Mike Tarrolly – Co-Host of the Crushing Iron podcast
Do We Get Sick Too Much?
I think the answer is yes. For the last several years I have been using deep breathing to reduce the impact of sore throats, colds, and even upset stomachs. It’s pretty simple, but there is a lot of healing power inside our own body.
I’m a coach and see it all the time. People get a cold and are sick for weeks. Phlegm production at seemingly impossible volumes. I know the feeling, I used to be there and would follow the “drink plenty of fluid” routine, but it just seemed to create more and more mucus that would never end. It’s was always the worst feeling, but I have truly shifted my perspective.
When Something Really Clicks With Your Intuition
About 7 years ago I heard a guy named Wim Hof on a podcast. He was talking about the healing power of oxygen and the mind. The timing couldn’t have been better. I was depressed and completely lethargic at the time. What he was saying resonated with me on a primal level and honestly gave me hope.
He described his breathing method, which was basically 40 deep inhales, with natural, unforced exhales. Then on the 40th breath, you push all of the air out of your lungs and hold your breath for as long as you can. When you need to breathe, take a deep inhale and hold your breath for 40 seconds. (This is my interpretation and may not be exactly what he said).
The Body Gives Us Signals
Whenever I feel like I’m getting sick I go HARD on this breathing pattern for 30 minutes to an hour. Over and over. Holding breath longer and longer. And, while I’m holding breath, I focus on the area that doesn’t feel right. The throat, the sinuses, the stomach, I’ve even used this practice to reduce shoulder pain. It’s all about creating an alkaline atmosphere in the body.
When you do it right your head and body tingle. It’s really pretty awesome and I love the feeling. I always do it on the floor or in my bed, and honestly, it feels like a pretty solid workout on top of the health benefits.
Colds and Plunging
It seems counterintuitive, but for the last 5 months, I’ve been doing the opposite of what moms warn their sons about . . . going into the cold underdressed. During this time I have been thinking about what “colds” really are. If they are a virus, it would seem like the cold would help kill it. For whatever reason I now think that tying “colds” to the cold seems kind of weird.
Wim has a line that he repeats often, “Go to the cold so the cold doesn’t come to you.” To the layman, that sounds completely ridiculous, but after months of plunging it makes total sense. If nothing else it feels like it makes me tougher and more of a fighter. I don’t just give in to every little pain or fear of sickness. I kinda tackle the challenge head on, and I look at going outside in a completely different way.
I really believe a tense body doesn’t function as well and is more susceptible to getting sick. Especially if it is a paranoia in your mind.
These days I don’t even think in terms of “getting sick.” If something feels off I just believe I am either adapting or healing. The body is working to flush out the system. Thinking we’re sick is a weak position and can wear us down mentally. If you can come at it from a place of feeling strong and your body is doing what it needs to do, it’s a much better perspective.
There is so much power inside of us if we know how to access that strength.
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