The Wim-Hof method- When the cold is beneficial

The Wim-Hof method- When the cold is beneficial

Posted on Apr 27, 2022 at 3:20 PM

Have you ever heard about the Wim Hof method? It is probably better known as ice bathing. What sounds horribly cold and uncomfortable, is in fact the case. But the Wim Hof method has some health benefits, which have a positive effect not only on the body, but also on the mind. Doesn't sound as bad as you thought, does it?

Ice bathing is an old tradition of the famous naturalist Sebastian Kneipp. This involves swimming in icy cold water at minus degrees while involving the whole body in the process. Ice bathing is practiced mainly in winter and in Nordic countries. It is often combined with a sauna session. But even without heating up extremely beforehand, ice bathing can work wonders.

The body is extremely challenged for a few minutes. But this brings many positive effects with it. The immune system is strengthened, adrenaline is released and the whole body contracts. Thus, in retrospect, fat burning is properly boosted and stress decreases. Thus, ice bathing not only has a positive effect on the body, but also does the mind good. Due to the release of adrenaline, thousands of feelings of happiness can be released. The increased production of endorphins can even help with depression!

Surviving the ice bath with the help of the Wim Hof method

The Wim Hof method is a scientifically recognized principle, which was created by the Dutch winter sportsman Wim Hof and is based on a special technique of breathing. For this, before ice bathing inhale and exhale thirty to forty times, without pausing. Then hold the breath and wait a few minutes. This should be repeated only twice at first, then more often. Depending on your training condition, you can then venture into cold water after this breathing technique. It should help to extremely support and promote all those positive effects while ice bathing. So just try it out and take a healthy bath.

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