The diving reflex:
When a human holds their breath and submerges in water, the face and nose become wet which in turn causes bradycardia, apnea, and increased peripheral vascular resistance; these three main physiologic changes are collectively referred to as the diving reflex. The diving reflex is a clever physiological mechanism enabling the body to manage and tolerate a lower level of oxygen.
So next time you want to stimulate bradycardia and calm down try submerge your face in water.
Comments
Nice. Many patients use this method to stop episodes of SVT (via vagal stimulation). Is there a limit for "how cold" for the water to be to trigger this reflex?
To be honest, I don't know exactly the limit, but they mention that the colder the temperature of water the faster the triggering of the reflex after you submerge your face .. If I've to do it I'll make that the water is cold but not ice cold (uncomfortable and too much of any single variable can backfire).