Health, Beauty and Lifestyle with Denise McNamara

My news feed is constantly filled with tips on new health and wellness fads. Some are interesting, others are complete and utter nonsense. Apparently the wellness phrase ‘Do-it-yourself biology’ was trending last February, with Google searches peaking at 316% – maybe something to do with New Year’s resolutions well and truly hitting the slab.

Also known as ‘biohacking’, it’s the practice of self-improvement through using technology and medical studies.

#biohacking has 791 million views on TikTok, so clearly it’s hitting a nerve among the Millennials – those born between 1981 and 1996 – and Generation Z or Zoomers, people aged 11-26.

Tony Robbins, the American lifestyle guru who has made millions by delivering motivation seminars and online classes, cites his three favourite biohacking methods as cryotherapy, red light therapy and “dynamic sequential compression”.

There is a cryotherapy bath in John Buter’s physiotherapy practice in the Liosbán in the city to help with injury healing – but you can also do it for free by plunging yourself into an ice bath at home for 11 minutes per week – which can be broken down into three minutes per session for the faint hearted.

That or head for a dip in the winter sea or lake a few times a week for a similar effect.

The Dutchman Wim Hof, known to his legions of dedicated fans as the Ice Man, has made a fortune and a career out of claiming that ice cold water and deep breathing helped him overcome the suicide of his first wife and is the answer to many of life’s ills.

Said to help to reduce inflammation, improve circulation and enhance recovery after exercise, it works by causing the blood vessels to constrict followed by a rush of blood back to the tissues when out of the severe cold bringing with it nutrients and minerals.

Red light therapy (RLT) is supposed to boost muscle recovery, reduce pain and inflammation, support nervous system health and increase energy levels. It’s a popular treatment for Achilles tendinitis sun damage, acne, scars and burns.

Pictured: The Dutchman Wim Hof, known to his legions of dedicated fans as the Ice Man.