Wim Hof vs. Oxygen Advantage vs. The Language of Breath

Breathwork has exploded in popularity over the past decade. Once considered fringe or even mystical, it's now widely recognized as a science-backed method for improving physical, emotional, and cognitive health. With so many approaches available, though, it can be hard to know where to begin. If you've been exploring breath training, chances are you've come across the Wim Hof Method, the Oxygen Advantage, and The Language of Breath. Each has its own strengths, and each speaks to different goals.

So, which one is best? That depends on what you're looking for. In this post, I’ll walk you through the core concepts of each method, break down the major differences, and share how my approach in The Language of Breath offers a unique path rooted in adaptability and self-awareness.

What Is the Wim Hof Method?

The Wim Hof Method was developed by Wim Hof, a Dutch athlete known for his record-breaking feats in cold exposure. His method combines three main components: controlled hyperventilation-style breathing, gradual cold exposure, and mental focus.

The breathing portion involves rounds of deep, fast inhalations followed by breath holds. This shifts blood chemistry, increases adrenaline, and often produces a strong physical or emotional response.

Good For:

• Cold exposure training

• Physical resilience and stress adaptation

• People who want a high-intensity approach

Potential Drawbacks:

• Not suitable for everyone, especially individuals with cardiovascular or respiratory concerns

• Some may find the intensity overwhelming

• Less emphasis on nuanced emotional regulation or daily nervous system tuning

What Is the Oxygen Advantage?

Developed by Patrick McKeown, the Oxygen Advantage focuses on functional breathing and CO2 tolerance. It’s built on principles drawn from the Buteyko method, which emphasizes reduced breathing volume and nasal breathing to normalize blood gases and improve oxygen efficiency.

This method is especially popular among athletes, biohackers, and people interested in performance optimization. It includes breath-hold exercises and nasal breathing drills, often geared toward improving endurance and reducing breathlessness.

Good For:

• Athletic performance and VO2 max improvement

• People looking to train respiratory efficiency

• CO2 tolerance and functional breathing habits

Potential Drawbacks:

• Can be overly technical for some beginners

• Breath-hold assessments (like the Control Pause) may not be ideal for everyone

• Not always focused on emotional awareness or intuitive self-regulation

What Is The Language of Breath?

The Language of Breath is my method, built from years of studying breath physiology, coaching others, and refining what really works in the real world. It’s not about copying a routine. It’s about building a relationship with your breath, learning to listen to your body, and choosing techniques that support your goals in the moment.

Unlike more rigid systems, the Language of Breath is modular. I teach the mechanics and science of breathing, but I also focus on helping you interpret what your body is telling you through your breath. From there, you learn how to respond, whether that means stimulating your system, calming down, or building resilience.

Best For:

• People who want a personalized, intuitive approach

• Emotional regulation and trauma-informed breathwork

• Nervous system resilience and long-term adaptability

• Coaches, therapists, and professionals looking to guide others safely

Potential Drawbacks:

• Less intense by design; not for those looking for a “shock” experience

• Requires consistent self-inquiry and patience to build awareness

Comparing the Three Methods

Features	Wim Hof Method	Oxygen Advantage	The Language of Breath
Focus	Cold resilience, endurance	Oxygen efficiency, CO2 tolerance	Self-regulation, emotional clarity
Style	High intensity, adrenaline	Technical, structured	Adaptable, introspective
Best For	Adventurers, cold training	Athletes, biohackers	Everyday wellness, long-term resilience
Breath Technique	Fast-paced + breath holds	Reduced volume, nasal	Varies based on goal and state
Approach to Stress	Hormetic (strong stimulus)	Breath restraint, tolerance	Polyvagal-informed, gentle yet effective

How My Approach Stands Apart

I created The Language of Breath not to compete with these other methods but to offer a framework that honors the complexity of being human. Breath is deeply personal. It reflects your thoughts, your emotions, and your physiology, and it can guide you back to balance if you know how to listen.

This method is grounded in the latest science on the nervous system, trauma, and resilience. But it’s also personal. I’ve used these tools myself to navigate grief, burnout, and performance plateaus. I’ve taught them to first responders, athletes, therapists, and everyday people looking for more control in a chaotic world.

What makes it different is the emphasis on context. Instead of handing you one routine, I help you develop the skill to choose the right breath for the right moment. This builds self-trust. And when you trust yourself, you become more adaptable, resilient, and capable of handling life’s challenges.

The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

The Wim Hof Method can be an incredible tool for people seeking physical breakthroughs or mental grit. The Oxygen Advantage offers highly effective protocols for respiratory efficiency. And The Language of Breath provides a flexible, science-informed system to help you feel better, think clearly, and live with more balance. The Language of Breath offers the benefits of the Wim Hof Method and Oxygen Advantage in a complete and unified way, and for most people, it offers the safest and most effective route.

If you’re someone who wants to work with your breath in a way that adapts to your changing needs, whether physical, mental, or emotional, then I invite you to explore The Language of Breath.

You can dive deeper through one-on-one coaching or become certified in the method to guide others. The Language of Breath Certification program is designed for coaches, healthcare professionals, and curious learners who want a deeper understanding of breath science and application.

You can learn more at jessecoomer.com or join my Patreon-based community, The Breath Club, where I share live sessions and continued education.

Final Thoughts

Breath is more than a tool. It’s your first language. The way you breathe tells the story of how you feel, how you think, and how you live. Learning to work with it gives you access to more calm, clarity, and strength. No matter which method you choose, the important thing is that you begin.

Start small. Stay consistent. And keep listening to what your breath is telling you.

Explore more about The Language of Breath at jessecoomer.com or join The Breath Club to start your journey today.