“Do you know about the Mammalian Dive Reflex? If you dislike ice baths or icy showers, this may be the one for you!
When a mammal’s face comes into touch with or is submerged in chilly water, the diving reflex is activated. When this happens, receptors in the nasal and sinus cavities, as well as parts of the face related to the trigeminal nerve, are activated.
The information that the face has come into contact with water is communicated to the brain and the autonomic nervous system via the vagal nerve, resulting in the quick closing of the airway as well as a series of physiological adjustments to improve the body’s oxygen conservation.
The alterations that occur following the activation of the diving reflex
- A decrease in heart rate – This provides you with an instant sense of peace.
- Vasoconstriction of the peripheral arteries
- The body seeks to protect critical organs and tissues.
- Controls emotional intensity, as in anxiety.
- Reduces facial redness and puffiness”
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Wondering what this is all about?
You may fool your body into relaxing mode by using a bag of frozen peas or a bowl of cold water to suppress strong emotions.
Do you ever feel so fired up that you lose control? Maybe your heart is thumping, your mind is racing, and you want to jump out of your skin. Fortunately, there is a simple and efficient technique that may help you relax in seconds: icy-cold water.
How does cold water work so well? It sounds too simple, doesn’t it?
The solution is most likely found in biological adaptations that permitted seagoing animals to hunt for lengthy periods of time underwater. Even though humans aren’t dolphins or seals (which is unfortunate), remnants of these adaptations remain in us. The mechanism that resulted from these modifications was dubbed the mammalian dive reflex, or the dive reflex for short.
The diving reflex is a set of physiological reactions that occur when air-breathing animals (including you) hold their breath in cold water. It’s a survival mechanism that causes your heart rate to reduce and your body to preserve oxygen.
Fortunately, you don’t have to dive into a freezing pool of water to activate your diving reflex. Applying cold water to your face (particularly the region beneath your eyes) while holding your breath is sufficient. Here are a handful of methods for eliciting this soothing effect.
Techniques for inducing your diving reflex
Please consult your doctor before triggering the diving reflex if you have a history of cardiac issues or an eating disorder (especially anorexia nervosa). This reaction reduces your heart rate and may be hazardous to your health.
Submersion of the Facial Region
- Fill a basin halfway with water. Make it really chilly by adding ice.
- Hold your breath as you bend over the basin.
- Immerse your face in the water for 30 seconds.
- Submerge the region behind your eyes (don’t merely sink your chin).
Cold Compress
If you are unable or unable to immerse your face in cold water, you can perform the following: Grab a bag of ice or frozen veggies and do the following:
- Place the bag over your eyes and cheekbones.
- Lie down. Yes, it feels odd, but it adds to the impression.
- For 30 seconds, hold your breath.
Following Steps
We hope these approaches assist you in regaining your composure when heated emotions become overwhelming. Dialectical Behavior Therapy may be beneficial if you frequently encounter powerful emotions that cause difficulties for you. (DBT). It is a type of talk therapy that teaches people how to regulate and disperse intense emotions.
