And the cold reality of survival
They mom would often say that some people need a good shot to the head to knock some sense into their misguided lives. Maybe there is better way!
Enter the Story of The Iceman
The Iceman is dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof, who got his nickname ‘The Iceman’ by breaking a number of records related to cold exposure.
“Using ‘cold, hard nature’ as his teacher, his extensive training has enabled him to learn to control his breathing, heart rate, and blood circulation and to withstand extreme temperatures.”
“’I’m not afraid of death, I’m afraid not to have lived fully.‘, Wim Hof.
What his adventurous life created is a whole new field in healthcare study. It’s called:
Using Temperature as a Therapeutic
We all know that your immune system raises your body temperature to kill off infections via a fever. And heat, or cold is used in first aid to control swelling and inflammation. But what else can temperature exposure do to promote wellness and health? Welcome to…
The Iceman Method
It has three parts:
- Cold Therapy,
- Commitment, and
- Breathing
The Following Description of the Iceman Method is from his site:
Breathing
“The first pillar of the wim hof method is breathing. We’re always breathing, yet we’re mostly unaware of its tremendous potential. Heightened oxygen levels hold a treasure trove of benefits, and the specialized breathing technique of the Wim Hof Method unearths them all: more energy, reduced stress levels, and an augmented immune response that swiftly deals with pathogens.
Cold Therapy
The cold is your warm friend and one of the three pillars of the wim hof method . Proper exposure to the cold starts a cascade of health benefits, including the buildup of brown adipose tissue and resultant fat loss, reduced inflammation that facilitates a fortified immune system, balanced hormone levels, improved sleep quality, and the production of endorphins— the feel – good chemicals in the brain that naturally elevate your mood
Commitment
The third pillar of the wim hof method is the foundation of the other two: both cold exposure and conscious breathing require patience and dedication in order to be fully mastered. Armed with focus and determination you are ready to explore and eventually master your own body and mind.
In general the science suggests the benefits of practicing the Iceman method include:
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Increased energy
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Better sleep
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Reduced stress levels
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Heightened focus & determination
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Increased willpower
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Stronger immune system
And best of all, this process is believed to help open a greater area of your brain. Who knows what doors will open if you had greater capacity to think. So I guess it’s better than a shot upside the head. Based on most of the boxers I have seen too many shots to the shrinks the brain.
Maybe that’s my problem!
Before turning a cold shoulder to this idea, check out the Scientific proof to be researched. Give me a few more minutes of your time.
Yea, scientists have studied the Wim Hof method, and here is a couple of findings;
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“A 2014 study injecting Wim Hof Method practitioners with an endotoxin, showed they were able to control their sympathetic nervous system and immune response. This could mean that the Wim Hof Method is an effective tool to battle symptoms of various autoimmune diseases.”
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“While a 2018 study showed that the method activated regions in the brain responsible for pain suppression, which could lead to a potential role for the Wim Hof Method as an endogenous painkiller.”
Source and Inspiration
“Who is ‘The Iceman’ Wim Hof”, Wim Hof Method.
“Heat Therapy”, Science Direct.
“Heat Therapy Benefits…” Best Massage Chair Guide.
“What to Know About Cold Water Therapy”, Healthline.
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