Wim Hof’s Breathing Method: Influence on the Autonomic Nervous System and Somatosensory Perception
January 19, 2025 Eleni Sakaj 1 citation preprint
A 10-day Wim Hof Method intervention—combining controlled breathing, cold exposure, and meditation—produced modest changes in autonomic regulation (measured by heart rate variability) and sensory processing patterns, but these changes were not statistically significant. The findings highlight the complexity of individual responses to such breathwork techniques and suggest that a longer intervention or larger sample may be needed to detect clear effects. Theoretical perspectives from polyvagal theory and interoceptive predictive coding help interpret the interplay between breathwork, autonomic function, and sensory engagement.