Hi. I started doing the WHM (Wim Hof Method, for those not in the know) a couple years ago, it was going great. Recently, however, I started getting panic attacks, and I figured the WHM was to blame, so I have stopped doing it altogether. However, I’ve found ways to manage my panic attacks/paranoia, and now my brain’s like “Well, since you’re calmer, try the WHM again” And I’m weary it will trigger my panic attacks again? Should I give it a try or stick to what I’ve been doing? I should mention, I got back into yoga, and that’s helped DRAMATICALLY with my anxiety/panic attacks. Which is why I’m considering doing the WHM again, because, apparently, the WHM will bring up past traumas, but yoga helps to get rid of that trauma, so in my head, if I combine the two, I’ll be releasing that trauma? If that makes sense.
Sounds like a bad idea to gamble on the same not-scientifically-proven method when stopping it helped stop your panic attacks.
Why not try something else and widen your emotional management toolkit rather than going back to something that messed you up in the past?
So far, my toolkit includes yoga, tai chi/Qigong, buteyko, hibiscus/chamomile tea, matcha tea, and ASMR. I’ve been working on a regimen or plan which incorporates all of them. I was using adaptogens, but that’s a diff story for another day.
Have you tried meditating? I find it helps with what you are experiencing with panic. Consciously practicing letting unwanted thoughts pass can help when difficult moments occur in everyday life. A good book on the subject that I’ve read is Full catastrophe living by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Hope you find some relief.
I have tried meditating, and I meditate when I can. It hasn’t done a whole lot for my panic attacks. I think I have underlying trauma that has surfaced, which caused the panic attacks.
I also started yoga and buteyko which also helped with my anxiety/panic attacks.