Take a strong deep breath in then slowly breathe out. Do that again for 30 minutes. Now, how do you feel? I bet you feel better already! If you did that little breathing exercise then you, my friend, just did 30% of the basic Wim Hof Method.
I’m sure you are asking yourself what the Wim Hof Method is. You might even be curious about its benefits and how it is done. Well, you have come to the right place. By the end of this article, you will understand exactly how to do the Wim Hof Method. You will also know all its benefits as well as where you can go to experience it. Let’s begin.
What is the Wim Hof Method?
The Wim Hof Method is a meditation technique that was developed by Wim Hof. It was designed to be an effective and simple way to help you make yourself stronger, happier, and healthier.
The method consists of three pillars: breathing, cold therapy, and commitment. Typically, you do the Wim Hof Method by performing three consecutive rounds of 30 inhales and exhales. You can also do these breathing exercises in combination with cold therapy.
Advanced Wim Hof practitioners usually assume various physical postures while applying the method to enhance the experience. These postures range from sitting with crossed legs to doing a handstand.
However, you need to note that the emphasis is on breathing and not the assumed posture. You need only to be in a comfortable position.
Benefits of Doing the Wim Hof Method
At its core, the Wim Hof Method is designed to make you feel stronger, happier, and healthier. As a result, you will begin to notice many positive changes as you progress through your Wim Hof journey.
If you suffer from conditions like depression, anxiety and diabetes then the Wim Hof method can help improve your conditions. There are many other benefits that the Method holds for you. These benefits are summarised in the sections below.
Scientifically Proven Benefits of the Wim Hof Method
Scientists have proven that you can voluntarily influence your immune system and nervous system by practising the Wim Hof Method. This means that, by practising the Method, you can influence your spinal cord, brain, and the functions that they perform. These functions include body temperature, body movement, emotions as well as memory and learning.
Another scientifically proven benefit of the Wim Hof Method is its anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is one of the top contributing factors to diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and type 2 diabetes. The Method’s ability to prevent inflammation can be attributed to its second pillar – cold therapy. Therefore, by using the Wim Hof method, you can reduce your chances of developing chronic sicknesses.
Other scientifically proven benefits of practising the Wim Hof method include decreased flu symptoms, increased neurotransmitters, and enhanced oxygen delivery. If you are into outdoor wellness activities like trekking then doing the Wim Hof method will also help you reduce your chances of getting altitude sickness.
Benefits of the Wim Hof Method that are Not Scientifically Proven
The Wim Hof Method has many other benefits which are not yet scientifically proven. When you have a lot of work to do in a little time, you can count on the Wim Hof Method to give you an increase in willpower as well as heightened determination and focus.
Other benefits of the method include better sleep, lower stress levels, and an improved immune system. Although these benefits have not yet been scientifically proven, many testimonials attest to their existence.
Take Witske from the Netherlands for example. She started her Wim Hof course because she was curious about the impact it could have on her energy level and arthritis. To her surprise, her energy levels skyrocketed and her arthritis completely vanished. Petri from Finland is another excellent example. Before doing the Wim Hof Method, Petri suffered from burnout and back pains and was forced to take a plethora of pills. To his surprise, after just one week of the initial course, he was able to stop taking the painkillers and hasn’t needed them since.
The Wim Hof Method works. You would be correct in assuming that the abovementioned benefits will also be scientifically proven in the near future. So, what are you waiting for? Give the Wim Hof Method a try and watch your wellness improve holistically. Are you ready? The sections below discuss some of the best places you can visit to get the ultimate Wim Hof experience.
Best Places to Experience the Wim Hof Method
Now that you have a clear understanding of the Wim Hof Method and its benefits, let’s look at some of the places that you can visit to learn the method. There are three ways that you can experience the Wim Hof Method: at home, at an event, or on an expedition led by the Iceman himself – Wim Hof. This article focuses on events and expeditions as they give you the best wellness experience. You are highly recommended to check out the following cities:
Przesieka in Poland
Located in the southwestern city of Lowe Silesia, Przesieka is one of the main destinations that Wim Hof uses for his winter expedition of the method. The winter expedition typically costs around 2800 euros and lasts for 6 days. The expeditions are given in English and include accommodation, local transportation, and 3 daily meals. Przesieka is famous for its mountain hiking trails so you should consider going on a hike after your Wim Hof class.
Hotels in Poland – Booking.com
Greater London in the United Kingdom
If you are in the UK and looking for a place to do the Wim Hof Method then look no further. The Greater London area is one the most popular regions for Wim Hof workshops in the United Kingdom and the world. Wim Hof workshops typically last for 1 day and are comprised of 30 or fewer people. This makes for a more intimate experience as compared to expeditions which can be comprised of up to 100 people. Wim Hof workshops are conducted by certified instructors and can also include other wellness activities like yoga.
Not ready for the Wim Hof Method yet? Why not start your wellness journey small by walking, cycling, or running? Download the Walk Run Cycle app now to discover routes for walking, running, and cycling in the UK.
Hotels in the UK – Booking.com
Zuidoostbeemster, Netherlands
The Wim Hof Method is also fairly popular in the Netherlands, particularly in Zuidoostbeemester.
While in this small North Holland town, you are guaranteed to find numerous certified Wim Hof instructors conducting workshops for people in different stages of their Wim Hof journey. This is the perfect location if you need your Wim Hof course to be taught in Dutch!
Hotels in the Netherlands – Booking.com
The list of cities to visit for Wim Hof workshops is endless. This goes to show that Wim Hof is a highly popular and effective wellness method that holds many health benefits for those who dare to try it. Are you among the brave ones? Check out this article on 3 Must-See Places to Visit in Dreamy Iceland if you love cold weather. Have a wonderful time!
