Through Hof’s special breathing technique, his pH rises as high as 7.7, and his pain receptors become inactive. If you get into cold water after doing this breathing exercise, you won’t feel any pain, panic, or stress because the pain center in the brain is not activated. The temperature receptors still work, but they are no longer linked to pain or fear. The cold receptors send a signal to the body to burn brown fat, quickly releasing a large amount of calories. The circulation in the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) is also closed off, so that the body loses less heat.
