I’ve been intrigued by Wim Hof’s method for some time now. I’m not a huge fan of cold water, so getting myself deep into the freezing cold melted ice barrel seemed quite challenging. Imagine my surprise when I learned I could actually try it here on Fuerteventura!
The information about the health effects of exposing our bodies to cold (water) is not new; German Sebastian Kneipp introduced us to his hot and cold water treatments to stimulate blood circulation in the 19th century already. Dutch Wim Hof, dedicated to researching the effects of cold on the human body, went a step further. He’s pushing the limits by exposing himself to cold environments in a way we didn’t understand before and also didn’t know was physically (or mentally) possible. The ‘Iceman’, as often referred to, climbed Mount Everest in shorts, ran a half marathon above the Arctic Circle barefoot, ran a full marathon in the Namib Desert without drinking, swam underneath ice for 66 meters, and stood in a container full of ice cubes for almost 2 hours, all that after practicing his own Wim Hof Method, founded on three pillars – breathing, cold therapy, and commitment. As believed, it should boost our immune system, gain us more focus and mental clarity, improve sleep, burn fat and reduce inflammation. Especially the latter is hugely important since inflammation is supposed to be the root cause of several health conditions that modern humanity is facing and also affects the cells’ telomeres (the caps at the end of each strand of DNA that protect our chromosomes, like the plastic tips at the end of shoelaces). When telomeres get shortened enough, DNA strands get damaged, and our cells can no longer do their job – function in the way to keep us healthy and alive.
Also very interesting is the recent scientific research showing how by using his method, we can actually make an impact on relieving autoimmune diseases and even influence our autonomic nervous system, which controls and regulates the functions of our internal organs and also our immune system, and was so far believed as something we can’t influence consciously. If the mind can get on board, so, it seems, can the body, and that’s greatly in-tuned also with Epigenetics, a ‘new science’ discovering how very powerful our minds are when it comes to affecting the matter – even to healing on the cellular level with changing our own DNA.
My first experience with this method was here in Fuerteventura. It included a short introduction to Wim Hof and his method, followed by around 30 min of breath work. Then, I trusted, was ready to jump into the barrel full of cold water and ice. The first couple of seconds were shocking for sure, then my body, especially my arms, started to hurt. After a minute or so, it all just went to ‘cold,’ but not in an uncomfortable way. I kept on breathing consciously while focusing on the warm sun on my face and imagining how it was warming all of my body from within, and I didn’t have any problem staying in for a little less than 6 minutes in total. The whole experience, offered by @7lemonshouse in Lajares, was cool (literally) and very warmhearted and professional, so if you’re around and intrigued, I very much encourage you to try it. It’s a great new experience, and you’ll be super energized and proud of yourself later. Wim Hof’s method is gaining in popularity worldwide, so for sure, you’ll be able to find someone doing it close to your home, too. Happy chilling!!
