Raela and the Wim Hof Method

Many treatments for eczema and skin conditions usually come in the form of creams and lotions. But, Raela found another form of medicine for her ailing skin, and even for her mental state.

What is The Wim Hof Method?

Known as "the Iceman," Wim Hof has been popularizing his method of holistic healing that consists of 3 pillars:

1. Breath work
2. Cold exposure
3. Commitment

"Doing breath work daily, followed by a cold shower or ice bath or cold dip in nature, has so many health benefits," Raela explains, "like reducing inflammation and pain, boosting your immune system, activating brown fat & improving your metabolism, lower blood pressure, relieves stress, improves mental health & willpower and much more."

If one were to practice this everyday, they would begin to regulate the fight or flight mode - you know, where all of our stress is stored. We all know stress plays a massive role in our skin. So, if we are able to help balance out our autonomic nervous system, we may be able to control our flares better.

How did Raela first discover the Wim Hof Method?

"A friend, Rob Lenfesty, is one of the original Wim Hof Method certified instructors," Raela began. She continued on, expressing how it was only 4 months after she had stopped using steroids that this journey began. At first, she declined attending an event since it was held in winter (and was used to a warmer climate), but she decided to follow Wim Hof's Instagram and partake in a 40-day challenge. She stuck to the program and felt it was so helpful in her journey.

Would she recommend others try it for eczema?

"I highly recommend trying it," Raela sincerely states. "The breath work alone helps calm and relieve stress."

But, Raela understands that not everyone can "jump head first" into an ice bath, one of the main pillars in the Wim Hof process. She suggests starting out with small increments of cold showers, adding just 30 seconds of cold water after a normal shower to build up a tolerance. You may see some potential benefits just from that! Even Wim Hof, himself, is cautionary. He knows everyone is different and should consult a doctor if they someone has a serious injury or health condition before taking an ice plunge.

How has it helped her mental health?

"In 2021, I was able to pull myself out of a downward spiral when I thought I may need to get back on antidepressants," she shares. By doing the WHM daily for 16 days in a row, adding breath work, at least 2 minutes in an ice bath, plus riding her bike for 30 minutes, Raela was able to find some balance.
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"I've been able to stay off meds but have to do the work daily, so now I am committed to it every day and treat it like taking medicine."

As someone who needs to bike ride when they are heavily weighed down in thought, I love hearing this take on "medicine." Nature and movement can be just as good. Maybe better.

How else does she maintain her skin health?

Raela is a lover of all things holistic on the inside and the outside. "It's free!" she laughs when talking about getting a regular dose of vitamin D from daily sun exposure. ​

She also eats a mostly Whole30 diet (a lot of natural sources of food), makes her own salves using things like shea butter and coconut oil, and even uses cupping which helps improve the circulation and blood flow on her face and neck where her skin was affected the most.

Though I've never been brave enough to hop into an ice bath, Raela may have just convinced me! This is a unique, but beautiful, way to help our minds and our skin while dealing with the stresses of life. Perhaps it's the secret sauce we've needed all along. Thanks, Raela!