Proof ‘The Iceman’ Wim Hof’s hellish method does wonders for your health: immersing yourself in an ice bath ‘reduces inflammation’
The thought of diving into an ice bath and practicing deep breathing methods may sound like hell to some.
The method – made famous by extreme athlete Wim Hof – promises to ‘unlock a host of benefits’, including reduced stress levels, a stronger immune system, more energy, better sleep and increased focus.
Now scientists have taken a closer look at the benefits of the ‘iceman’ technique – and found that it actually appears to reduce inflammation.
The method – made famous by extreme athlete Wim Hof – promises to ‘unlock a host of benefits’, including reduced stress levels, a stronger immune system, more energy, better sleep and increased focus
Researchers from the University of Warwick analyzed the results of eight different studies into the method.
They found that cold therapy and ice baths caused an increase in adrenaline levels, which can indirectly reduce inflammation.
Two studies also found significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory proteins in participants after they participated.
Reducing inflammation in the body is important because it can be linked to health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
The team said reducing inflammation could benefit people who don’t feel well, especially those with chronic inflammation, as well as healthy people.
Researchers from the University of Warwick found that cold therapy and ice baths caused an increase in adrenaline levels, which can indirectly reduce inflammation
The impact of the Wim Hof method on training performance was less clear, as some studies showed a benefit, while others found no significant difference.
Although the results suggest the method may have physiological benefits, researchers emphasized the need for more robust, confirmatory research before the method can be recommended, given the small sample size and high risk of bias in current studies.
Writing in the journal Plos One, the team said: ‘The Wim Hof Method (WHM) is a lifestyle change that claims to improve a person’s quality of life and consists of three pillars: the Wim Hof breathing method, cold therapy and dedication.
‘According to Wim Hof, the creator of this method, a combination of these three pillars strengthens a person’s autonomic nervous system and immune system, thereby strengthening a person’s health and mentality.
‘The findings of this review suggest that the Wim Hof method may have an impact on reducing inflammation in healthy and non-healthy participants.
‘More research…is needed to substantiate this finding.’
Wim Hof holds 21 Guinness World Records for some of his notable human feats, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro while wearing shorts, swimming 66 meters under the ice, standing in a container filled with ice cubes for two hours and a running a half marathon across the Arctic Circle.