Ice Baths and the Wim Hof Method

I’ve discovered something fascinating that really does ignite me inside. It’s called the Wim Hof method. It’s similar and yet different to Tummo Meditation and Pranayama.

The ultimate purpose of Wim Hof’s method is to build up your immune system and be more efficient with fat utilization through breathing.

Who Is Wim Hof

Yes, Wim Hof is a person. He holds 20 Guinness World Records for withstanding extreme temperatures ranging from climbing Mt. Everest wearing only shorts and shoes to running a full marathon in the high desert (50C) with no food or water.

He developed his method by subjecting himself to the extreme conditions and confronting his body’s reactions such as fear. When he was able to learn a way to master his body’s responses, he was able to develop a methodology.

What Is the Wim Hof Method

The Wim Hof Method is a breathing technique allowing you to control the autonomous systems of your body.

Your autonomic nervous system regulates body processes like blood pressure, body temperature, metabolism, heart rate, balance of water and electrolytes, production of body fluids like sweat, and more.

The first part of the method is to learn controlled hyperventilation

Simple Practice of the Technique

• Get comfortable and close your eyes
• Warm up by inhaling deeply, hold for a moment, and then exhale completely. Repeat for fifteen reps.
• Complete 30 power breaths where you inhale through the nose and exhale through the out in short, powerful bursts.
• Evaluate your body for signs of blockage between your body and your spirit.
• Inhale deeply and hold your breath for as long as you’re able to. Then exhale fully and hold that for as long as you can.
• Inhale to full capacity and hold while dropping your chin to your chest. Try to hold for around 15 seconds and again try to feel the connection of your body with your spirit. Then release the breathe and all the tensions.

Then you repeat this a few more times. Initially they recommend starting with one to two rounds and work up to a minimum of 6 rounds.

Ice Baths

Once you have control of your breath, you want to expand into cold exposure.

Most people start with cold showers. Try to remain calm and focused when you start shivering.

This is a time to truly embrace the cold. And stay in touch with your body as to how you really feel, and if there are any blocks to be released.

When you’ve mastered cold showers, you can move into ice baths. Hopefully you have a bath tub.

Most people set up an ice bath using 2-3 bags of ice from your local store. Then you fill the tub half full with cold water, and add in the ice. When about 2/3 of the ice has melted, the temperature of the water should be around 10-12C.

Then hop in! Just kidding. Ease yourself in and embrace the cold. Set the timer for ten minutes and stay in as long as you can.

A World With No Disease

Wim Hof believes that our ability to consciously control our immune system will allow us to fight off diseases, and reducing our need for medicine.

We also will improve our health with better blood circulation from the cold baths.

Other Benefits

When you learn to control your breathing, it can help you in situations where you may naturally be nervous.

Let’s say you needed to do something difficult like ask for a raise or stand up for yourself. Having control of your breathing will help you stay calmer.

And following the Wim Hof method, you could also learn to control your adrenaline and any nervous shaking or sweating.

If you were trying to rebalance your body with fat and muscle, would’t it be helpful to be able to speed up the metabolism that burns the fat and helps rebuild the muscle?

What Are Ice Baths And Their Benefits

I mentioned above how to ease in to taking ice baths. They help you learn to be more in touch with your body, and embrace what is around you.

You learn how to accept the sensations of your body and can change your reactions to it. That puts you more in control of the situation.

The biggest benefit I think is that you’re reprogramming your mind and putting yourself more in control of how you think.

For example, you may be sensitive to pain. When you learn to embrace the ice bath, you may find that you can tolerate pain better.

Cold temperatures also naturally reduce inflammations in the body, improve hormone regulation, improve sleep quality, and burn more fat.

You also get improved blood circulation and healthier skin and hair. Plus, the exposure to cold increases endorphins leading to an anti-depressive effect.

Interested In Learning More?

The week of 16th of March, there will be some amazing wellness events in Western Australia.

They will be exploring topics like The Power of the Mind, Ice Bath Experiences, Chemical-Free Living, Breath Work Techniques, Extreme Wellness, Vitality, Detoxification and more! You don’t want to miss this! Limited places are available, so please do get your spot now if you’re interested.

I’m very excited that he’ll be discussing the Wim Hof method of ice baths to improve immune systems and mental focus.

Who Is Professor Marc Cohen

Professor Marc Cohen is one of Australia’s pioneers of integrative and holistic medicine. He is a registered medical practitioner with degrees in western medicine, physiology and psychological medicine along with PhDs in Chinese medicine and biomedical engineering.

Currently Professor Cohen leads wellness research within the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences at RMIT University.

He is also the program leader for postgraduate wellness programs along with teaching undergraduate courses on Medical Diagnosis and Medical Examination

It fascinates me to see the blending of standard medical practices and holistic healing.

My Final Thoughts

When you first get in to a cold shower or ice bath, you struggle to breathe. That’s why it’s important to first learn to get control of your breathing.

This isn’t something you should start alone especially if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. When you are in cold temperatures, your blood vessels contract.

So make sure you talk with your doctor to see if you have any physical reasons not to do this.

Also, you can condition your body by taking progressively cooler showers until you’ve achieved cold shower mastery.

Also, make sure that you’re not putting yourself in harms way. The first time you take an ice bath, you may be a bit unsteady when you get out of the tub. Make sure you have a good bath mat and lots of towels so you don’t slip.

And I hope I see you at the wellness event with Professor Marc Cohen!