Frequent exposure to cold is linked to a number of different health benefits. Scientists have found evidence that exposure to cold speeds up metabolism, and reduces inflammation, swelling, and sore muscles. Many athletes use ice baths and other types of exposure to cold as a means to speed up recovery after physical exercise. Cold body therapy is also linked to improved quality of sleep, more focus, and even to an improved immune response.
On this episode of The Doctor’s Farmacy, I was happy to sit down and talk with Wim Hof about the benefits of cold therapy and what happens to our body when we’re exposed to extreme cold conditions. Wim shares how we can change our biochemistry through our breathing, and the boundless capacities of the human spirit when we test our physical limits.
Wim Hof, also known as “The Iceman,” holds multiple world records for his feats of endurance and exposure to cold, and he is the author of The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Full Human Potential. The benefits of Wim’s method, now practiced by tens of thousands, have been validated by eight university research studies. He has been featured on goop Lab’s six-part Netflix series, the BBC, VICE Media, and the Discovery Channel, as well as in the bestselling book, What Doesn’t Kill Us by Scott Carney.
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I love Wim Hof and his App. Can this help me lower my blood pressure? I’ve started the breathing exercises but not the ice baths yet. Im working on cold showers. I eat well (mostly plant based and no sugars or gluten) and jog for 30 minutes 5 times a day but my bp is still high. I need help.
@J Carver Thx
@CSIDiscussion about causes of high BP. Edited to add that it’s stated that exercise raisesBP. Perhaps slow down on the jogging and try yoga or tai chi.
http://youtu.be/BzSwNh880tc
Also look at nutritionfacts.org
Apparently 2 Tablespoons of ground flax a day can have a significant impact on BP.
I think that breath control is supposed to help a lot but then everyone is different. Keep trying…best of luck.
@J Carver Thx. I’m starting the 2 tbl of flaxseed today in my green smoothie. Thx. I hope you are finding help for your health issues.
30 minutes 5 times a day? are you joggin two-three hours every day? sounds unhealthy!
I’ve been practicing the breathing exercises and cold showers for over a year now. Remarkable results. Have never felt better. The cold water is invigorating. Afterwards, I feel renewed and charged with energy.
How will icebath combine with A-fib?
Thanks for this superb interview. Wim Hof is brilliant. He has shown it is possible to heal the body through controlling your thoughts.
Thanks for sharing this information.
Peace and love
Thank you Wim Sir and Dr Mark. Very enlightening and practical way to reset and charge up life in abundance. God bless you both abundantly. Just ordered your book from Amazon.
Just thought – the first few times I saw the Iceman, I thought he was nuts but is not so whatsoever
Shouldn’t Dr. ‘Hyman’ be a Gynecologist?…just sayin’….
I’m sorry, you’re saying it wrong, it’s just a method….the key is feeling well with your inner self…
Love you Mark ( your smile makes me smile ) love Wim too ❤️
I can believe it because I sleep better when it’s cold in the room versus being too hot.when I am too hot it is hard for me to sleep.That’s why I don’t turn the heat on at night.when I am very cozy I can easily fall asleep vs being too warm.When I am thirsty or starving for water I have to drink ice cold water to satisfy my thirst.I can only drink room temperature water when I am not thirsty or just a little thirsty.I crave ice water in summer months and hot drinks in winter months.but when the heat on too high or when I moving around working, that when I crave cold drinks because moving around doing things create heat.Epecially when I give a patient a shower because steam plus steaming humidity from the shower produces heat thus leaves me to ice water.
Yah, I’d have a good time on cannabis and opioids too … that’s essentially what he was doing… who cares if you’re supposed to be cold when you’re high as F