Wim Hof Method | 'Brain over Body' Michigan Study

We have been waiting with bated breath for the results of Wayne State University’s study on the potential for us to influence our body’s response to cold exposure, and are excited to finally share them. The full study is published in the science journal NeuroImage and you can read the full synopsis below.

For more great content visit:

=====
"Brain Over Body" - A study on the willful regulation of autonomic function during cold exposure

The defence of body temperature against environmental thermal challenges is a core objective of homeostatic regulation governed by the autonomic nervous system. Autonomous mechanisms of thermoregulation are only weakly affected by top-down modulation, allowing only transient tolerance for extreme cold. There is however, anecdotal evidence of a unique set of individuals known for extreme cold tolerance. Here we present a case study of a 57-year old Dutch national, Wim Hof, the so-called “Iceman”, with the ability to withstand frequent prolonged periods of extreme cold exposure based on the practice of a self-developed technique involving a combination of forced breathing, cold exposure and meditation (collectively referred to as the Wim Hof Method, henceforth “WHM”). The relative contributions of the brain and the periphery that endow the Iceman with these capabilities is unknown. To investigate this, we conducted multi-modal imaging assessments of the brain and the periphery using a combination of fMRI and PET/CT imaging. Thermoregulatory defence was evoked by subjecting the Iceman (and a cohort of typical controls) to a fMRI paradigm designed to generate periods of mild hypothermia interspersed by periods of return to basal core body temperature. fMRI was acquired in two separate sessions: in a typical (passive) state and following the practice of WHM. In addition, the Iceman also underwent a whole body PET/CT imaging session using the tracers C11-hydroxyephedrine (HED) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) during both thermoneutral and prolonged mild cold conditions. This acquisition allowed us to determine changes in sympathetic innervation (HED) and glucose consumption (FDG) in muscle and fat tissues in the absence of the WHM. fMRI analyses indicated that the WHM activates primary control centers for descending pain/cold stimuli modulation in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), possibly initiating a stress-induced analgesic response. In addition, the WHM also engages higher-order cortical areas (left anterior and right middle insula) that are uniquely associated with self-reflection, and which facilitate both internal focus and sustained attention in the presence of averse (e.g. cold) external stimuli. However, the activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) was unremarkable. Finally, forceful respiration results in increased sympathetic innervation and glucose consumption in intercostal muscle, generating heat that dissipates to lung tissue and warms circulating blood in the pulmonary capillaries. Our results provide compelling evidence for the primacy of the brain (CNS) rather than the body (peripheral mechanisms) in mediating the Iceman's responses to cold exposure. They also suggest the compelling possibility that the WHM might allow practitioners to develop higher level of control over key components of the autonomous system, with implications for lifestyle interventions that might ameliorate multiple clinical syndromes.

You can read the full study here:

=====

Want to discover & learn more about the Wim Hof Method?

JOIN THE FREE MINI CLASS:

DOWNLOAD THE FREE MOBILE APP:

VISIT THE WEBSITE:

CONNECT WITH WIM:

FREE E-BOOK:

WIM HOF METHOD ONLINE COURSES:

FOR WORKSHOPS/SEMINARS/TRAVELS:

=====
ABOUT WIM HOF
=====

“The Iceman” Wim Hof is a Dutch athlete and multiple Guiness World Record holder known for his ability to withstand extreme cold and his extraordinary achievements.

Wim believes that EVERYONE is capable of doing the same exceptional things his body allows him to do. That’s why he developed the Wim Hof Method - a combination of breathing exercises, cold therapy and commitment - to give YOU the tools to take control over your body.

He’s on a mission to share the potential health benefits of his method, working with scientists around the world to prove that his techniques work.

[minutesagoedited]

It is great that a master of his art openly gives away his technique in detail. No barriers but that of ourselves.

[jojow]

I've been trying this for the past month and it has made a significant improvement in my Traumatic Brain Injury symptoms like loss of balance and declined ability to speak audibly and clearly when I'm subjected to loud noise. I've seen a huge improvement. Thank you Wim!

[ajirah]

I love how science has an answer for everything and yet overlooking the power of the mind. I believe in science don't give me wrong but I also believe in mind over matter, which is something science cannot accept. I have mad respect for this man

[yoan]

Wim Hof, the man who wrote himself in History forever.

[wernerlucas]

I love to see how science explains exactly what happens when doing the breathing exercises.

[gauravahuja]

When I did this the second time, something weird happened at the end as I took in the breath, I felt so so relaxed and calm...I love this feeling!!!
Thanks Wim

[luckyhanger]

Thank you Wim Hof, I have always had high blood pressure and you have helped me get it under control better than any med my doctor has given me.

[vextract]

Wim oxygenates his cells calms his mind and burns glucose at an accelerated rate to protect his body. Amazing.

[mirankqiku]

Only 15 days with this method and i seriously got so many benefits

[skeenan]

This saint changed my life forever and he just gave it away! I in return bought some training but he didn’t know I would. I thank God for sending us this man. Namaste

[flipngrip]

So grateful for this man and all those who practice, study, and follow!

[ronweiss]

What I love abou Wim is that he does not keep his knowledge to himelf, but share it with anybody that LISTENS!

[saramcgill]

Thank you Wim Hof! Because of your techniques, I am having an easier post-op recovery!! The breathing WORKS!!!

[fernesquegolan]

This is an old teccnique practiced by the yogis of India.
The would do the same breathing techniques and mind
control while sitting in the snow. They would produce so
much heat, the snow around them would melt.

Another yogi was put into a cave with no food or water.
It was said he slowed his body down so much that after 30
days he had not lost any weight and was still as energetic
as when he started. He essentially went into hibernation.

Many people can fast for 30 days but will normally lose weight,  
but there are not many people who can go without water for 
more than a week, especially if they are fasting.

The Kundalini method of yoga teaches many breating techniques.
One of them is called the breath of fire. It is rapid sustained
very deep breathing for as long as possible. The body will heat
up and if there is any pain it will dissapate and not be experienced
during the rapid breathing. Breath of fire is also used when you 
may need to do a difficult physical task.

[monstersaint]

Wim is changing the world. His breathing technique has changed my life for the better. Words can't described how I've grown and changed from the breathing and then the breathing and cold therapy. Cold water is to the ego like holy water is to a holly-wood vampire.
I know this: everybody in the world needs a breath of fresh air.

[MariaGonzalez-tptw]

Thank you Wim Hof for your videos toray was my first day in watching them and i have seen 3 already with completing the want to master them to help my kids, family amd beyond. Alot of my sorroundings are with people of mental health and it sad how med are makong them sicker rather than healthier. I am struggling with anxiety, panic attacks fear after 10 uears of drug use my whole nerves system just collapse on me. Now, i am drug free but with mental struggles. I will make this my morning medication to watch your videos. Thank you all for sharing.

[jasonjackson]

I'm addicted. I started cold showers and now I am doing baths in a box freezer. I just did 5 min. in the box at 49 f. And then 3 min cold shower. I feel Alive af. Amazing, my body switches mode now at about a minute. Life changing ... thank you Wim

[thetruthiswhatyouneed]

I started doing the wim Hof
In I'm starting to say it amazing
But still got to keep working

Wim Hof a legend forever and ever

[MrAlanfalk]

I'm Going to Iceland to join a one day seminar with him in May, I'm so looking foreward to it !

[evarodriguez]

Thank you, Wim Hoff. I just started and already my brain is clearing and my heart is calmer. Thank you so much!!!