In recent months, a simple wellness hack has gone viral: placing something cold—like an ice pack or a chilled bottle—under your arms to reduce anxiety and slow your heart rate. It sounds almost too simple to be true, but emerging science shows there may be real physiological reasons behind it.

How the Body Reacts to Cold Stimulation

When a cold object is applied to the body—especially near areas rich in major blood vessels, such as the armpits, neck, or face—it triggers what’s known as the diving reflex or cold-induced vagal response.
This reflex activates the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the body’s “calming system.” As a result, heart rate slows, blood pressure stabilizes, and the body moves from a state of alertness to relaxation.

Essentially, the sudden cooling effect signals the brain to conserve energy, mimicking the way the body reacts when submerged in cold water. This same mechanism is why splashing cold water on your face or holding an ice cube can sometimes help ease panic or intense stress.

The Role of the Vagus Nerve

The key player in this process is the vagus nerve, one of the most important nerves in the body’s autonomic system. It connects the brain to many internal organs, including the heart and lungs, and plays a vital role in regulating mood and anxiety.

Cold exposure—especially around the chest, neck, or underarms—can stimulate this nerve. In turn, it helps lower the heart rate and signals the brain to enter a calmer, more balanced state.
Many people who practice vagus nerve stimulation techniques report feeling instant relief from racing thoughts, tension, and even mild panic symptoms.

What Science Says (and What It Doesn’t)

Studies have shown that cold therapy and vagal stimulation can help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety in some people. However, scientists caution that this is not a cure-all. The effects are temporary and can vary from person to person.

Experts recommend using cold stimulation as a complementary method—alongside deep breathing, mindfulness, or therapy—rather than as a medical treatment.
Still, it’s a surprisingly simple way to “reset” the body when emotions run high.

A Quick, Practical Calming Trick

If you’re feeling anxious, here’s how to safely try it:

1. Wrap a few ice cubes or a cold pack in a soft towel.

2. Gently place it under your arms or against your neck for about 30 seconds to a minute.

3. Breathe deeply and focus on the cool sensation.

You should feel your body begin to relax and your heart rate start to slow.

The Takeaway

This method works because it taps into the body’s natural biology, not because of any mystical trick. The human nervous system is wired to respond to temperature and touch.
So, while science is still studying exactly how effective this “ice under the arms” method is, there’s no denying that it offers a quick, harmless way to bring the body—and the mind—back to balance.

In a world where stress and anxiety often feel unavoidable, sometimes the simplest tools are the most powerful. A few seconds of cold might just help you find a few moments of calm.