Life Optimized 07: Good Stress through Breathwork (Wim Hof) and Cold Submersion with Avi Greenberg
Today’s episode takes a close look at breathwork, contrast hot/cold therapy, and the many benefits they bring to our bodies. The physical and mental improvements from these simple hormetic practices are mind-boggling and important for us to understand. Today’s expert guest breaks down the basics of what we need to know for optimal health. Join us to learn more!
Avi Greenberg is a certified Wim Hof instructor who teaches private and corporate breathing and does mindfulness coaching. He helps others achieve better lifestyles by improving their relationship with stress, and he works with in-person and remote clients on breathwork, sauna usage, and cold submersion. His next worksop is in San Diego at the end of October.
Show Highlights:
- The basics of Wim Hof breathing
- How someone can get started with Wim Hof breathing
- How using mouth tape for nasal breathing at night can improve your breathing, circulation, sleep quality, and immune system
- Avi’s recommendations for breathwork for stress management (Hint: It’s all about the exhale!)
- Why breathing in six cycles per minute is the sweet spot for the body’s nervous system–and brings multiple health benefits
- How to get started with cold exposure therapy, which boosts white blood cell and dopamine production along with numerous other benefits
- How cold showers can yield similar results and be done at home to push to a higher threshold for everyday stress
- How contrast therapy (alternating hot and cold) brings added benefits to the body
- How ending contrast therapy with cold puts the body in a relaxed and calm state because the heart rate slows down
- The recommended numbers for contrasting sauna and cold plunge therapy
- Highlights of the important safety considerations for contrast therapy and breathwork practices
Resources:
Connect with Dr. Paulvin
Connect with Avi
Books mentioned by Avi
The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown
What Doesn’t Kill Us by Scott Carney
The Wedge by Scott Carney