How to efficiently cool your body?

Andrew Huberman outlines efficient ways to cool the body that leverage specific vascular structures, primarily the palms of the hands, the bottoms of the feet, and the upper half of the face. These areas have arterio-venous anastomoses (AVAs), which allow rapid cooling by directly transferring heat from arteries to veins.

Key points include:

1. Target Glabrous Skin Surfaces: Cooling the palms, soles of the feet, and upper half of the face is the most effective way to lower core body temperature quickly. This method is more efficient than cooling other body parts like the neck, torso, or head 1.

2. Cool Object Protocol: Holding a cool object, such as a cold bottle or a pack of frozen blueberries, in your hands for a few minutes between exercise sets can help efficiently reduce core temperature. This practice not only cools your body but also enhances muscle performance and endurance 2.

3. Practical Applications: Use cold towels or cool compresses on the palms, soles, and upper face to lower core temperature rapidly. This method is essential for managing hyperthermia and can greatly improve athletic performance or cognitive function 3 4.

   
   1
   Cooling the Body
   00:23:16
   
   2
   Cool Object Protocol
   02:01:03
   
   3
   Rapid Core Cooling
   01:30:32
   
   4
   Efficient Body Cooling
   01:47:36

By focusing on these glabrous skin areas, you can achieve efficient and quick cooling of your body, which is helpful in various contexts such as exercise or extreme heat situations.