Discussion Has anybody tried the Wim Hof Method?

[ManWithNoName]

Wim Hof is quite famous, and his breathing techniques supposedly cure a lot. Has anybody added the Wim Hof Method to their arsenal of recovery tools?

 

[ghostspace]

I've never heard of that! I'll look it up and see how it goes for me. Thanks for the idea ♡

 

[BlackPoppet]

I've never heard of Wim Hof method before. I will look into it. Thanks. :-) I have regular panic attacks. I need to get back into breathing methods so I can try and cut down on medication.

 

[ManWithNoName]

There are a bunch of videos about his breathing technique, which is easy to learn and do. Just Google Wim Hof method and there will be videos. Important that you try this sitting down or lying down.
This video as it relates to depression and anxiety:

And this video. I'm not saying these are the answers, but still intriguing to view:

 

[BlackPoppet]

Thanks for these videos! I will check them out.

 

[ManWithNoName]

This one I think is most straightforward tutorial on the breathing technique of this video. I copied and pasted the data they provided in the info section (quoted and in italics):

"Published on May 19, 2019
Wim Hof breathing method instructions - 3 rounds for beginners:

round 1) 40 breaths + holding your breath for 1min 20s

round 2) 40 breaths + holding your breath for 1min 40s

round 3) 40 breaths + holding your breath for 2min INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Inhale through the nose or mouth and exhale through the mouth in short but powerful bursts. Keep a steady pace and use your midriff fully. Repeat this for 40 times.

2) Then let the air out and hold for as long as you can without force. Hold the breath until you experience the gasp reflex.

3) Inhale to full capacity. Feel your chest expanding. When you are at full capacity, hold the breath for around 10 seconds. Repeat this process for 3 times! Enjoy & have fun!

*Do not do this practice before or during diving, driving, swimming, taking a bath or any other environment/place where it might be dangerous to faint!"

 

[Sensei]

I have not used the Wim Hof method per se, but it inspired me to take cold showers and baths. It does have a calming effect, at least on me.

 

[a.n.kirillov]

I have tried it... It made me feel euphoric, which is to be expected because it starves you of oxygen (which he doesn't even seem to understand; he claims or used to claim that it 'loads you up with oxygen' but actually it just dispells CO2, which is why you can hold your breath longer afterwards).

Let's say it made you feel really, really good all the time, like heroin. Wouldnt you start to neglect everything in your life and just stay at home doing the breathing techniques instead of working, socializing?

I would say if you really have a good life, a fulfilling job, status, money, a family you feel connected to, a good cause to fight for, all the things you would ever want but for some reason were periodically depressed, a pharmacological fix (or this) might be the only answer possible.

But even in such a life you could become depressed because there are wars, there is poverty, cruelty, inequality, loss, sickness, death, etc...

Do you get what I'm saying? I would be really careful to label anything a cure for depression that doesn't solve the circumstances we find ourselves in in this world and rather label it a cope or a fix.

 

[ManWithNoName]

Do oou get what I'm saying? I would be really careful to label anything a cure for depression that doesn't solve the circumstances we find ourselves in in this world and rather label it a cope or a fix.

Absolutely. There are cases when the full cure for depression can be something like that the Wim Hof method (WHM) but it should be considered only part of the tools. For me, the Wim Hof Method is tonic, and will help alleviate some of what bothers me, but I know the core items of what truly ails me is not solved via WHM.

it should be noted (I should have mentioned it) that a lot of these presentations have click-bait titles to lure viewers.

 

[WhyamIstillhere]

This guy's fascinating, but I haven't tried anything personally.

 

[miseryh8scompany]

I've been doing the breathing and cold showers for a long time. The breathing feels cool, like you're on some drug but doesn't have any lasting effects like yoga does for me. Cold showers make you feel good for a little while too

 

[ManWithNoName]

I've been doing the breathing and cold showers for a long time. The breathing feels cool, like you're on some drug but doesn't have any lasting effects like yoga does for me. Cold showers make you feel good for a little while too

How long have you been doing the Wim Hof Method?

 

[Susannah]

Yes, I've tried, and it works to a certain extend. So does meditation, yoga etc. It's quite time demanding, and you have to go all in. I don't see how most people could integrate the Hof- method into their lives. But he really facinates me. The breathing part is one thing. Swimming in ice cold water used to be a hobby for me. Always made me feel good afterwards, when the blood rushed through me body.

 

[ManWithNoName]

Yes, I've tried, and it works to a certain extend. So does meditation, yoga etc. It's quite time demanding, and you have to go all in. I don't see how most people could integrate the Hof- method into their lives. But he really facinates me. The breathing part is one thing. Swimming in ice cold water used to be a hobby for me. Always made me feel good afterwards, when the blood rushed through me body.

