up:: [[Wim Hof Method]] tags:: #on/whm # WHM Safety The Wim Hof Method (WHM) can greatly enhance one's health, strength, and happiness when practiced correctly. However, due to its impact on the body's physiology, it's crucial to educate participants about safety rules and potential contra-indications. * Breathing exercises should always be conducted in a safe and controlled environment. * Caution is advised regarding the risks of [[Shallow Water Blackout]]. Participants' medical history is considered beforehand, either through a health declaration sent prior to the workshop or during the initial session. People should be able to engage in sports and sauna visits without issues to safely practice the method. > As WHM instructors, we strictly discourage people from performing WHM in case of [[Epilepsy]], [[Raynaud’s Syndrome Type II]], or [[Pregnancy]]. As per [[Contraindications of WHM]]. For any serious health condition, the participant should first consult their doctor. For any serious mental health condition, the participant should discuss it with an appropriate mental health professional. Furthermore, additional care should be taken for some participants. **Conditions for Additional Care** * People who have heart problems and/or blood pressure that is (much) too high and use medications for this * Previous stroke or heart attack * Kidney disease * Angina pectoris * Raynaud’s syndrome type I * Migraines - people can experience sudden migraines when entering the ice bath. Therefore, it is advised to gradually build up cold exposure for people with a history of migraines * Shortly after an operation * Those who have just given birth should wait at least 2 weeks before practicing cold exposure (increased risk of RCVS). * Those with metal implants have reported pain lasting weeks at the site due to cold exposure. * Ocular conditions in which pressure may exacerbate the condition (glaucoma, proptosis) * Panic disorder - during the breathing exercises and/or the ice bath, a sudden panic attack can occur. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms and take the time to calm down the participant. When the person is appropriately guided, the WHM can have many positive effects on the participant * Cold urticaria * Severe asthma - pay attention to the correct execution of the breathing techniques *Symptoms such as sudden migraines or panic attacks should be carefully monitored and managed during the practice*. It's crucial to ensure correct execution of breathing techniques, as responses to the method vary among individuals.