ScienceDaily.com reported the experiment in its April 22, 2011 article, “Research On 'Iceman' Wim Hof Suggests It May Be Possible to Influence Autonomic Nervous System and Immune Response.”
The investigators concluded that Hof was remarkable, but that the experiment could not serve as scientific evidence until the same results could be obtained with larger groups demonstrating the same results.
Jin Songhao and Chen Kecai would likely disagree that Hof’s abilities are unique to him and the result of a genetic advantage. Earlier this year, both men surpassed Hof’s previous ice bath record of 115 minutes. Songhao now holds the world record at an even two hours.
Hof doesn't consider himself an anomaly. In fact, he gives workshops teaching others his meditation practice and believes everyone is capable of what he has demonstrated.
At the TED conference previously mentioned, moderator Jon Rosenfeld asked Hof what motivated him. He responded, “My mission is to show that everybody, by their mind, can reach more depth within themselves, and that we all have healing power, an inner doctor. Go back to that inner power and heal yourself.” Hof also noted that he believed that one’s thoughts can prevent disease.
I don't know too much about Hof’s method of meditation, but I appreciate what he has accomplished. I also agree with him that we are all capable of promoting better health through improving our mentality. In fact, according to an astonishing report last summer, nearly half of all American adults are also concluding that praying about their health is worthwhile.
In my own experience, I’ve found that keeping my thoughts aligned with what I know about God has brought an end to chronic migraine headaches, physical injuries, and other forms of illness. These positive outcomes didn’t come about through positive thinking or mentally attempting to will a change of health conditions. Instead, they were the result of lifting my consciousness to recognize and express more of my spiritual identity.
Hof’s book Becoming the Iceman is now available online.
Article comments
1 - Dr Dreadful
I can think of numerous possible explanations for Mr Hof's feats that don't require mind control.
The most obvious is that he's simply an illusionist, like Kriss Angel. The difference with Angel is that he doesn't pretend his stunts are anything else.
Another is that with the right training and conditioning, it is perfectly possible for humans to withstand physical extremes, even for prolonged periods. David Blaine is a prime example of this, although many of Blaine's stunts also have an element of illusion.
A third, pertaining to the virus experiment, is that some people have more robust immune systems than others; and even if Hof's is no better than average, merely being infected with a pathogen does not necessarily mean that you will exhibit symptoms.
2 - Bill Scott
Thanks for the comment. Dr. Hopman apparently overlooked the illusionist theory.
3 - Hans
@Dr Dreadful
Is has just recently (today) been proven that Hof significantly has more "Brown fat" than the average human. This makes him resistant to extreme cold since this "brown fat" heats up the body.
4 - Dr Dreadful
Hans, do you have any citation for that in English? The only sources I've been able to find are news reports in Dutch and (for some reason) Greek. My command of neither language is strong enough to allow me to give an informed reaction!
5 - Victor Victor
Bill Scott, Dr. Dreadful, Hans...all of you either are not aware of Tumo practice or you do not even acknowledge that it actually works. So be it. If you all think that religious fundamentalists are ignorant, you should also know that hyper skeptics and atheists are the same.
6 - Dr Dreadful
Victor[squared]: I've read your comment several times, but cannot detect in it either anything that makes the slightest bit of sense or any indication of intelligence. Sorry.
7 - Bill Scott
Victor, I believe Wim Hof's mediation practice is remarkable! Numerous scientists have confirmed that his thoughts work to influence his health and well-being. Thanks for giving me a reason to reaffirm this important point.
8 - Justin Rosales
@Dr. Dreadful: I have met many people who have shared the same views as you. I was one of them. I never let that stop me from searching for truth, just like you.
A few years ago, I was nothing like Wim. As someone who was born in Miami, I loved the heat more than anyone. Yet, when I saw Wim running a marathon on the Discovery Channel... I was intrigued.
It looked like a trick, like some illusion. I assure you that has never been the case. Sure, one may chalk up his ability to stay in the cold longer because it's just the way he was born. Well, this idea is what caused me to begin training myself, to see if the same effect could be replicated in other individuals.
After attempting a world record with Wim last Spring in Finland, for the fastest 5k and 10k barefoot run over snow/ice, I can say that there is no illusion. I've given my last two years to do everything that I could to prove otherwise.
Obviously, I don't assume you'll take my word -- you shouldn't. You should seek the truth on your own terms, but the data you're looking for from the research will be released in English relatively soon. As far the validity of my testimony goes, you can check it: Becoming the Iceman.
Thanks for posting bro. Good to hear that perspective from someone.
9 - Extraordinary
We have juts profiled Wim Hof AKA The ICEMAN on our webpage.
If you would like to see more about this Extraordinary ICEMAN and his ability to tap into his inner thermostat to keep warm whilst experiencing extreme cold. Check it out. We have video, pictures, inspiration quotes, his biography and more.
Information with Inspiration!
10 - Bill Scott
Extraordinary - thanks for the update!