Activation of the diving reflex

With WATA, another physiological phenomenon is activated: the diving reflex. Repeated contact of the cheeks with water leads to a strong reduction in metabolic rate, which is expressed in a slower pulse and the reduced need to breathe. Humans share this phenomenon with seabirds as well as with other mammals. It makes it possible to get by with very little oxygen for a long time without being harmed (Alboni et al., 2011). This reflex is activated within the context of WATA. The increasingly longer dives take about 4-30 sec. The experience of being able to spend what feels like a very long time deeply relaxed and undemanding under water is described as unusual and can evoke kinesthetic memories (e.g. of early childhood or even prenatal experiences) (Schrö­ter & Brunschwiler, 1996).