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Wim Hof breathing
Wim Hof Method breathing
A listing is not a recommendation.
Origin: The Netherlands (contemporary) · Tradition: A contemporary brand of cold plus breathing (similar to yogic over-breathing and breath-holding) · Breathing
What it is
A contemporary method combining repeated strong deep breaths with breath-holding. It is promoted for immunity and stress tolerance, but there have been deaths from over-breathing and from doing it in water, so safety comes first.
A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)
- Never do this in water, in the bath, or while driving.
- If you are interested, do it on land in a safe place, after teaching and a health assessment.
- If you have numbness, tetany, or a warning of fainting, return at once to ordinary breathing.
Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice
- Stress or unease
- Tiredness
- Immune system (general mention)
Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)
C: Preliminary, small, or lower-quality studies, or mixed results. These notes should not be over-read
A 2024 systematic review suggests a possible anti-inflammatory finding, but studies are small and quality is very low. Results on exercise performance are mixed. Avoid doing it in a dangerous setting.
Sources
Safety notes
Fainting from over-breathing, and drowning in water. Do not swim or bathe while doing this breathing.
If you are unsure, or if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicine, consult a qualified professional.
Situations in which this is better avoided
- Doing this in water, while driving, or at height
- Avoid it especially, or consult a physician, in heart disease, epilepsy, pregnancy, or severe psychiatric illness