What causes it to bring some ease to the pain of a cut or a burn? It seems that even if it is warm water it still helps. Is it just in your mind or is there a scientific reason behind this?
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It is a similar effect to the relief you get from rubbing an area that is hurting. It's called the gate control theory.
The idea is that rubbing the skin or water flowing over your skin creates a barrage of nerve impulses from touch and temperature receptors. When these impulses reach the spinal cord they have the effect of blocking the transmission of some of the pain signals.
It is the principle behind TENS machines. These pass a small electric current through the skin which creates a tingling sensation, and this "closes the gate" to the pain signals.
The idea is that rubbing the skin or water flowing over your skin creates a barrage of nerve impulses from touch and temperature receptors. When these impulses reach the spinal cord they have the effect of blocking the transmission of some of the pain signals.
It is the principle behind TENS machines. These pass a small electric current through the skin which creates a tingling sensation, and this "closes the gate" to the pain signals.
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I would think the temperature of the water and the temperature of your body have something to so with it