I think the breathing alone is what anyone can start with—that has benefited me too, but as you stated, it is somewhat temporary. But if any moment can be seized and made tolerable, I'll do so.

 

[LittleJem]

I've never heard of Wim Hof method before. I will look into it. Thanks. :-) I have regular panic attacks. I need to get back into breathing methods so I can try and cut down on medication.

#
it's also worth checking out Phenibut - for 1/2 times a week use only. The reviews are good and it can be very ehlpful with anxiety. As long as you know you can avoid addiction. I took 500mg today. So am going to have a break for a few days...
I'm full of it ;)

How long have you been doing the Wim Hof Method?

I've only been doing maybe 3 or 4 days of cold showers. I did have more motivation post my Sunday megadose. Before that, I wasn't getting out of bed. I am really enjoying (!!!) the cold showers, but need to get into the breathing too.
PS - I really really recommend watching this video. It is sad in some places, but also amazing what Wim Hof does and achieves. When I'm in the shower screaming at the cold water in teh morning, I just shout "Wim Hof"!!!! To help me cope, and so that everyone knows that if I am shrieking, it is a legit reason!!! WIM HOF!

 

[ManWithNoName]

PS - I really really recommend watching this video.

I've seen the vid, I agree it's excellent.

 

[RM5998]

Spoiler: Cheap Joke

Notably, the shallow water blackout method involves the same breathing instructions. So if you think this isn't working out for you, and you're done with recovery in general, just jump into a deep pool right after you've released your breath for the first time and are about to gasp.

To add to what @a.n.kirillov said, it's just O2 deprivation followed by O2 overload. A similar result happens when you compress your carotids for a while - really, any way of taking O2 away from your brain and giving it back. (If I remember right, sniffing glue involved this effect too.)

 

[ChristopherWalken]

I've tried this quite a few times and not sure if it's helping beyond a temporary effect. For about a week and a half I did it in the mornings, breathing followed by cold shower. The hyperventilating actually makes me more stressed and then holding my breath relaxes me. The cold showers are very uncomfortable. Idk guess I need to stick to it a little longer.

 

[drake4871]

Yeah I tried the whim Hoff method, I honestly don't know if it's good for you though lol . My cold resistance has shot up like crazy though, I can walk into the shower on coldest and the water will feel warm if I concentrate on the feeling. Keep in mind I'm up North so everything's cold already

 

[LittleJem]

Yeah I tried the whim Hoff method, I honestly don't know if it's good for you though lol . My cold resistance has shot up like crazy though, I can walk into the shower on coldest and the water will feel warm if I concentrate on the feeling. Keep in mind I'm up North so everything's cold already

I've been to the North ;)

 

[xkidx]

yea it helps alot

 

[ManWithNoName]

Spoiler: Cheap Joke

Notably, the shallow water blackout method involves the same breathing instructions. So if you think this isn't working out for you, and you're done with recovery in general, just jump into a deep pool right after you've released your breath for the first time and are about to gasp.

To add to what @a.n.kirillov said, it's just O2 deprivation followed by O2 overload. A similar result happens when you compress your carotids for a while - really, any way of taking O2 away from your brain and giving it back. (If I remember right, sniffing glue involved this effect too.)

I've not analyzed the actual process, but whatever the case, the real question is whether or not it helps.

 

[ArtsyDrawer]

I'm genuinely curious about this and will talk to my neurologist if I'm allowed to fuck around with meditation. So far doing "mindful walks" when having trouble sleeping, but that's less meditation and more physical

 

[ManWithNoName]

So I stumbled across this other presentation by a doctor who deconstructed and analyzed the Wim Hof Method.

He has various conclusions on what it can and cannot do, but overall he found that the technique is good, not a cure-all for everything, but overall a general well being benefit.

If you've ever wondered if the Wim Hof Method is bunk or dangerous, this should help fill in some of the blanks.

In the comments section he has pinned his comment that includes time markers on the various points he addresses.


And here is a screen shot of what the method can be beneficial for based on three categories: probable, possible, and no evidence:

The breathing feels cool, like you're on some drug but doesn't have any lasting effects like yoga does for me.

Yoga is quite good in fact. Yoga + Wim Hof Method would be a great combination.

 

[Yomyom]

If someone want, you can download his books from library Genesis for free

Library Genesis

Library Genesis is a scientific community targeting collection of books on natural science disciplines and engineering.

libgen.is

 

[2tirednow]

Thanks for this

 

[Rosieroo17]

I have not used the Wim Hof method per se, but it inspired me to take cold showers and baths. It does have a calming effect, at least on me.

Yes I've done the same .