Hi all!
The winter season is upon us (at least here in Europe), the days have become much shorter and there isn't as much sun as during the precious summertime. Winter (and late fall) is perhaps the best time to take care of our immune systems, so they can protect us from getting the seasonal diseases like common cold or flu. One way to do so is to supplement vitamins like D3 and vitamin C. There's however a method, or rather a breathing technique, that will not only greatly boost our immune systems, but also improve our moods, focus and motivation. I'm talking of course about the Wim Hof Method breathing. If this is the first time you hear about it, I highly encourage you watch a video tutorial, created by Wim himself.
Wim Hof Method Breathing
Below you'll find the method breakdown into 3 simple steps.
Get into a comfortable position: sit down or lay down and close your eyes. Laying down flat (without a pillow) my help you to expand your lungs while breathing;
Step 1. Breathing
- take 30 - 40 deep breaths; breath in fully through the nose (or the mouth) and gently exhale through the mouth; you might experience lightheadedness, which is completely normal & harmless;
Step 2. Breath hold
- after the final inhale, let the air out and stop breathing; hold your breath for as long as you're capable of;
Step 3. Recovery breath
- once you feel the need to breath again, take one large breath and hold it for 15 seconds;
Congratulations! You've just completed the first round.
Repeat these steps for 3 to 4 times. After doing so, open your eyes and take some time off for your breath to become normal and to notice the sensations in the body.
Wim Hof Method Breathing benefits
Here's some benefits you get as a practitioner.
- reduced inflammation; you'll be able to fend common cold, flu and even SARS-COV-2 off within a quarter of an hour!
- more focus and motivation due to boosted dopamine levels;
- improved mood;
- more awareness;
This method has been scientifically proven to actually work! The first key study was performed in 2014 in the Netherlands. It showed that the practitioners of the method were able to control their sympathetic nervous system and the immune response when injected with an endotoxin (e. coli bateria in this instance).
To find out more, head down to wimhofmethod.com, Wim's youtube channel or download a dedicated app, available for both Android and iOS.
The breath is powerful.
Your experience with it can be a very deep one.
Bubbling up the unconscious mind, breaking stale patterns and powerfully experiencing one’s vitality.
Enjoy its depth.
source: wimhofmethod.com
Have a good one!
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