It has long been observed in humanity the potential of our minds and the ability of our thoughts to shape our environments. One only needs to look upon our world with it’s skyscrapers and paved roads or at our art and literature to see the range and power of human ideas. But can we have control over the involuntary functions of our bodies with thoughts alone? A study of Wim Hof, known to the world as ‘Iceman” has proven that at least one man does have this superhuman control.
The autonomic nervous system regulates the functions of our internal organs and regular bodily functions like digestion, urination, heart rate, respiratory rate, pupil response, and sexual arousal. This system operates reflexively and unconsciously, and was believed to be unaffected by external influences. Studies conducted by Dr. Matthijis Kox, and Peter Pikkers, Professor of Experimental Intensive Care Medicine at Radboud University in Nijmegen, have included observation of the individual ‘Iceman’ which has yielded some interesting results. According to the research, humans do have the potential to influence their internal functions with concentration and the power of thought.
Wim Hof, the ‘Iceman”, has the ability to control his core body temperature while submerged in ice for up to two hours with concentrated meditation. He has also climbed Mount Everest in shorts while resisting altitude sickness, and ran a marathon in the Namib Desert with no water. Under laboratory conditions he has proven his ability to effectively regulate his immune system and autonomic nervous system at will.
According to the Radboud University  Nijmegen Medical Centre: “The results obtained are remarkable, however, the investigators emphasize that so far, these results have only been obtained in a single individual. Therefore, they can not serve as scientific evidence for the hypothesis that the autonomic nervous system and the immune response can be influenced through concentration and meditation techniques.”
(https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110422090203.htm)
The potential of the human mind and it’s powers are still being realized. We are capable of building whole worlds with our imagination, shaping our environment to suite our needs, and now the evidence begins to show us just how much power our mind has, even over our bodies.