. All the functions of the body, like moving your muscles, digesting food, and even thinking, need oxygen. The processes behind these body functions produce carbon dioxide as a waste product, and it’s the lungs that provide your body with oxygen, and that get rid of the carbon dioxide. This is why the way you breathe has a very powerful effect on your body. With the breathing exercises of the Wim Hof Method you can control your breath, and ultimately your body. Learn everything about the breathing techniques of the Wim Hof Method in his online free Wim Hof Method Mini class.
Breathing techniques, you can easily do yourself:
When you practice the breathing techniques of Wim Hof, and follow the Wim Hof courses, you can eventually control your autonomic nervous system, and boost your health. But, there also are some calming breathing techniques that you can easily do yourself. The only thing you need is just a few minutes of leisure time.
The Process:
If possible, loosen any clothes that restrict you from breathing freely. To start, breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth (lips pursed, as if you are whistling). Let the breath flow as deep as is comfortable into your belly. Breathe regularly and gently. If you are too distracted to focus your mind, steadily count from 1 to 5 during both inhaling and exhaling.
It is important that you practice these exercises regularly, for example as a part of your daily routine. Each time, do these exercises for about 5 to 10 minutes. Before you start, make yourself comfortable. The exercises can be done standing up, lying down or sitting.
Focus your attention on your breath and breath long slow belly inhales. In a circular manner, exhale the same way.
Do this for 30 rounds to start and ultimately increase to 40. You’re advised to stop when you feel lightheaded or when your body is done. Never force it.
On the last exhale of your rep, hold your breath for as long as you can. Most people clock in just over a minute. Rewardingly, after each session you can hold your breath markedly longer.
Benefits:
*Banish Early-Morning Tiredness
*The Real Hangover Cure
*Heal Faster
*Remove Oxygen Deficit and Oxygen Debt
*Warm Yourself Up
*Cool Yourself Down
*Improve Athletic Performance
*Improve Your Ability to Float
*Manage Pain
*Proactively Fight Off Basic Sickness
*Boost Your Energy Levels
*Improve Focus and Mental Clarity
*Use Retention Times To Better Understand Your Body
*Control Your Stress Response
*Develop Greater Patience
*Short-Circuit Anger, Rage, and Frustration
*Help Your Children Buffer the Effects of Technology
*Break Unwanted Associations
*Recover From Jet Lag Quickly
Related posts:
-The Radboud University Medical Center is completing a study on the effects of the Wim Hof Method on inflammation and pain, while the University of California San Francisco is studying how the method influences mental health and stress resilience.
-A 2015 study found that mindset and expectancies—two things cultivated in the Wim Hof Method—play a significant role in immune-mediated outcomes.
-More specifically, a training program consisting of meditation, breathing techniques, and cold exposure has found highly promising results. During an expedition on Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2014, a group of 26 trekkers trained in the Wim Hof Method used breathing techniques to accelerate altitude acclimatization.
Everything you might want to know can be found below. Go get em!
