Breathing into our lungs the elements such as oxygen and nitrogen is one of the most crucial factors a person needs to survive. Though considered important, people might not often think about it as we just let our body do its job automatically, like when it comes to digestion, circulation, pregnancy, and heartbeat. But with all these, one amazing Dutchman proved how breathing couldn't just make a person live, but also "superhuman."
Wim Hof also referred to as "The Iceman," showed the world how he was able to withstand extreme cold barefoot and shirtless or even enjoyed his ice baths for about 90 minutes without killing himself. "If you oxygenize the body the way we do it, the oxygen gets into the tissue. [Regular] breathing doesn't do that," Hof explains.
Hof is eager to share his method with more people as he believes they can also learn his skill. He also believes that by being able to learn his unique breathing technique, people can also embrace a lot of benefits from it. According to the article entitled Can Breathing Like Wim Hof Make Us Superhuman, which was featured in Discover Magazine, following Hof's method can give a person more energy, can help manage stress and cortisol levels, and can also strengthen the immune system.
Though most of his tutorials would require payments first before accessing, there are still some that are offered for free. One of these free tutorials involve these steps: First, you have to sit comfortably in your favorite and most relaxing place away from any disturbance or pollution. Second, take 30 quick but deep breaths. Make sure to inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Third, take another deep breath and exhale. Hold it for several seconds until you are unable to hold it any longer. Inhale, now deeper, and hold your breath for at least 10 seconds. Repeat.
How can the body be able to become superhuman by just following Hof's breathing technique? Hof claims that through this technique, the body will have enough oxygen levels that the organs need to survive and function properly, as reported by Catalyst Newspaper. Aside from that, the body will also push adrenaline to flood through the body, which enables it to unleash the strength people don't know they had.
Hof's theory was also seconded by a Dutch team, which was led by Matthijs Kox, a researcher. Through their research, they were able to observe how Hof's breathing regimen has affected their study's participants. After the end of their research, the experts found out that people who were under such breathing training have lower levels of inflammation, and their immunity is also stronger in fighting off diseases and other factors that can negatively affect their body.
