Wim Hof

[puff_not_snuff]

Has anyone tried the Wim Hof breathing method? I read about it years ago but never really looked into it. Anyways, this afternoon I was feeling really sore and a bit anxious for some reason so I decided to give it a go. Well, I was shocked how much better I felt afterward. My body was totally relaxed an my state of anxiety was ratcheted down, considerably.

Worth looking into for anyone who suffers from anxiety etc., I don't generally consider myself an anxious person but lately it has kinda snuck up on me.

 

[AJL67]

Do not a pipe smoking “breathing method” i was confused for a second lol

 

[edger]

Anapana breath work and vipassana work wonders too.

 

[Kobold]

I tried this because I was having a lot of issues with breathing due to allergies. I felt great afterwards but woke up with the worst migraine the next morning. I’ve been scared to try it again after that but it might not have been due to the wim hof.

 

[puff_not_snuff]

I tried this because I was having a lot of issues with breathing due to allergies. I felt great afterwards but woke up with the worst migraine the next morning. I’ve been scared to try it again after that but it might not have been due to the wim hof.

Hmm, well had to make a correlation from just one try. But, migraines suck. I should say that I think Wim Hof is a bit of a neanderthal which made me even more surprised how much this breathing technique elevated my mood etc.

@edger are you a practicing Yogi? It's pretty amazing how much our breathing effects our body or how most of us do so little work to improve or harness it.

 

[aspiring_sage]

I've tried some of Wim Hof's ideas for awhile. There seems to be something to it but I never stuck with it.

There are a handful of "Doctors" or other experts that shed some light on what Wim is doing. Seems there are some theories similar to what he teaches which I found to be an interesting rabbit trail at least.

 

[edger]

Hmm, well had to make a correlation from just one try. But, migraines suck. I should say that I think Wim Hof is a bit of a neanderthal which made me even more surprised how much this breathing technique elevated my mood etc.

@edger are you a practicing Yogi? It's pretty amazing how much our breathing effects our body or how most of us do so little work to improve or harness it.

Not even close. I learned a good deal about vipassana back in the 90’s, even took an 11 day course. It really can clear out mental baggage via the breath used to “explore” bodily sensations (pain and pleasure) that are linked to the mind. Look it up because I have no confidence in my ability to properly describe the process. I still use it regularly to reduce anxiety, but my lack of self discipline means I’m not a regular meditator and that’s where one gets the best results.
BTW, The Vipassana Meditation Centers in various states teach this as a technique, not with any particular religious connection, so all are welcome. You might google it’s mentor: S. N. Goenka.

 

[puff_not_snuff]

Not even close. I learned a good deal about vipassana back in the 90’s, even took an 11 day course. It really can clear out mental baggage via the breath used to “explore” bodily sensations (pain and pleasure) that are linked to the mind. Look it up because I have no confidence in my ability to properly describe the process. I still use it regularly to reduce anxiety, but my lack of self discipline means I’m not a regular meditator and that’s where one gets the best results.
BTW, The Vipassana Meditation Centers in various states teach this as a technique, not with any particular religious connection, so all are welcome. You might google it’s mentor: S. N. Goenka.

I will thank you. I went to Catholic School so I am pretty much immune to anyone's influence in that regard, if it did contain some religious teachings. I might take a Transcendental Meditation course. It does wonder according to Jerry Seinfeld and David Lynch!

 

[Andriko]

@edger are you a practicing Yogi? It's pretty amazing how much our breathing effects our body or how most of us do so little work to improve or harness it.

I would recommend some yoga. Pranayama is all about breathing and can have some quite stunning results, though it is really an advanced practice to be done after quite a bit of physical (asana) practice. A lot of yoga is really about learning how to sit still for hours so you can breath properly. You will, in general, find yourself more relaxed and at ease with your body if you get into a regular routine. However, I would advise you seek a more serious teacher/ style - a lot of the 'yoga' we get in the west is basically a glorified fitness class, and I've often seen it done with little regard to precision which not only defeats the purpose but can lead to injury.

There is a spiritual element, though not really religious, unless you want to go that way.

 

[puff_not_snuff]

I would recommend some yoga. Pranayama is all about breathing and can have some quite stunning results, though it is really an advanced practice to be done after quite a bit of physical (asana) practice. A lot of yoga is really about learning how to sit still for hours so you can breath properly. You will, in general, find yourself more relaxed and at ease with your body if you get into a regular routine. However, I would advise you seek a more serious teacher/ style - a lot of the 'yoga' we get in the west is basically a glorified fitness class, and I've often seen it done with little regard to precision which not only defeats the purpose but can lead to injury.

There is a spiritual element, though not really religious, unless you want to go that way.

Well, I have a pretty active interest in Buddhism so, I'm generally open to a variety of eastern spiritual practices.

 

[romaso]

Best intro to Buddhism (Theravadan) is, 'What the Buddha Taught' by Walpola Rahula.

A good intro to Buddhist meditation is, 'Mindfulness in Plain English' by Bhante Gunaratana.
Also good is, 'The Art of Living' by William Hart (a student of Goenka).