Wim Hof Method Part 2: Breathing

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Hello all and welcome to part 2 of the blog post on the Wim Hof method. Today I’d like to touch on the other crucial pillar of the WHM (Wim Hof method): deep, deliberate breathing. 

Those of you who follow me on Instagram know that I recently sprained and fractured my ankle and as a result could not workout for weeks. During my down time, I took to researching alternative non-exercise ways to keep fit and strong. While I have been practicing the cold portion of the WHM for months, and trying to breathe deeply daily, I hadn’t fully taken advantage of the breathing techniques. That is to say that when practiced correctly and consistently, the Wim Hof style of breathing provides immensely positive side effects to the human body. 

According to Wim Hof’s website: “by practicing the breathing exercises, you are releasing more energy, influencing your nervous system and changing various physiological responses. You are inducing voluntarily a short stress response which ultimately will lead to more resilience towards everyday stress, mentally and physiology and feeling more in control.” [1]. This intense exercise helps to alkalize the body and when the body is in an alkaline state “metabolic, enzymatic, immunologic, and repair mechanisms function at their best.” [2]. 

While the WH breathing technique is a wonderful (and free!) way to alkalize your body, some other ways include [3]: 

        • Eating alkalizing foods- (i.e. green veggies & coconuts) 

        • Drink alkalizing liquids- lemon/lime water, green juices, aloe vera juice

        • Exercise :)

        • Reduce stress levels (i.e. exercise, meditation, yoga, and of course, deep breathing)

For the exact method I’ll post Wim’s Youtube video that guides you through the process in under 10 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzCaZQqAs9I 

Essentially, you bring in quite forcefully and then gently exhale and repeat this 30 times. On the thirtieth breath, exhale and hold for as long as you can. Repeat this for three total rounds. 

As I mentioned in my previous Wim Hof blog post, deep breathing is great when coupled with cold exposure so I find it easiest to practice right before I shower.

What do you all think? Are you interested in incorporating this into your daily routine? It’s free, fun, and makes you stronger over time- what do you have to lose?

In the meantime, if you have any blog post topic requests please shoot me an email or DM me on Instagram :)

xoxo,

Alexandra

Disclaimer: All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.

Sources & additional reading:

1. “Breathing Exercises.” The Benefits of Breathing Exercises | Wim Hof Method, 2018, www.wimhofmethod.com/breathing-exercises 

2. Jaffe, R, and P Donovan. “Importance of Alkaline Diet- Jaffe and Donovan, Alkaline and Acid Food Chart.” American Nutrition Association, 11 Jan. 2007, americannutritionassociation.org/importance-alkaline-diet-jaffe-donovan-alkaline-acid-food-chart 

3. Aziz-Zadeh, Linda Miriam. “10 Ways To Alkalize Your Body & Why It's So Important.” HoneyColony, 24 Oct. 2017, www.honeycolony.com/article/10-ways-alkalize-your-body-important/ 

Originally published on my blog on October 22, 2018