“Dive of Death”: health effects of inverting the body

What are the health effects of hanging upside down for three days? The American public will soon find out, as magician David Blaine attempts to hang upside down over Central Park from now until Wednesday night.

In medical circles, hanging upside down can also be referred to as inversion therapy: hanging upside down ?óÔé¼ÔÇØ supported by your ankles ?óÔé¼ÔÇØ to allow gravity to naturally decompress disks and nerve roots in your spine. It is generally used to relieve back pain, but studies have found no significant long-term benefit.

The health effects of hanging upside down for prolonged periods of time are interesting. Blood pressure to the head can significantly increase and breathing can be restricted. Hanging upside down can also influence how the body identifies smells.