Cold Water Facial Immersion According to Science
Did you know that…
Immersing your face in ice water for a few seconds instantly stimulates the vagus nerve, especially after a moment of stress. Studies show that immersing the face and neck in cold water itself triggers parasympathetic activity. 1
What is the role of the vagus nerve and the parasympathetic nervous system?
The vagus nerve connects the brain to all organs, counteracting the sympathetic state or "flight" response we often feel toward our environment, which leads to feelings of anxiety. The vagus nerve has long been associated with mental health and stress-related disorders.
The body benefits from a calming effect thanks to the parasympathetic nervous system. Its role is to help maintain normal heart rate and breathing, slowing metabolism to conserve energy.
What are the effects of cold water?
Cold water has been shown to activate the vagus nerve, which slows our breathing and heart rate, leading us into a state called parasympathetic mode, even if it's just to splash it on our face. This is very important for our mental health, as studies show that prolonged and chronic stress causes alterations in the brain, manifesting as anxiety and depression. 2
And the results showed that cold also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system in the lateral neck region, similar to significant research findings on vagus nerve stimulation and facial immersion in cold water. Cold water can therefore help soothe anxiety attacks and reduce unpleasant symptoms.
An alternative for those who can't adapt to cold baths?
That's what Dr. Pompa is offering us here in this video demonstration. He suggests it to anyone who can't handle the stress of a full bath, and as a bonus, he points out that it's also good for better sleep, helping the intestines, and stimulating collagen! Just 10 seconds is all it takes!
References:
1. Kinoshita T, Nagata S, Baba R, Kohmoto T, Iwagaki S. Cold-water face immersion per se elicits cardiac parasympathetic activity. Circ J. 2006 Jun;70(6):773-6. doi: 10.1253/circj.70.773. PMID: 16723802. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7058698_Cold-Water_Face_Immersion_Per_Se_Elicits_Cardiac_Parasympathetic_Activity
2. Jungmann M, Vencatachellum S, Van Ryckeghem D, Vögele C. Effects of Cold Stimulation on Cardiac-Vagal Activation in Healthy Participants: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Form Res. 2018 Oct 9;2(2): e10257. doi:10.2196/10257. PMID: 30684416; PMCID: PMC6334714.
Maison Jacynthe disclaims all liability. All information contained on this page is not intended to replace justified allopathic treatment or to disregard the expertise of the medical profession. It is up to each individual to take charge of their own health, to inform themselves, and to make the necessary changes to improve their condition. Therapeutic supervision by a qualified health professional is obviously recommended.
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