Pro: Fans are convinced it helps them sleep, improves their focus, reduces stress and even boosts creativity. 

Con: It involves a bracing plunge into an ice bath.

If you’ve always been curious about the Wim Hof Method, a full body remedy devised by Guinness World Record-holding ice swimmer Wim Hof, there’s a morning workshop with your name on it about to happen in Cork.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Wim Hof (@iceman_hof) on Jul 6, 2019 at 10:20am PDT

Explainer: The Wim Hof Method (WHM) is a combination of frequent cold exposure, breathing techniques and meditation that Hof claims will help with, among other things, mood, sleep, willpower, sports performance, stress, creativity and immune system response.

Fan testimonials on his website claim the method has helped alleviate their symptoms of illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. 

It’s big talk, but it is worth pointing out that these benefits have not been proven in clinical trials, so a hefty dose of common sense should be applied before you sign up.

Still, we’re intrigued.

The morning workshop, which runs from 10am until 1pm on Sunday, October 13th, 2019, aims to help participants to ‘breathe fully and deeply, improving your health, giving you more energy and reducing stress.’

Run by Wim Hof Method instructor Niall Ó’Murchú, the €95 workshop (tickets here) will take place in Tracton Arts & Community Centre in Minane Bridge.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Breathe With Niall (@breathewithniall) on May 8, 2019 at 12:35am PDT

You’ll need to bring a yoga mat, towel, flip flops and swim wear for getting into the ice bath.

According to organisers, it’s also wise to bring a light blanket in case you get cold during the breathing exercises.

We’ll be packing a duvet and hot water bottle just in case.