
EWOT Supersizes Breathing
Terry SheltonIntroduction
In today’s world, stress, anxiety, and poor health are all too common, and overcoming these challenges can feel overwhelming. One path to better health involves improving lung capacity through powerful techniques like **Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT)** and other breathing exercises.
A particularly innovative breathing exercise begins with a controlled 30-breath hyperventilation, which raises oxygen levels in the blood and plasma (a state known as **hyperoxia**). This is followed by holding the breath after a full exhale, leading to reduced oxygen levels in the blood and plasma (**hypoxia**). Typically, this cycle of hyperoxia and hypoxia is repeated three times in a session.
Wim Hof
Renowned holistic health leader Wim Hof has popularized this breathing technique by showcasing its health benefits. When the body experiences a rapid shift from hyperoxia to hypoxia, it activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering the fight-or-flight response. This, in turn, initiates a cascade of physiological and hormonal changes.
**Epinephrine (Adrenaline)**: Increases, preparing the body for action.
**Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)**: Increases, enhancing arousal, attention, and focus.
**Dopamine**: Increases, promoting feelings of euphoria, well-being, and motivation.
**Endorphins**: Increase, providing natural pain relief and relaxation.
**Cortisol**: Its release is regulated to support relaxation.
EWOT and Wim Hof
What if we combine the power of Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT) with Wim Hof breathing to amplify the health benefits? Both techniques push the body out of its comfort zone—EWOT through increased oxygen intake and Wim Hof breathing through controlled hyperventilation and breath-holding. Each acts as a moderate stressor, prompting the body to adapt in beneficial ways. When combined, these methods create a synergy, producing a greater positive response than either technique alone.
How It Works
Breathing higher oxygen levels from an EWOT system while practicing the Wim Hof breathing technique intensifies the shift from hyperoxia to hypoxia. During hyperoxia, the body’s plasma becomes super-saturated with oxygen, allowing for a longer breath-hold after exhalation. This extended transition from hyperoxia to hypoxia amplifies the body's physiological and hormonal responses. In simple terms, this combination can enhance the overall benefits.
Health Benefits
For those who practice the power of breath, numerous health benefits can be realized, including:
> Improved immune function
> Reduced stress and anxiety
> Increased energy and vitality
> Enhanced mental focus and concentration
> Improved physical performance
> Better sleep quality
> Pain relief
> Enhanced cold tolerance
> Strengthened resilience
Summary
Overall, Wim Hof breathing exercise while inhaling higher levels of oxygen (EWOT) can trigger a cascade of physiological responses, including the release of hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, endorphins, and vasodilators. These hormonal changes can affect various bodily functions, including metabolism, stress response, pain perception, and cardiovascular health. Just Breathe!
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