#127 Wim Hof on Waking Up to Your True Potential
CAUTION ADVISED: This podcast contains swearing from the start.\nHow long could you last in a freezing-cold shower? And for how long could you comfortably, peacefully hold your breath? My guest today insists you can learn to do both for far longer than you think. And that by doing so, you can battle disease, regulate your mood and connect with your true self.\nThis podcast is a fascinating insight into the mind, work and charismatic personality of Wim Hof, aka The Iceman. Wim has been described as a \u2018trailblazer for human potential\u2019 and a \u2018modern legend\u2019, thanks to his incredible feats. They include withstanding extreme temperatures, climbing Kilimanjaro in nothing but shorts \u2013 even, as he describes to me, being injected with a toxin and resisting illness.\nBut he is no mere showman, there is method to what some might see as madness. Wim wants to convince people they too can do the \u2018impossible\u2019 and prove it through evidence-based science. Brain scans now indicate we can take conscious control of our autonomic nervous system. But this sort of \u2018top down\u2019 regulation had been unknown in science before.\nWe talk about cold-water immersion \u2013 and why he believes that \u2018a cold shower a day keeps the doctor away\u2019. He explains that cold stimulates vascular muscle tone, increasing blood flow, slowing heart rate, increasing energy and lowering cortisol. Wim gives practical advice to help all of us build from a tense, 10-second blast of cold at the end of a shower, to comfortably showering cold for two to three minutes a day. And with benefits like reduced inflammation, improved cardiovascular function and immunity, reduced depression and anxiety.\nBreathing techniques go hand in hand with his cold-water exercises, and we discuss how his particular practice can work to help us achieve peak functionality before endurance events, stressful times and more. Paradoxically, it involves over-breathing and breath-holding, to create a stressful spike in the body. Yet it results in a very tranquil sensation \u2013 and builds resilience to all kinds of stress, physical and mental, for the rest of the day.\nAt the end of this podcast, Wim kindly agreed to take me through one round of his technique, so you can give it a try with me and experience the effects for yourself.* It felt incredible, like accessing a different state of calm. I really hope you can feel the positive energy in this unique conversation.\xa0\nCAUTION: If you have uncontrolled hypertension or heart disease it is not advised that you start practising cold water immersion. If you have any doubt at all as to whether you are fit enough to give this practice a go, please consult a\xa0qualified healthcare professional.\nShow notes available at\xa0drchatterjee.com/127\nFollow me on\xa0instagram.com/drchatterjee/\nFollow me on\xa0facebook.com/DrChatterjee/\nFollow me on\xa0twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk\nDISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.\n Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.