The images of two girls who were immortalized as they faced the frost of Monte Spada in shorts and tops are going viral; it was the journalist Guido Piga who immortalized them and the news soon spread in the Sardinian and national media.
The girls were climbing a peak near Fonni, in the province of Nuoro, with a temperature of -2°; they explained that they chose to brave the cold with summer clothing because they follow the teachings of Wim Hof , a Dutchman famous throughout the world with the nickname of The Iceman .
WHO IS WIM HOF?
Also known as "The Iceman", Wim Hof is a Dutch athlete who became known for his ability to withstand extreme cold conditions through the practice of breathing techniques and meditation.
Hof set several Guinness World Records for swimming under ice , for sustained full-body contact with ice, and for a barefoot half marathon on ice and snow.
In January 1999 Wim Hof traveled 160 km north of the Arctic Circle in a kind of barefoot marathon . Three years later, clad only in a bathing suit, he ice dived at the North Pole and earned a Guinness world record for the longest distance swam under the ice: 80 metres , almost double the length of an Olympic swimming pool.
Hof gained more recent fame for climbing Mount Everest in shorts.
But Hof isn't just an extreme athlete, he's also a teacher and researcher who has developed a method for improving mental and physical health through the practice of breathing and imagery techniques. His method, known as the "Wim Hof Method", is based on three fundamental principles: breathing, meditation and exposure to cold.
"AMONG THE VARIOUS COMPANIES HOF CLIMBED EVEREST IN SHORTS"
BREATHING, MEDITATION AND EXPOSURE TO THE COLD
Breathing is at the heart of the Wim Hof method. Hof says deep, controlled breathing can help improve circulation, the immune system, and the ability to resist pain. Breathing consists of a series of deep, rapid breaths followed by a series of breath holds. This technique is designed to increase blood oxygen concentration and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Meditation is another important part of the Wim Hof method. Hof says meditation can help improve focus, resilience, and the ability to resist pain. Meditation consists of a series of imagery and visualization exercises, which help to relax the body and mind and increase awareness of one's body.
Exposure to cold is the last part of the Wim Hof method. Hof argues that exposure to cold can help improve circulation, the immune system and the ability to resist pain. Exposure to cold can include things like bathing in ice water, taking a cold shower, or meditating outdoors in freezing cold conditions.
The Wim Hof method has been the subject of numerous scientific researches , which have shown that it can have positive effects on mental and physical health. For example, a 2012 study found that practicing the Wim Hof Method increased the body's ability to resist the flu and elevated blood pressure.
Another 2014 study found that practicing the Wim Hof Method increased the production of endorphins, brain chemicals that help reduce pain and improve mood.
Additionally, scientists have found that practicing the Wim Hof Method can have positive effects on depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders . A 2015 study found that practicing the Wim Hof method improved symptoms of depression in a group of patients with this disease.
Although the benefits of the Wim Hof method have been scientifically proven, it is important to note that practicing this method may not be suitable for everyone . Furthermore, the practice must be carried out under the supervision of a qualified professional to avoid any health risks.
