Hi. I started doing the WHM (Wim Hof Method, for those not in the know) a couple years ago, it was going great. Recently, however, I started getting panic attacks, and I figured the WHM was to blame, so I have stopped doing it altogether. However, I’ve found ways to manage my panic attacks/paranoia, and now my brain’s like “Well, since you’re calmer, try the WHM again” And I’m weary it will trigger my panic attacks again? Should I give it a try or stick to what I’ve been doing? I should mention, I got back into yoga, and that’s helped DRAMATICALLY with my anxiety/panic attacks. Which is why I’m considering doing the WHM again, because, apparently, the WHM will bring up past traumas, but yoga helps to get rid of that trauma, so in my head, if I combine the two, I’ll be releasing that trauma? If that makes sense.
Sounds like a bad idea to gamble on the same not-scientifically-proven method when stopping it helped stop your panic attacks.
Why not try something else and widen your emotional management toolkit rather than going back to something that messed you up in the past?
So far, my toolkit includes yoga, tai chi/Qigong, buteyko, hibiscus/chamomile tea, matcha tea, and ASMR. I’ve been working on a regimen or plan which incorporates all of them. I was using adaptogens, but that’s a diff story for another day.
Have you tried meditating? I find it helps with what you are experiencing with panic. Consciously practicing letting unwanted thoughts pass can help when difficult moments occur in everyday life. A good book on the subject that I’ve read is Full catastrophe living by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Hope you find some relief.
I have tried meditating, and I meditate when I can. It hasn’t done a whole lot for my panic attacks. I think I have underlying trauma that has surfaced, which caused the panic attacks.
I also started yoga and buteyko which also helped with my anxiety/panic attacks.
snake oil
But it’s cold snake oil!
Frozen for longer shelf life and maximized marketing effectiveness ™
Looking at the Wim Hof website, I get scam vibes.
Yes and no. He’s had scientists do tests on him and it does activate different parts of your brain.
Most scams like these will find a quack doctor to say they have studies to support their claims.
You can’t trust the website of the program. Find independent studies.
I’m not saying this is a scam. I don’t know anything about it. I’m just saying, “he’s had scientists do tests” is not any kind of real confirmation. You absolutely shouldn’t trust it at face value.
Not to mention, even if these are somewhat legit studies and findings, is there also proof that “activating different parts of your brain” is a good thing or effective in dealing with panic attacks?
Apparently, Wim can influence his autonomic nervous system at will, or so he says. I think I know the real reason. Hear me out, when I do buteyko, it releases nitric oxide, which widens your blood vessels, and thickens the blood. Thicker blood means warmer body temperature. I could be way off, though.
Here’s part 1 of a 4 part podcast series about Wim Hof and the Wim Hof Method https://ohnopodcast.com/investigations/2020/7/19/ross-and-carrie-cool-off-with-wim-hof-part-1-iceman-edition
Okay, so I did 3 rounds of the method. Then, I did buteyko breathing. I worked out, did my yoga and tai chi. I’m the calmest I’ve been in a long time. It could be from the tea mix I had, though. I haven’t had any paranoia at all. I drank a hibiscus tea mix, and hibiscus really helps with my paranoia/anxiety so that could be why I’m calm. I kinda want to try the method before bed, with buteyko afterwards, but it could be a gamble.