Mammalian diving reflex

[StrandedSnowMonkey]

Hi :)

I watched a programme about dolphins and free divers, which mentioned the automatic reflex when cold water contacts the face (below 21C). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammalian_diving_reflex

It caught my attention as when I meditate (or not), it's usual for what feels like the nerves in my face to come alive.

The free diver was amazing to watch, as the reflex helped to slow down the heart and use less oxygen, for a deeper dive.

I don't tend to notice my heart beat when meditating. Once It felt like my heart was spinning, so I stopped meditating for a while, and drifted back into it.

Was just curious if others have come across this? or opinions.

Thanks


Snow Monkey

[Adrienne]

hi Snow Monkey,

About the heart spinning, maybe it was your heart chakra spinning ? I have heard the chakras spin, can't say I have experienced this myself except once in a meditation class. All the chakras were spinning, not at the same time, and not all in the same direction.

I know, nothing to do with the cold water reaction but you did mention your heart spinning.

Dream Angel xx

[StrandedSnowMonkey]

Hi Dream Angel :)

Oops! I meant seals! doh

I must have watched too much Flipper when I was younger!, and then there was a dolphin programme on the other day.. lol

It was definitely off centre, so I took it as a hint to look after my physical heart.

Classes are an idea

There's a healer who I've worked for in the past, she's really nice and so I'm tempted to ask her (quite interested in reiki too).

Snow Monkey

[StrandedSnowMonkey]

I came across a video to do with vagal tone and the vagus nerve. The part that stands out is to do with the mammalian dive reflex. It's been several years since I thought about it. Now I dont feel the sensations on my face anymore but I do try to lower the heart rate and hold my breath sometimes too. Here's some links:

Hacking the vagus nerve
Mammalian dive reflex

Thanks for the little nudge :)