Today I will talk about the Wim Hof Method breathing technique, which is a way to use your breath to improve your overall health and well-being.
Why we breathe?
Our bodies are constantly using oxygen to produce energy, and the amount of oxygen we inhale through our breathing directly influences the amount of energy that is released into our body cells. On a molecular level, this happens through various chemical and physiological processes.
Breathing is an unconscious process that is regulated by our autonomic nervous system, so we don't have to think about it all the time. However, it's also something that we can consciously control and influence. In fact, the way we breathe can have a big impact on the chemical and physiological activities in our body.
This is where the Wim Hof Method comes in. Wim Hof is a world-renowned expert on breathing and has developed special breathing exercises that keep his body in optimal condition and give him complete control in even the most extreme situations. His method is based on deep inhaling and exhaling without any force, and he has found that it can have numerous benefits for the body and mind.
Now, you might be wondering how you can try the Wim Hof Method for yourself. It's actually very simple and easy to do. All you need to do is follow these steps:
1. Get comfortable
Find a comfortable position to sit or lie down in, making sure you can expand your lungs freely without feeling any constriction.
2. 30-40 deep breaths
Close your eyes and try to clear your mind. Focus on your breath and try to fully connect with it. Inhale deeply through the nose or mouth, and exhale unforced through the mouth. Repeat this 30 to 40 times in short, powerful bursts. You may experience light-headedness and tingling sensations in your fingers and feet, which are completely harmless.
3. The hold
After the last exhalation, inhale one final time as deeply as you can, then let the air out and stop breathing. Hold until you feel the urge to breathe again.
4. Recovery breath
When you feel the urge to breathe again, take a big breath to fill your lungs and hold it for about 15 seconds before exhaling. This completes one round of the Wim Hof Method. You can repeat this cycle 3-4 times without taking a break in between.
Once you've finished the breathing exercise, take some time to relax and enjoy the calm state that it brings. This can be a great time to meditate as well.
If you're having trouble maintaining a rhythm or pace during your Wim Hof Method breathing sessions, you can use the Breathing Bubble, which is an audiovisual guide that helps you stay on track. Simply watch the bubble as it expands and contracts, and follow along with your breath. You'll hear Wim breathe alongside you, and the background sounds will help you tune out your surroundings and focus on nothing but your breath.
I hope you give the Wim Hof Method a try and see the benefits for yourself. Remember to always practice in a safe and comfortable environment, and never do it while driving or near water pools.
