What are the health benefits of the Wim Hof Method?
Is there solid evidence to support potential health benefits or is most of the evidence anecdotal in nature?
Wim Hof, often called “The Iceman” is a Dutch extreme athlete renowned for his ability to withstand extremely cold temperatures. He has set a Guinness World Record for longest ice bath (approximately 2 hours). He also climbed Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro wearing only shorts and he ran a full marathon in the Namib Desert without water. Wild, right?
Inspired by personal tragedy and a desire to explore human potential, he developed the Wim Hof Method. This method combines breathing techniques, cold exposure and meditation. His website claims the method has notable health benefits, including boosting the immune system, stress reduction and increased energy levels. But is there good scientific studies to support those claims?
On a recent episode of Causes or Cures, I sat down and chatted with researcher Omar Almahayni about his published systematic review on the physiological and psychological health benefits of the Wim Hof Method for both healthy and non-healthy individuals.
During the podcast, Omar discusses his interest in Wim Hof, the components of the renowned Wim Hof Method, and theories on its potential health benefits. He explains his evaluation of the published studies on the Wim Hof method, the results, future research possibilities, and who might be interested in joining Wim Hof on one of his extreme excursions. Perhaps you might be interested after listening to the podcast?! :)
Omar conducted his research at Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, UK, and now works for a mental health biotechnology company based in Syria, with an interest in treating PTSD caused by ongoing war and displacement.
Please tune in to the episode HERE!
If you missed the episode on the Omentum (and if you have no idea what that is or where it is in your body) definitely check out my podcast with Meg Wilkinson!
After you listen to the podcast on the health benefits of the Wim Hof Method, please let me know what you thought! Is it something you would try? I have to say…I would try it. ;)
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