Cold Exposure Lowers Stress??

Most of us have heard of the Wim Hof Method (WHM) that has been popularized by Wim Hof. He was known for trying to push the idea that the effects of breathing techniques and cold exposure can be very beneficial for a person’s health. He would make claims that However, cold exposure treatment and breathing techniques can also be used to combat perceived stress. The controlling of the cold induced stress on the body can be a great way for exposure to allow for adaptation to future stresses. The breathing techniques used in the WHM also have been found to activate the sympathetic nervous system. Depending on a person’s conditions, it is a good thing to do. Inflammation can be reduced by cold therapy and breathing as blood is shunted to the core and the SNS is activated to reduce inflammation as well. Having quick, sudden exposure to stress can be a good way to relieve chronic stress. As a person is able to train themselves to deal with stress. The perceived stress they have from their daily lives has been shown to be diminished psychologically. Of course cold exposure or exposure for too long can have negative effects and prolonged stress can suppress the immune system. Therefore, the WHM is a good treatment option at home in the shower and to practice mindfulness and breathing to reduce chronic stress.

References

Buijze, G. A., de Jong, H. M. Y., Kox, M., van de Sande, M. G., van Schaardenburg, D., van Vugt, R. M., Popa, C. D., Pickkers, P., & Baeten, D. L. P. (2019). An add-on training program involving breathing exercises, cold exposure, and meditation attenuates inflammation and disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis–A proof of concept trial. PloS one, 14, e0225749. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0225749

Kopplin, C. S., & Rosenthal, L. (2022). The positive effects of combined breathing techniques and cold exposure on perceived stress: a randomised trial. Current Psychology, 42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03739-y