Cold therapy (Wim Hof method)

Wim Hof, known by almost everyone as ''The Iceman'

In recent decades, he gained national and international renown with his world records in
extreme conditions; he stood for almost two hours up to his neck in a tub full of ice cubes, heclimbed Mount Kilimanjaro in record time wearing only shorts, and he ran a marathon in thesnow around the Arctic Circle in flip-flops.

How is Wim Hof able to withstand all these extreme conditions so well and undergo that physical discomfort from a state of relaxation? And could you do the same?

In recent years, scientists have shown a growing interest in Wim Hof and his physical and
mental abilities. This has resulted in the Wim Hof Method (WHM). During this workshop,
you will be introduced to the basic principles of the Wim Hof Method.

The content of the workshop
We will start off with an introductory round, during which you will have the opportunity to
explain why you are there. Some might just be curious, others may have a specific reason, be
it health-related or other. All of you are looking for an extraordinary experience, and that is
what you will get.

I will talk about the background of the Wim Hof Method (WHM), during which we will of
course zoom in on the three core elements of the method: breathing, cold, and focus. You will
learn about the various scientific studies conducted in recent years on the Wim Hof Method,
and how you can use the Wim Hof Method to improve your health and strengthen your
immune system.  

The workshop will involve some theoretical work, but the Wim Hof Method is mainly about
feeling and experiencing it yourself, after all, 'Feeling is Understanding', to put it in Wim’s
own words. So, above all, you will experience the method. By using focus exercises and
learning the Wim Hof breathing technique, we will work towards the finale of the afternoon: a
nice, cold ice bath. (This is optional and will include a personal photo being taken.)

Practical information

• We will start at 1 and finish around 5 p.m.
• A maximum of 8 participants can take part in the workshop each time. This is to keep the group small and intimate. This also allows plenty of room for interaction and questions.
• Throughout the workshop, water, tea, and fruit will be provided. After the ice bath, I will serve a cup of soup. At this time, there will also be an opportunity to share experiences and ask final questions.
• It is best to wear comfortable clothing in which you can move and breathe well such as a jumper, sweatpants, etc. For the ice bath, please make sure to bring swimwear, a towel, a bathrobe, and, optionally, flip-flops.
• I will take a photo of your ice bath moment, which will be sent to you after the workshop!

Safety / contraindications
In principle, the workshop is suitable for all healthy people and the method has few
contraindications. Beforehand, you will be asked to fill in a health statement to be able to
exclude any contraindications. If you have doubts please consult your GP or ask the instructor concerned.
Instructor

The workshop will be led by Wouter Heijne of BliqOpener. Wouter is a breathing coach and certified instructor in the Wim Hof Method.