How do we recover from illness when our immune system works against us? Autoimmune conditions contribute to disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Autoimmune health problems are rapidly on the rise, especially among young people ages 12 to 19.
Ongoing studies attempt to track the rise of autoimmune conditions and examine possible underlying causes. Genetics, environmental factors such as pollutants and toxins, and lifestyle issues such as diet, sleep, stress, and lack of physical activity are all considered.
Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation is a helpful response that the immune system initiates when it recognizes something as a potential threat, such as a small cut on a finger. Properly working, our immune response turns on its protective measures when needed and turns off when not.
An inflammatory disorder is different from a normal immune response. When our immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissue, we experience tissue damage from the resulting chronic inflammation. The lungs, thyroid gland, the lining of the stomach or intestines, joints, ligaments, and tendons can become immune system targets. The overactive immune response means multiple unrelated organs and systems can be attacked simultaneously.
Reduce Inflammation Through Intention
Different areas of the human brain have specific responsibilities. Our frontal lobe is in charge of thinking, while our brainstem keeps us alive by regulating our heart rate and blood pressure. We are not able to override the autonomic nervous system, which is housed in our brainstem, by consciously telling ourselves to stop breathing, for obvious good reasons.
Because of the protection and isolation of the autonomic nervous system, it has long been assumed that we can not directly influence its activity. These ideas are now being replaced by studies that demonstrate how, for example, body temperature can be controlled even when a person is subjected to prolonged cold temperatures.
While it may sound interesting that it is possible to stay warm in the cold, what is surprising is the neurochemical changes that occur when the cold immersion experiments take place. The breathing and meditation techniques used to generate heat while immersed in cold directly impact the immune system, pain response, and mood-regulating neurotransmitters.
From published studies, here are a few of the results coming from this line of research:
- Sustained skin temperature of 93 degrees (34 degrees Celsius) over 25 minutes while immersed in cold.
- Increased blood pH levels (more alkaline).
- Increased production of adrenaline.
- Increased activity of the brain’s periaqueductal gray area (P.G.A.), which modulates pain.
- Increased production of the endocannabinoid and endogenous opioids.
- Turning off the innate immune response when injected with an endotoxin (an endotoxin is comprised of pieces of dead bacteria that cause fever, nausea, shivering, and headaches).
- Increased release of interleukin-10 contributed to an overall 200% increase in anti-inflammatory mediators and a 50% reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.
- Increased production of white blood cells (leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils).
The initial studies referenced here were conducted with Wim Hof and individuals he had trained with his breathing and meditation techniques. Wim Hof has demonstrated the ability to directly influence the autonomic nervous system to control body temperature and to stimulate the immune system to suppress the response to a known pathogen.
The trend of taking ice baths is on the rise. However, remember that the studies mentioned here were not solely focused on the impact of ice baths on the body. The studies focused on the Wim Hof breathing and meditative strategies that helped test subjects respond differently than control groups to cold environments.
Learn More
These studies provide an interesting alternative for those who suffer from chronic inflammation in one form or another. Like any evidence-based approach to healing and health maintenance, ongoing research with the Wim Hof Method is taking place on specific issues like depression, anxiety, arthritis, and sports performance.
Wim Hof offers online and in-person training; more information can be found in his book, The Wim Hof Method. The value of his approach is the simplicity of focusing on three core principles: breathing and meditation, controlled cold immersion, and commitment. In a relatively short period of time, trained individuals have demonstrated the same physiological changes and health benefits that Wim Hof has mastered after forty years of practice.
Before starting any health practice that includes diet, exercise, supplements, or experimental breathing and meditative techniques, discuss your plans with your healthcare professional. There may be contraindications or interactions that you are unaware of but need to know before starting.
