Wim Hof Method for Depression: Randomized Clinical Trial
Does the Wim Hof Method help women with depression?
Both the Wim Hof Method and slow-paced breathing interventions produced equivalent improvements in depression, with a 24% reduction in depressive symptoms and 27% reduction in anxiety symptoms after 3 weeks. A randomized controlled trial of 84 women with high depressive symptoms found that improvements were maintained at 3-month follow-up, with 46% of participants reporting mild or no depressive symptoms.
The Wim Hof Method works by combining rapid breathing and breath-holding to induce intermittent hypoxia, along with cold exposure, which together create hormetic stress responses that may help normalize the stress response system and reduce rumination.