While this seems like it is extreme, more mainstream medical authorities are also promoting the health benefits of cold showers. This triggers an influence over the autonomic nervous system, which gives the unique ability to withstand the endotoxin injection.
#Wim hof breathing cold shower series#
His breathing exercises involve a series of deep inhalations and holding of the breath, which floods the body with adrenaline and stimulates the release of a key messaging protein, Interleukin 10. Hof attributes his abilities to a combination of cold immersion, meditation, and breathwork according to his website. It was through this practice that he discovered the physical and mental health benefits of this combination of breathwork, meditation, and cold immersion according to Hof’s website. Eventually, he could remain submerged under the icy water for minutes at a time while holding his breath. He continued his practice of cold immersion alongside meditation and breathing techniques as a form of therapy. And, one morning, while overlooking a cold stream in the Netherlands, he had the urge to jump in.įeeling the intensity of that cold, Hof cultivated the strength to push past physical and mental limitations. Hof’s VICE documentary retells how, as a young father, he found himself tragically alone with four children after his wife died in 1995. But his mission is far from that, a story born out of tragedy that transcends to healing. The extreme athlete from the Netherlands might seem like a stuntman just looking for his chance at fame. The man actually submerged himself in a tank of ice for over 70 minutes and climbed to an altitude of 7,200 meters (23,600 feet) on Mount Everest wearing nothing but shorts and shoes. Indeed, Hof’s incredible ability to withstand extreme cold temperatures has certainly captured the attention of many. You may recognize his name from the podcast circuit, or from his documentary with VICE, The Superhuman World of Wim Hof: The Iceman. Spearheaded by a man named Wim Hof, known by some as the Ice Man, cold water immersion is gaining popularity. Now, a cold-water immersion movement suggests that exposure to the cold actually does the opposite it could boost your immune system and prevent you from getting sick. While growing up, your parents probably told you to bundle up when going outside, or else you’ll catch a cold. What’s the secret to feeling happy, healthy, and strong? It might be as simple as a cold shower.