The thought of plunging into an ice bath and practicing deep breathing methods might sound like hell to some.
The method – made famous by extreme athlete Wim Hof – promises to ‘unlock a multitude of benefits’ including reduced stress levels, a stronger immune system, increased energy, better sleep and heightened focus.
Now, scientists have looked closely at the advantages of the ‘iceman’s’ technique – and found it does actually appear to reduce inflammation.
The method – made famous by extreme athlete Wim Hof – promises to ‘unlock a multitude of benefits’ including reduced stress levels, a stronger immune system, increased energy, better sleep and heightened focus
Researchers from the University of Warwick analysed the results of eight different trials into the method.
They found 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 took part.
Reducing inflammation in the body is important, as it can be linked to health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer.
The team said that reducing inflammation can benefit people who are unwell, especially those with chronic inflammation, but also healthy people too.
Researchers from the University of Warwick found cold therapy and ice baths caused an increase in adrenaline levels, which can indirectly reduce inflammation
The impact of the Wim Hof method on exercise performance were less clear, as some studies showed a benefit while others found no significant difference.
While the results suggest that the method may have physiological benefits, researchers stressed the need for more robust, confirmatory research before the method can be recommended given the small sample sizes and the high risk of bias in current trials.
Writing in the journal Plos One, the team said: ‘The Wim Hof Method (WHM) is a lifestyle change that claims to enhance a person’s quality of life which consists of three pillars: Wim Hof breathing method, cold therapy and commitment.
‘According to Wim Hof, the creator of this method, a combination of these three pillars enhances a person’s autonomic nervous and immune systems, thus strengthening a person’s health and mentality.
‘The findings of this review suggest that the Wim Hof Method may affect the reduction of 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 remarkable human achievements, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro while wearing shorts, swimming 66 metres below ice, standing for two hours in a container filled with ice cubes, and running a half marathon over the Arctic Circle.
