What is subspace?

Sometimes, you need the endorphins released from a great beating to be able to tackle the rest of your week with calm confidence. But why?

Many submissives and/or masochists seek pain for "subspace." Subspace is a condition that varies between individuals but is largely believed to be a blend of hormones released during pain and stress.

The hormones released into the blood are cortisol, adrenaline, and endorphins. The central nervous system also releases noradrenaline. These are all a part of our FIGHT/FLIGHT response.

When the nervous system releases noradrenaline into the brain as a response to pain, it creates an analgesic effect, numbing the body to further pain. Cortisol and adrenaline assist in a heightened awareness, higher activity and alertness in the submissive.

When you push these experiences further (when a submissive is consensually and willingly subjected to pain past the adrenal response) you may reach the body's endorphin system. This is connected to our FREEZE response. The body realizes that the experience, for whatever reason, is inescapable and not ending. The endorphin response counteracts the adrenal response, lowering the heart rate, alertness and activity decreases, while still maintaining an analgesic effect. These experiences, in a safe environment, may be joined by EUPHORIA.

Endorphins released later produce dopamine.

The result? A euphoric, sometimes silly, relaxed sensation. Submissives may become non-verbal or less responsive, which is when I personally move to AFTERCARE to guide the masochist/submissive back to the present, their bodies, and their reality.

All in all, these sensations can leave a masochist/submissive with less stress and anxiety for several days or even over a week after the scene.

It is powerful. It is beautiful. It is sacred.

With trust and a safe environment, pain can be healthy, transformative, and even spiritual.