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Extended Cut Wim Hof Explains Benefits of Cold Showers
00:00 Our next guest is a Dutch extreme athlete known for his ability to withstand freezing temperatures. He's also dedicated his life to helping others reach their full potential. From the Netherlands please welcome Wim Hof. [APPLAUSE] Hi, Wim. Hi, Ellen. Thank you for having me in your show. I am-- You're incredible. You are incredible. I have been looking forward to meeting you for a long, long time. I talk about all the time. Justin Bieber was on the show. We were talking about how incredible you are. Explain how you've discovered this cold therapy and explain it to people who don't know what you do. I'm a person like anybody else yet I wanted to know the depths of myself. So I plunged into esoteric disciplines, into religions, traditions, languages, all kinds of things but nothing could really satisfy me up till the point
01:00 that I met this freezing cold water. I went in and I felt like there were no words but I felt this is it. This made me connect so deeply with my physiology, with the depth that we're seeking for which is not in the books but it is inside yourself and the cold knows how to unlock that. So that made me go, like 46 years ago into the cold water. And I never skipped one day of not going into icy water in winter time since then. I'm 62 now. It's amazing. So most people go into-- what's the temperature of that water for instance? That is like, is it 31 degrees Fahrenheit, is like freezing. Yes, freezing.
02:00 It is sometimes colder than-- when it's frozen over is when I go in. I make a hole and I'm in the water. And I do my deep experienced breathing techniques staying in the water, it's like deep meditation. It's incredible. You look at that-- we're looking at the video right now, most people would go into hypothermia, not everyone. And you teach these breathing techniques to get ready. But you say there are three pillars to your method and explain what those are. That is specific breathing techniques and then we have gradual cold exposure and we have mindset. And because I went through science it showed to be capable, for example, to defy a bacteria injected. That means a deeper physiology and physiological control over the immune system is there and it
03:00 is so simple and accessible and anybody can do it. Yes, And we'll get to the cold shower because I think that's how most people can start, but explain how this affects your nervous system. Yes, by going in a acute, deep, stressful exercise you activate the adrenal axis to spike. And that resets the body to its natural depth by which the physiology suddenly awakens into depth and gets in the control of our will. And that's amazing. Yeah, I'm looking at that thinking I can't do that. I don't think I could sit on that ice. And I mean I'd like to because I want to meet you someday and I do want to try it. But this is something that everyone can practice. Some people should not do it, is that right? Like I mean-- Of course. Yes.
04:00 So of course, people with a poor condition or conditions of say chronic diseases and so on we have developed by protocols a method-- we have developed a method that is accessible for anybody even with conditions. And if we go and look at what I've been doing, I have been a researcher of this all. I went to the North Pole, I went up Mount Everest all in my short, into the desert, running without drinking a marathons, and going under the ice and losing my weight. I was the searcher now I found that a cold shower a day keeps the doctor away. As simple as it is that my message to the world is to bring something very accessible and powerful to the human understanding. And it is all scientifically endorsed.
05:00 So it is not difficult it is, a matter of doing. Yeah. So if you take for instance-- this is fascinating when I read-- if you take a cold shower it raises your dopamine level 250%. Absolutely. In for example, a depression there is a lack of noradrenaline and dopamine. And going in to a cold shower raises the level of noradrenalin with 530%, dopamine with 250%. It's a natural pill that has no side effects. I think a lot of people here are going to start taking cold showers. I mean I enjoy a hot shower. Does that do anything for you Wim or no? Do you ever take a hot shower? I love hot showers. OK, I do-- I love it-- I do, too but-- yeah, go ahead. Oh, sorry.
06:00 Yes, the cold this therapeutical. And once you get used to the cold showers it becomes really addictive. It's a power boost to the body. Afterwards did your veins are so exercised that the blood flow is much better by which you get a lot more energy. And the heart rate is going down because of the millions of little muscles in the vascular system are all optimized and they help the heart, the blood flow go through the system. So the heart rate goes down. People who do regular cold or showers, cold showers the heart rate goes down with 20 to 30 beats a minute 24 hours a day. Wow. That means no stress, high levels of energy. Well, first of all look at you, you're 62 years old as you said. And what time is it where you are right now?
