Diving response in the human body
A detailed explanation of the physiological changes that occur in the body when diving underwater and how to benefit from them.
The human body is amazingly designed to adapt to diving and remarkable physiological changes occur in it called the diving response.
What is diving response
The diving response is a set of automatic physiological reactions that the body triggers when the face is exposed to cold water.
The most prominent changes taking place
Slow heart rate
The heart rate automatically decreases when the face is exposed to water and may reach 50% of its normal rate, which reduces oxygen consumption.
Peripheral vasoconstriction
Blood vessels constrict in the extremities and blood concentrates around the heart, lungs, and brain to protect vital organs.
Oxygenated Spleen
The spleen contracts and pumps oxygen-rich blood into the bloodstream, increasing available oxygen reserves.
How to benefit from this response
- Training in cold water enhances this response
- Meditating before diving helps activate it
- Calm, deep breathing before diving maximizes its benefits
The more you train, the stronger and more efficient your dive response will become.