The 90-Year-Old Who Swam in Frozen Lakes — James Nestor

Maurice Dubard, a 90-year-old predecessor to Wim Hof, demonstrated superhuman resilience and health benefits through ancient breathing practices like Tummo after healing severe childhood respiratory issues.

• Maurice Dubard was a 90-year-old French breathwork pioneer who healed severe childhood illness.

• Dubard's feats, like cycling the Himalayas at 71, were attributed to ancient Tummo breathing.

• Tummo involves both slow, traditional methods and intense hyperventilation for heat generation.

The discussion introduces Maurice Dubard, a French practitioner who, for 50-60 years, engaged in extreme cold exposure and breathwork, predating Wim Hof. Dubard's incredible health and feats, including biking the Himalayas at 71, stemmed from ancient breathing techniques he learned as a child to overcome severe lung disease, showcasing the rehabilitative and strengthening power of these practices.

Who is Maurice Dubard?

• 00:00:05 Maurice Dubard was a mysterious 90-year-old French individual known for spending hours in snow and swimming in frozen lakes in the French Alps, a practice he maintained for 50-60 years. He is considered a predecessor to Wim Hof, and his dedication to these activities significantly rehabilitated his health and that of others who sought his guidance. Dubard sadly passed away at 93, having practiced almost daily.

Dubard's Origin Story

• 00:01:27 Dubard's journey into breathwork began in the 1950s after he suffered from severe lung infections and respiratory disorders as a child, leading doctors to recommend lung surgery. A missionary introduced him to yoga breathing techniques, which Dubard used to successfully rehabilitate himself within weeks, astonishing doctors and gaining what appeared to be superhuman strength. This early adoption placed him decades ahead of contemporary understanding.

His Incredible Feats

• 00:02:32 Maurice Dubard's achievements were extraordinary: at 71, he cycled through the Himalayas at 5,000 meters elevation, could sit in ice water for 55 minutes, and ran 150 miles across the Sahara Desert. These incredible physical feats were attributed to his mastery of an ancient breathwork technique known as Tummo, highlighting the profound impact these practices had on his physical endurance and resilience.

Understanding Tummo Breathing

• 00:03:06 Tummo is an ancient breathwork practice from Bon Buddhist traditions, reportedly used by Himalayan monks for millennia to generate and store body heat for survival. While some view it as spiritual, others consider it a practical, mechanical skill. There are two main versions: a traditional slow breathing method that paradoxically increases body heat while reducing metabolism, and a more intense hyperventilation style, often associated with Wim Hof, which is referred to as 'Tummo light' and has personally been experienced to quickly regulate body temperature in cold conditions.