In addition, this study reported that the WHM activated the left anterior and right middle insula, which are associated with self-reflection, and that respiration practice may affect sympathetic activation. 1, 2, 5, 6 A recent neuroimaging study using functional magnetic resonance imaging analyses showed that the WHM training program activates primary control centers for descending pain/cold stimuli modulation in the periaqueductal gray, possibly initiating a stress-induced analgesic response. There are only a few studies on this novel training program and its psychophysiological effects, but findings suggest that the WMH has positive effects on immune and endocrine functions. The WHM consists of three main components: 1) breathing exercises, 2) various types of cold exposure, 1, 2 and meditation related to mindful body awareness, including enhancement of willpower and self-awareness. The WHM is based on cold exposure and special meditation techniques and was developed by a Dutch athlete named Wim Hof who exposed himself to extreme cold temperatures. Recent research provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of a novel psychophysiological training program called the Wim Hof Method (WHM).
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