The diving response in the human body
A detailed explanation of the physiological changes that happen in the body when diving underwater and how you benefit from them.
The human body is designed in an amazing way to adapt to diving, and remarkable physiological changes occur in it called the diving response.
What is the 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 main changes that occur
Slowing of the heart rate
The heart rate drops automatically when the face is exposed to water and may reach 50% of its normal rate, which reduces oxygen consumption.
Constriction of peripheral blood vessels
Blood vessels in the limbs constrict and blood concentrates around the heart, lungs, and brain to protect the vital organs.
The spleen and oxygen
The spleen contracts and pumps oxygen-rich blood into the bloodstream, which increases the available oxygen reserve.
How to benefit from this response
- Training in cold water strengthens this response
- Meditation before the dive helps activate it
- Calm, deep breathing before the dive maximizes its benefits
The more you train, the stronger and more efficient your diving response becomes.