The Wim Hof method with Gerrit and Isabel
The Wim Hof Method is a holistic approach to promoting health and well-being developed by the Dutch extreme adventurer Wim Hof. The method combines three basic elements: Breathing techniques, exposure to cold and meditation. The aim is to strengthen the immune system, reduce stress, increase energy and boost physical and mental performance.
Special breathing technique, exposure to cold and meditation
The Breathing techniques, die auch als „Hof-Methode-Atmung“ bekannt sind, beinhalten kontrolliertes Hyperventilieren, gefolgt von einer Atempause. Durch diese Techniken wird der Körper mit Sauerstoff gesättigt und der Kohlendioxidgehalt im Blut gesenkt. Die Exposition gegenüber Kälte umfasst das Eintauchen in kaltes Wasser oder das Verbringen von Zeit in einer Kältekammer. Die Kälte wird als Stressor verwendet, um den Körper zu trainieren und das Immunsystem zu stärken. Durch Meditation soll der Geist beruhigt und das Bewusstsein gesteigert werden.
Health and mental benefits
The Wim Hof Method is not only suitable for extreme athletes or adventurers, but can be practised by anyone who wants to improve their health and well-being. However, it is important to learn and practise the techniques under the guidance of a qualified trainer.
Isabel Einsiedl and Gerrit Curcio, managing director at the Landhotel Altes Zollhaus, offer regular Wim Hof workshops and seminars here and in the Partner hotel Kalura in Sicily. In a 3-hour workshop, not only is the theory explained to you, but you also practise the breathing technique to the music and drumming of the two teachers and have the opportunity to experience the effect of the method immediately in an ice bath. This is followed by the option of relaxing in the hotel's wellness area and taking a break in the Saunas the counter programme.
Consequences that affect your whole life
Both Isabel Einsiedl and Gerrit Curcio say that before practising the Wim Hof Method, they were people who tended to shiver. For Isabel in particular, the method has changed her perception of cold so much that she now feels more comfortable at room temperature.
Gerrit also wanted to become more resilient, both mentally and physically. In his varied and responsible work, he is constantly faced with new surprises and challenges; what could previously have led to stress is now met with composure and a smile. Gerrit goes swimming in the cool sea in Italy almost every morning; and in winter at the customs house he is seen in swimming trunks and with axe in hand when he goes to the lake for ice swimming.
Immerse yourself in other mental states
For Isabel, ice bathing is also a way to quickly get into mindsets and mental states that she has otherwise achieved with yoga and other spiritual practices. She describes the Wim Hof method as a "life hack" for her, which only takes up to 15 minutes a day - less if you only take a cold shower early in the morning. Through breathing and cold, she reaches states of consciousness more quickly, which she likes to use as an artist when painting.
The effects of the method are many and varied. She had no intention of using it to influence chronic physical issues, but since she has been using the Wim Hof cooling method and breathing, an autoimmune disease - a type of rheumatism - that she suffered from has disappeared. Gerrit also says that he is no longer chronically "sick" as he used to be and no longer has to regularly reach for aspirin in everyday life.
Surprisingly, the method is fun!
Both say that they enjoy the method. Gerrit's sons use the method with him, as you can see on YouTube, for example at a Father-son hike in bathing equipment! Isabel and Gerrit also got to know each other through the Wim Hof method.
In the joint retreats or one-day workshops, you can go deeper with the two of them. They complement each other wonderfully by practising the Wim Hof Method from different perspectives and with different motivations - Gerrit is more interested in improving performance, both mentally and physically. in the sporting sense; Isabel also from spiritual motivations.
You can spend a weekend with the two hereBook or call the Zollhaus or Hotel Kalura to book a workshop.
