The Wim Hof breathing method was developed by the Dutch athlete Wim Hof.
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What Is Wim Hof Breathing?
How Do You Do Wim Hof Breathing Exercises?
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Wim Hof breathing exercises combine hyperventilationfast breathingwith periods of holding the breath.
Sit or lie in a comfortable position where your breathing will not be restricted.
Close your eyes and focus on your breathing.
Repeat these steps in order, without pausing, for three to four cycles.
You might also feel tingling in your fingers and feet.
Although it’s rare, Wim Hof breathing can also cause a person to pass out.
Increased Positive Stress
Most of the time,stressis viewed negatively.
However, there are also positive stressors.
Exposing yourself to brief periods of positive stress stimulates thenervous systemto produce excitement and satisfaction.
This throw in of stress is created naturally during new exhilarating experiences.
The Wim Hof Method can also create positive stress.
Taking an ice bath or cold shower causes the same “excitement” response by the nervous system.
With Wim Hof breathing, a person can learn to calm this response while exposed to the cold.
Faster Muscle Recovery
Wim Hof breathing may speed up muscle recovery after a workout.
Cold therapy, such as an ice bath, reduces muscle inflammation and soreness.
Summary
Wim Hof breathing exercises are one of the three pillars of the Wim Hof Method.
This breathing technique involves fast breathing and periods of breath-holding.
However, more research is needed to confirm these reported benefits.
Speak with your healthcare provider if you’re interested in trying Wim Hof breathing techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is limited research on the benefits of Wim Hof breathing methods.
A study performed in 2022 found that these techniques did not improve breathing abilities during an exercise test.
Wim Hof Method.What is the Wim Hof Method?
Wim Hof Method.Wim Hof Method breathing.
Wim Hof Method.Positive stress.
Wim Hof Method.Sports performance training.
2022;11(8):2218. doi:10.3390/jcm11082218
