Go Deeper and Get Higher — Wim Hof style breathing is legit and can change your life.
(Better Breathing Part VI)
There’s a chance that any potential reader here has heard of this eccentric, little Dutch guy, Wim Hof. Also known as the “Iceman,” he holds records for sitting in ice up to his neck, had scientists inject him with a poison only to show how he can control his response, and has once run a marathon in a desert without water. Further, he claims he can do these things by merely mastering his breath. And that mere mortals like you and I can do these things as well. You’d not be wrong for thinking him certifiably nuts. But, as it sometimes goes with crazy, fringe-like things like these …there’s some science and a little truth to it all.
I’m not going to cover much of Mr. Wim Hof here. You can find a plethora of info about him via Google and YouTube. So go, sleuth! What will become apparent quickly, though, is that doing this type of breathwork can be VERY intense, and it requires a breath retention at the end of each cycle. Breath holds are nothing new, often utilized in various pranayama breathing styles, commonly known as Kumbhaka. The “Hof method,” however, pushes you deeper by expelling out as much breath after you hyperventilated. In pranayama parlance, this holding the breath after exhalation is called Bahya Kumbhaka, which derives from Sanskrit (Bahya = outside, Kumbhaka = breath retention).
If you have any medical conditions or just reservations about this kind of deep breathing, you needn’t pursue this path. But if you have decent health and want to challenge yourself and go deep into your own body’s abilities, trust that you’ll be ok.
I began doing this method daily when the pandemic struck, and my anxiety started to rear its ugly head again. I have not stopped since. And I can now hold my breath for slightly longer than 3 minutes, after complete exhalation. Every day, I make a point to lie down and do 3–5 rounds of deep cyclic breathing, consisting of 30 to 40 breaths. I consciously try to pull my breath in through my belly, up through my chest, and out. The more I’ve practiced, the more I lock in a naturally rhythmic flow.
You may question the point. Why care how long one can hold one’s breath? Well, the point is not about how long you can keep your breath, but rather that your body begins to change, and you increase your overall health by oxygenating your body. In essence, you’re tapping into your autonomic response system and gaining a degree of control. For those still skeptical of the scientific backing for this, I’d advise you to check out the Wayne State University study that studied Wim. Even easier,
Some things I’ve noticed personally after doing the Wim Hof method consistently for several months now:
- increased daily energy
- cardiovascular improvement — i.e., I can run longer and more efficiently
- more focus
- a lot more peace and calm
- and a natural high with no side effects
- deeper connection with my body in general
While the Wim Hof method also entails the component of taking cold showers or ice baths, I don’t see that as central to getting the benefits of doing deep, cyclic breathing like this daily. That said, ultimately, you need to find what works for you! Start small, and always, always, listen to your body. You’ll be surprised by how deep (and maybe how high?) you can go.
For a solid launching point, navigate here for a free starter video provided by the Hof-man:
Wim Hof YouTube Channel:
If you decide to try his method out, always be safe, life down, make sure you are comfortable.
NOW BREATHE!