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MAKING A DIFF EREN CE


www.wimhofmethod.com] These techniques are derived from his experiences in what he terms ‘the hard nature’. The training has three components: breathing exercises, graduated cold exposure, and training the mindset. Breathing techniques are fundamental


to many health practices. WHM breathing could be considered a controlled form of hyperventilation, and for this reason Wim cautions against practising it while driving or in other potentially dangerous situations. Using this method of breathing, oxygen levels increase, and carbon dioxide levels decrease with a corresponding rise in pH levels – the body becomes instantly more alkaline. Building up the body’s resistance to cold, initially by alternating hot and cold showers, trains the vascular system while simultaneously preparing the mind to cope with physical stress. This is progressed until ultimately you are able to challenge yourself with ice baths or running in the snow. Commitment to the program automatically strengthens your mental focus and determination. Wim explains “If these techniques


are done well, we are able to tap into the depths of our physiology. It takes some practice, but you can feel the benefits very fast”. At this point I’m nodding vigorously in agreement. After four weeks of following the online WHM training, I was able to increase my breath holding time up from 55 seconds to over three minutes, and jump happily into an ice cold Melbourne winter shower!


14 JULY 2016


The techniques are deceptively simple. When once asked whether the breath is through the nose or through the mouth, Hof replied, “Any hole will do!”


It is this combination of humour, confidence, and determination to break down the mystique that has surrounded traditional esoteric practices, that makes the Iceman so appealing. One of my patients has dubbed him


‘a guru for the modern age’. When I put that to Wim, he just laughs. “The word guru means one who brings light. (Wim is self-taught in more than ten languages including Sanskrit.) He explains that the way to bring this light is by scientific investigation. “So you can take away the confusion and speculation. Then it becomes a non-dogmatic choice.” Hof’s achievements are astonishing,


but for me, it is his obvious passion to help others that resonates most powerfully. He has a saying, “Ego. No. We go.” Wim explains: “We are a tribe. We


have to help each other. Caring and sharing is a tribe thing… This society has become too materialistic, too much competition going on.” Again he brings it back to physiology:


“So the distance between people is creating an absence of oxytocin, and that brings about a lot of ailments.” [Oxytocin is often called the ‘love hormone’, as it is released during sex, childbirth and lactation.]


When I mention to Wim that my next patient due is 35 weeks pregnant, he launches into a discussion on breathing in labour and the research into pain management. As we talk further, I realise the implications for health and healing are nothing short of mind blowing. There is also a true sense of a deeper


spiritual aspect to this work. In Wim’s words: “Life is beautiful. It’s about the love – the love for life and the love for each other. It’s magic what is happening, but we just forgot how to live it fully. By breathing, you take it in and fill up all your physiology and thus you become aware of the beauty of it all – feeling great that is.” Wim Hof and his team are coming


to Australia for the first time this year to conduct a series of workshops and retreats. n


Matt Radford is a Physiotherapist, Traditional Chinese Medicine physician, and the director of Centre of Health – Physiotherapy &


Chinese Medicine in Melbourne.


[1] Kox, M., Stoffels, M., Smeekens, S. P., Alfen, N, van., Gomes, M.,Eijsvogels, T. M. H., Hopman, M. T. E, Hoeven, J. G, van der., Netea, M. G.,& Pickkers, P.(2012). The influence of concentration/ meditation on autonomic nervous system activity and the innate immune response a case study. Psychosomatic Medicine, 74, 489-449.


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