07:00 It is half past 12. So in the morning it's yeah, half past 12. OK. And then what time will you wake up in the morning to get in the freezing cold water? It's around between 6 and 7. Well, we all want to be like you Wim, you're amazing. You've created an app where people can learn about your method and take online classes. So if you want to watch more of my interview with Wim you can log on to my website because we had to go a little long because I'm fascinated by him. You can download the Wim Hof method mobile app, it's on iOS and Google Play. And you should learn more about this guy because he is fascinating and can make us all feel better. Wim, thank you so much. Thank you, Ellen. Thank you very much for your great work. Thank you. Thank you, Wim. All right, we'll be right back.
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Transcript auto-generated by YouTube. Verbatim — duplicates intentionally preserved.
In a world where comfort often reigns supreme, the concept of willingly stepping into cold water may seem counterintuitive. Yet, for Wim Hof, known as the 'Iceman', this practice has become a transformative ritual that bridges the gap between mind and body. For over 46 years, Hof has immersed himself in freezing temperatures, unlocking profound insights into human physiology and resilience.
Hof's journey into the depths of cold therapy reveals not just a personal quest for understanding, but a method accessible to everyone. By harnessing the power of cold exposure, he advocates for its potential to enhance mental clarity, physical well-being, and overall longevity. This article delves into the science behind cold showers, exploring their benefits and how they can serve as a powerful tool for personal growth and health.
250 Dopamine increase from cold showers 530 Noradrenaline increase from cold showers 20 Average heart rate decrease (beats per minute) from regular cold showers
"Once you get used to the cold showers, it becomes really addictive."
The Cold Therapy Method
Wim Hof's approach to cold exposure is built upon three foundational pillars: breathing techniques, gradual cold exposure, and mindset. Each element plays a crucial role in preparing the body and mind for the challenges posed by cold water. Hof emphasizes that this method is not merely for extreme athletes but is designed to be accessible to all.
By practicing deep breathing while exposed to cold, individuals can engage their nervous system in a way that promotes resilience. This process activates the adrenal axis, leading to a spike in hormones that reset the body’s natural equilibrium. As Hof succinctly puts it, "A cold shower a day keeps the doctor away." This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the essence of his method, highlighting its potential as a natural remedy with no side effects.
"A cold shower a day keeps the doctor away." — Wim Hof
Scientific Benefits
The physiological effects of cold exposure are backed by compelling science. Research indicates that cold showers can significantly increase levels of dopamine and noradrenaline—two neurotransmitters crucial for mood regulation. Specifically, cold showers can raise dopamine levels by 250% and noradrenaline levels by an astounding 530%.
These increases can lead to improved mental clarity and emotional resilience. Hof explains, "In depression, there is a lack of noradrenaline and dopamine. Going into a cold shower raises these levels, providing a natural boost." This mechanism not only enhances mood but also contributes to a decrease in heart rate, with regular cold exposure leading to an average reduction of 20 to 30 beats per minute. This reduction is indicative of lower stress levels and increased energy, creating a feedback loop that promotes overall well-being.
Accessibility and Safety
One of the most empowering aspects of Hof's method is its accessibility. He stresses that anyone can incorporate cold exposure into their daily life, regardless of their current health status. However, it is essential to approach this practice with mindfulness, especially for individuals with chronic conditions.
Hof has developed protocols that allow for safe gradual exposure to cold, ensuring that each person can find their own comfort level. As he notes, "It is a natural pill that has no side effects." This approach not only democratizes the benefits of cold therapy but also encourages a deeper connection with one’s own body and mind.
Words Worth Hearing
"It is a natural pill that has no side effects." — Wim Hof
"Once you get used to the cold showers, it becomes really addictive." — Wim Hof
Practical Takeaways
Incorporate cold showers into your daily routine to enhance mood and energy levels. Practice deep breathing techniques while exposed to cold to maximize the benefits.