Re:endorphin high or altered state of consciesness

I asked my colleague Dr. Peggy Kleinplatz, editor of "New Dimensions in Sex Therapy" (Brunner-Routledge, 2001), to answer this. She said the following, which should be helpful:

We know little about the phenomemenon called "Subspace" (or, for that matter, about "Topspace"). There have been attempts to understand it from numerous vantage points such as neurological, biochemical, and via theories of dissociative/trance states. However, no formal research has studied it directly. In fact, there is little research even on runners' so-called "endorphin high"--which current work suggests may not be related to endorphins at all.

Furthermore, some researchers do not even believe that hypnotic states are associated with distinct brain wave patterns. In other words, you're in uncharted territory. Do consider using a "safe word" or other cue to let your partner know that you have entered your altered realm. That
way you and/or your partner can choose whether to enjoy it, deepen it, get you out of it, etc.

Marty again:
I would add one thing: when I was being trained, "dissociative states" were considered a negative thing--non-intimate, primitive, and indicative of trauma or other problems. We now recognize that this is a limited, Western-oriented view, and that there are a variety of trance or ecstatic states that people enter via religion, fasting, sex, art, etc. that are non-pathological. This makes our work more complicated, but knowing this makes us more helpful clinicians.

Replies:

Re:endorphin high or altered state of consciesness, by Meditator, 06/21/02 Re:endorphin high or altered state of consciesness, by Joseph, 06/22/02

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