The Way of the Iceman: How the Wim Hof Method Creates Radiant Long-term Health—Using the Science and Secrets of Breath Control, Cold-Training and Commitment

by Wim Hof

After these breathing exercises, many people experience an expanded form of consciousness. This is likely from the mitochondrial activity in the brain cells releasing chemicals in the pituitary and pineal glands. The pineal gland (epiphysis cerebri) is very important for determining our state of mind. It produces melatonin, a hormone that plays an important role in our sleep-wake and reproductive rhythms. Our hypothesis is—that through the WHM breathing exercises—much more oxygen enters the pineal gland, so the body will generate a lot more oxygen. That explains why the exercises work so well in combating jetlag, sleeping problems and depression.