The Wim Hof Method

Written on May 14, 2019 UNPAID

The Wim Hof Method

Wim Hof is just an ordinary guy, married and has children. There was nothing special about him, he just happened to feel unhappy and helpless in his life. One cold morning, his sudden decision to plunge into the ice cold water changed him. It gave him an intense moment of healing and from then on, he has found his purpose in life.

Who is Wim Hof and Why is He So Popular?

Wim Hof is a Dutchman who recently gained the popular nickname “The Iceman” because of his extraordinary feat. He has demonstrated physical resilience as he face extremely cold temperatures and environments. Currently, he is the holder of 20 world records for staying in an ice bath for more than an hour.

He first appeared in 2008 in a documentary that featured the “Real Superhuman” as well as on the television show called the Quest for the Future Fantastics. His exploits have impressed and intrigued his viewers especially when he continued his incredible feats such as running a marathon on the Arctic circle while wearing only a pair of shorts, raising his core temperature even while submerged in freezing water and climbing part of Mt Everest without oxygen and wearing only shorts.

Some people may consider Wim Hof as a “freak of nature,” or someone with really special abilities. But when he said that what he does can also be learned and developed by others more curious followers were intrigued.  

What is the Wim Hof Method?

The Wim Hof Method is the actual practice or the online video course where Wim Hof teaches people about his breathing exercises, exposure to cold temperatures as well as flexibility and strength exercises.  

This method is not just for people who want to achieve the same extreme resistance or resilience to the cold. People who want to ignite their inner strength, experience better well-being, and well-feeling may also benefit from the WHM.

Healing Oneself with the Wim Hof Method

After several followers have testified about the health benefits and advantages of the Wim Hof Method, more people have started trying it out to find healing and relief for various health conditions such as inflammations, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and depression.

Can this method seriously help with depression? Wim Hof is not a doctor, but what he’s suffered is depression. He did not feel well, he was empty, there was disengagement and like he was sinking. All these are the opposite of feeling and being alive, having energy, passion or vitality.   

Cold showers are known to effectively combat ill-feelings and the methods used by Wim Hof could be as effective because there is the rush of positive feelings and it re-connects your feelings with your body again.

People who’ve tried the WHM testifies the experiencing several health benefits. They are revitalized with boosted energy levels. After each session, the experience lower stress and they have improved focus and concentration. The method is also said to have strengthened their immune system helps them recover better and more quickly.

Wim Hof Methods and Science  

Wim Hof do not consider his feats as acts to prove something or gain something. He even consider them as “circus acts.” Like others he also want to discover what is really happening. And recently, he started collaborating with the academic and scientific world to gather proof of the benefits that his methods have for the body and mind.

Steps in the Wim Hof Method

There are three major parts in the famous Wim Hof Method.

1. The Breathing Technique

This part of the method will teach you some breathing techniques that will help in heat generation and awaken the fire in your body. Practicing this regularly is said to produce a warmer feeling afterwards.

2. Commitment and Focus

This second part of the method will help and test your commitment and focus. This will challenge you out of your comfort zone so that you can move beyond boundaries. This is where one will discover that things actually go by themselves and you don’t need much effort to conquer your challenges. The exercises and challenges usually ends with a cold shower.

3. Cold Shower Therapy

Gradual exposure to cold showers improves a person’s cardiovascular system. The veins grow stronger and become trained to pump more blood and warmed to the body’s outer extremities. You will be encouraged to take cold showers after a normally warm one. The temperature is set colder every day until the body becomes used to the temperature.

Final Thoughts on the Wim Hof Method

His methods may sound a bit extreme for some, but people are recognizing his ground-breaking work. This feats were previously deemed impossible by science but further studies are being conducted to learn more about the mysteries of the human body through him.

The Wim Hof methods could have huge impact in areas of depression and other illnesses. Presently, there are more people who are willing to take the chance for healing and self-discovery with his methods, which despite being extreme, has certainly given various physical, social and mental health benefits.