Targeted oxygen shortage with the Wim Hof method

An important pillar of the Wim Hof Method is the breathing technique. This involves inhaling forcefully so that the entire "abdominal cavity" (the lower part of the lungs) and then the "chest cavity" (the middle to upper part of the lungs) are filled with air, and then letting the air flow out again as effortlessly as possible. Do this for a few minutes, then exhale all the air and hold your breath. When you feel the need to inhale again, do so and hold your breath "in" for another 15 seconds.

The blood becomes more alkaline and the blood cells release less oxygen

With the deep inhalation and relaxed exhalation you create an intentional hyperventilation and we reduce the carbon dioxide content in the blood. The pH value of the blood goes up (becomes more alkaline). Since increased carbon dioxide levels and lower (more acidic) pH levels normally stimulate red blood cells to release oxygen into the blood, the oxygen reaching the other cells of the body is reduced - despite the oxygen saturation in the blood!

Der kurzzeitige „Stress“ animiert den Körper, die Sauerstoffversorgungswege zu verbessern

This very brief reduction in oxygen supply to the cells causes a "stress reaction" in the cells. The body reacts by trying to strengthen the pathways through which cells normally receive oxygen; for example, by creating more red blood cells, increasing lung capacity, promoting blood circulation or improving metabolic efficiency in the long term. By practising the Wim Hof breathing method, the body gradually undergoes changes that can lead to a better oxygen supply to the cells in the long term.

The exercise is best performed lying down

In the Wim Hof retreats and workshops organised by Gerrit Curcio and Isabel Einsiedl These breathing exercises are guided with background music and drums, which makes it very easy to get into them. We lie down on yoga mats and optionally cover ourselves up, as the breathing technique can make you feel dizzy, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your breathing.

Simulation von Höhenlagen durch „Oxygen Advantage“ Übungen

Gerrit is also in the Oxygen Advantage method. Here too, the aim is to influence our health and our mind by regulating our breathing and thus the supply of oxygen and carbon in the body. One pillar of the Oxygen Advantage programme is also to simulate oxygen scarcity in order to stimulate the body to absorb oxygen more efficiently. Patrick McKeown, the author of the method, talks about simulating high altitudes, where the oxygen content of the air is lower.

Both methods (Wim Hof and Oxygen Advantage) are actually used to prevent altitude sickness. Similar methods are also used in sport to increase performance, known as "elevation training". This is because when you train at altitude, less oxygen reaches the muscles, which in turn stimulates adaptive processes in the body. Athletes are then more efficient at lower altitudes.

Pranayama also in yoga classes

Both the Wim Hof and the Oxygen Advantage techniques are based on pranayama, i.e. the yoga tradition. At the Landhotel Altes Zollhaus you can practise the Wim Hof technique in the respective retreats and workshops and talk to Gerrit about the Oxygen Advantage technique. In Yoga classes Pranayama is partly taught in the morning in the customs house.