Last time we talked about taking cold showers to heal seborrheic dermatitis. While doing research for that post I came across the Wim Hof method, which is basically a combination of cold exposure and breathing exercises. Let’s directly jump in and start with an amazing story from James Skuggedal. James has successfully used the Wim Hof method to clear up his eczema!
Wim Hof is a Dutch extreme athlete known for his ability to withstand freezing temperatures. He has set Guinness world records for swimming under ice and prolonged full-body contact with ice. Wim still holds the record for a barefoot half-marathon on ice and snow.
Some decennia ago Wim Hof has hypothesized that regulated exposure to the cold triggers a cascade of health benefits. These may include reduced inflammation, a fortified immune system, balanced hormone levels, improved sleep quality, and the production of endorphins (feel-good chemicals in our brains that naturally elevate our mood). Wim Hof took this belief to the medical community, and together they have proven some of these effects in well-controlled and documented scientific experiments.1
Good for the skin
According to dermatologists, submerging your skin in cold water is beneficial for skin health and promotes blood flow. Itchy skin conditions such as eczema and seborrheic dermatitis can benefit from cold water exposure, as warm water and chlorine strip away the skin’s natural oils and dry it out. Cold water on the other hand, helps to constrict blood vessels to tighten pores and reduce redness.
Gets the lymph moving
Moving the lymphatic system helps eliminate waste from the body, which is incredibly important for healing the skin. The lymph nodes are like blood vessels: they pump lymphatic fluid around the body. But unlike our blood vessels, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump to do that job (the heart plays that role for moving the blood). Bathing in ice cold water constricts and opens vessels (using the body’s natural reaction to cooling and heating), which helps stagnant fluids in our lymph nodes move around the body again. Increased blood flow also floods our cells with nutrients and oxygen.
Mental resilience
From a mental standpoint, you’re challenging your body by being exposed to different stresses. Cold water bathing increases the release of the hormone norepinephrine, which in turn works to calm the mind. It also positively impacts our mood, vigilance, focus, and attention. Wim Hof explains: “Both cold exposure and conscious breathing require patience and dedication. Armed with focus and determination you are ready to explore and eventually master your own body and mind.” He describes it as “a practical way to become happier, healthier, and more powerful.”
More info
https://osteopathie-adhesiolyse.com/en/2016/10/24/why-do-i-burn-with-curiosity-about-cold-baths/
https://www.hannasillitoe.com/blogs/news/cold-water-swims-for-body-and-skin
- 1.Kox M, van Eijk LT, Zwaag J, et al. Voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system and attenuation of the innate immune response in humans. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Published online May 5, 2014:7379-7384. doi:10.1073/pnas.1322174111
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Jennifer
I had eczema as a kid but it cleared up as a teenager. Now at 26, 8 months ago I started experiencing various forms of dermatitis – atopic, seborrheic and peri oral (which technically isn’t a dermatitis and is actually in the acne rosacea family). Have seen doctors and a dermatologist and so far have had temporary relief (few days max) or had the condition worsened by the recommended treatments. I’m going to try the Wim Hof method and see if it offers a solution.
Sue
Has this method helped? Would love to hear an update! 🙂