The impact of a focused behavioral intervention on brain cannabinoid signaling and interoceptive function: Implications for mood and anxiety
Brain Behavior and Immunity Integrative November 30, 2023 Otto Muzik, Timothy Mann, John J. Kopchick et al. 3 citations
A six-week Wim Hof method intervention—combining deep breathing, cold exposure, and meditation—increased cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor binding by about 20% across the brain in four male participants. The largest increases occurred in regions linked to interoception, including the anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal cortex, anterior insular cortex, and brainstem. After the intervention, during a whole-body cold-stress test, participants showed greater activation in the anterior insula and orbitofrontal cortex, areas tied to interoceptive and executive functions. These findings suggest that the Wim Hof method may positively influence brain markers associated with stress resistance, mood, anxiety, and interoceptive awareness.