While breathing, we inhale oxygen (O2) and exhale carbon dioxide (CO2). Contrary to what you might think, the Wim Hof breathing exercises do not provide more oxygen into your body, as our blood is often already fully saturated with oxygen (about 99%). But what does happen? We release a lot of carbon dioxide. The brain stem is sensitive to carbon dioxide, and having too much of it triggers your brain stem to release the breathing signal. By removing carbon dioxide through these exercises, this trigger will weaken, making it easier to hold your breath. And this is exactly what the Wim Hof breathing exercises focus on.
While performing the Wim Hof breathing exercises, find a comfortable and safe place to sit or lie down and take 30-40 deep breaths. After the last breath, let all the air out and begin to hold your breath. This is the retention time. No new oxygen comes back into the blood. As a result, oxygen saturation in the blood lowers as the body uses it up. The body is now experiencing a short-term form of hypoxia, which can be seen as stress at the cellular level. The decreased level of oxygen saturation signals the body to react and strengthen, which means we teach the body to deal more efficiently with oxygen.
