Monthly Mammalian Dive Reflex Class
Experience the Mammalian Dive Reflex in action.
The Mammalian Dive Reflex (also known as the Dive Reflex, Dive Response, or MDR) is a fascinating series of physiological responses to breath hold, pressure, and cold water facial immersion. It enables us to dive deeper, safer, and for longer and is trainable without being anywhere near water.
The MDR is a fascinating series of physiological responses to breath hold, pressure, and cold water facial immersion. It enables us to dive deeper, safer, and for longer and is trainable without being anywhere near water. The MDR consists of Bradycardia (the lowering of the heart rate), Peripheral Vasoconstriction (the narrowing of the blood vessels in the extremities to bring more blood to the vital organs), the Spleen Effect (whereby the spleen contracts, releasing more oxygen carrying haemoglobin into the blood), and Immersion Diuresis (technically a side effect, the increased need to urinate).
Our Mammalian Dive Reflex Activation classes are an incredible way to stimulate the dive response, to witness how it changes the body, and to assess progress in apnea capacity and mental strength if you are also doing other training, such as regularly attending our Breathing Optimisation Classes. The class is adaptable to complete beginners as well as elite freedivers so suitable for all levels.
The class starts with upper body stretches, and a calming breath exercise. We then move to a series of one minute holds with one breath in between, designed to stimulate the dive response. At the end of the series of holds there is the opportunity to hold the breath for longer than a minute, and then the class concludes with two more breath exercises designed to calm the body and mind.
Our students have reported amazing sensations as the dive response kicks in, as well as huge improvements in their CO2 tolerance, breath hold ability and confidence.