As temperatures rise and summer activities heat up, the British Red Cross offers a straightforward cooling tip: apply cold water to your pulse points to cool your body efficiently from the inside out.
- Cold water on pulse points cools blood directly
- Back of neck cooling soothes the brain’s heat center
- Hydrating with water-rich foods aids natural temperature control
What happened
Summer heat waves are prompting more heat advisories, encouraging people to find effective ways to cool down beyond the usual hats and sunscreen. According to guidance from the British Red Cross, focusing on cooling specific areas of the body called pulse points—wrist, ankles, and the back of the neck—can speed up the natural cooling process.
This method works because these pulse points have blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. When these spots are cooled with cold water or ice packs, the cooler blood circulates through the body, helping to lower overall internal temperature more effectively than simply cooling the skin’s surface.
Why it feels good
The back of the neck holds special significance because it is near the hypothalamus, the brain’s temperature control center. Cooling this area signals the brain to calm its heat response, which can reduce feelings of overheating and help you feel instantly more comfortable.
Additionally, the sensation of cool water or ice at these pulse points provides immediate relief. It feels refreshing because your body reacts by slowing heart rate and easing the sensation of heat stress, making outdoor summer activities more enjoyable even when temperatures soar.
What to enjoy or watch next
Pair this cooling technique with staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and snacking on water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries, which support your body's natural sweating and heat release mechanisms.
For those looking to prepare for upcoming hot days or outdoor events, carrying a small ice chest or cold bandana can be a smart addition to your summer toolkit, ensuring you have quick access to cooling whenever needed.