The Wim Hof Method has been gaining traction over the years. It is a technique that combines cold therapy, breathing, and commitment to allow you to better connect with your body. Through prolonged breath holds, powerful inhalation, and relaxed exhalation, you can expect to improve your health. Proponents believe that it can improve focus, reduce stress, counter insomnia, and increase immunity. If you are interested in the technique, here is everything you need to know.
What Is Wim Hof Breathing?
For those of you that do not know, the Wim Hof Method is a technique created by Wim Hof. The extreme athlete hails from the Netherlands and is also called the Iceman. The method is based on the belief that developing command over the mind, body, and breath can offer a host of benefits. It requires tolerance to extreme temperatures and the use of certain breathing techniques.
Anyone who is new to the Wim Hof method has to learn controlled deep breathing techniques which can be practiced on their own or in combination with exposure to extremely cold temperatures.
By focusing on your breathing, it becomes possible to boost oxygen levels and get rid of carbon dioxide. This has been found to help with pain management, mental focus, mood, anxiety, and depression. The main purpose of the method is to enable you to master your cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems for a healthier and happier life.
How You Can Practice Wim Hof Breathing?
As there is a basic format that you need to follow for Wim Hof Method, you should have no trouble trying it out. Keep in mind that there might be slight variations available as there are different teachers out there. However, the techniques are all the same in their essence and purpose. Besides, you get to decide how you want to practice the technique depending on how you are feeling on a particular day. The following steps need to be followed to give it a try.
- Inhale strongly through your nose.
- Exhale in a relaxed manner from your mouth.
- Repeat the inhalation and exhalation to achieve 30 breaths.
- After you are done with the 30th breath, you need to exhale to 90% and try to hold your breath for as long as possible.
- Only when you feel like your body is in need of taking a breath should you inhale completely and hold it for 15 seconds before you release it.
Continue this format for 3 rounds. As you continue with the method, you will begin to feel like it is a wave that is flowing through the lungs. It will take some time for you to master it. It is helpful to engage your diaphragm to get the most out of it. Once you practice this method, you will open a door of health benefits waiting for you.
How do we use the Wim Hof method?
At Float Coppell, we encourage our clients to utilize the Wim Hof method before floating and cold therapy sessions. Utilizing the Wim Hof breathing method allows you to better withstand the cold water during a cold plunge and also provides a relaxed state going into a float therapy session.
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