Why do people get pleasure from pain???
A neurological explanation of why some people experience pleasure as a result of pain, BDSM or kink.
The most common question from people who are not into kink is, "Why would you want someone to hurt you/them?" or, “They must be sick puppies!". However, there are biological reasons why and how this is enjoyable for some. Some people think of kink as being a kind of sexual orientation, meaning that it is a central part of their identity or that they derive sexual pleasure sexual from engaging BDSM or kink in their sexual activities. For others, this is not so much an identity but simply something that spices up their sex lives. Like sexual orientation, there exists a gradient spectrum of interests and the importance of kink/BDSM being included for some people to enjoy sexual gratification.
So let's get into the biology of the experience! During extreme stresses to the body, such as pain or threat of danger, the body produces endorphins that have effects similar to an altered state of consciousness of intense pleasure within the context of a kink/ BDSM exchange. This is due to a surge of norepinephrine, adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin being released in the brain. These are neurotransmitters (signaling messengers of the brain and nervous system) that produce an experience similar to ingesting drugs or having orgasmic sex. Quite intoxicating! During such an experience, the body engages the part of the nervous system that is designed to protect humans in dangerous situations. One of the effects of this heightened neurobiological response is the dulling of pain (analgesia) and a shift in consciousness where the brain is no longer utilizing the part that figures things out (frontal neocortex) but rather responds instinctually (engaging the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenergic regions in the brain and adrenal glands). In this state, it may be difficult for a person receiving intense stimulation (whipping, flogging, impact play, etc) to clearly express their thoughts and feelings and sometimes may become non-verbal as their brains are saturated with feelings of euphoric pleasure. This is commonly referred to as 'sub space'. Sub space can feel like an enchanted wave of pleasure that allows a person to release tensions normally held under wraps or from having to be in control or make decisions. For some, this offers a healing cathartic release and a therapeutic means of learning to trust and regain personal power as a result of previous trauma. Because of the psychodynamic elements involved in this exchange, the dominant is charged with being a caretaker most of all. Understanding the specific limits, boundaries and emotional sensitivities of the submissive is vital to experiencing pain as a tool of pleasure and healing. The careful attention of the top/dominant is critical to ensuring that the bottom/submissive is safe, engaged in play that is consensual, and maintains an awareness of any potential serious harm to the submissive beyond what is negotiated prior to engaging play. True consent can be revoked at any time. It is, in fact, the submissive who dictates when play stops or needs to shift in some way that takes into account their needs, pleasure and safety. To surrender such control is an honor of trust that is accepted by the dominant as a sacred gift. As the keepers of such trust, it is imperative that the top be mindful of the care and well-being of the submissive at all times.
Like many states of altered consciousness, there is a refractory period where the brain returns to its normal state. This can have emotional and physical effects. While the experience can be pleasurable and joyful, a submissive or dominant may experience what is referred to as 'drop' following play sessions. Drop can occur with both the submissive or dominant; referred to as either 'sub drop' or 'top drop'. This can feel like a biochemical hangover. Some people may experience emotional lows or fatigue occurring anywhere from a day or two after play. Aftercare of the submissive following play is something that should be communicated before play begins. Some submissives may enjoy feeling comforted and cuddled after play and others may have other requests or needs. This is a normal experience that can occur when the brain is flooded with happy feel-good chemicals and then returns to a baseline where life is mundane, chores must be done and responsibilities rarely take a holiday. Yup, real life. However, along with this experience can be an accompaniment of joy from remembering the ecstatic pleasure experienced while feeling a sore bruise the following day or spontaneously being struck with happy flashbacks from a scene. There is a fascinating connection between pleasure and pain. The brain and its processes are endlessly awe-inspiring, revealing mysteries that we are continuing to understand and discover.
If you are also a fellow brain nerd, definitely check out this link that further explains the neurobiological processes and experiences of pleasure within the brain as a response to intense stimulation, pain, or threat of danger.
https://www.hermessolenzol.com/en/post/the-neuroscience-of-sub-space-in-bdsm-endorphins-noradrenaline-and-serotonin