Pick up any of the primers on SM play, and there is sure to be mention of endorphin, the natural form of morphine that our bodies produce in response to pain, which in turn allows us to tolerate more pain and contributes to the euphoria that goes with it. Mme. Cathie presented a program that sought to educate on the nature of endorphins and the various ways to induce their release.

Defining the cycle of sexual response, Cathie noted that these consist of:

1. Excitement phase, which often is more prolonged in women than men;
2. Plateau, which is where the pain tolerance goes up, and which SM helps to maintain;
3. Orgasm; and
4. Release.

From the audience, she used Kriss as an example of how to negotiate with someone unfamiliar to you. Using more of an interview technique, she was able to discern things that may not work in a scene. In contrast, she used Joe, whom she is more familiar with, to demonstrate the more direct approach that could be taken with a familiar and experienced partner. During the course of the sample negotiation, she was able to demonstrate where the knowledge gained could be used to help determine which of the 5-S's would be best used with each person. In addition, conversations can be used as a means to become familiar with your partner's body language, which is valuable tool while playing.

Calling on years of experience, Mme. Cathie used numerous anecdotes to relate both the "summoning" of endorphins and their varying effects. The effect can be anywhere from a mild rush to an out of body experience for some. She then used Lisa to demonstrate some of the ways to bring on endorphins. Usually brought on with a slow, steady rhythm over about 20 minutes, Cathie showed some lighter weight equipment that can be used. She then went on to demonstrate a "jump start" type of endorphin blast, which for us she demonstrated with a temporary piercing. There were several noticeable flinches in the room as Cathie (using the proper technique while stressing that she was not demonstrating piercing) pierced Lisa in each breast. She then went on to pierce herself, and when her request managed to turn up some dental floss in one of the attendees, she entwined the floss between her needles and Lisa's, and they proceeded to have a quasi tug-of-war, although there were apparently no losers. In this way, they each seemed to shorten the excitement phase and go right to the plateau (and only briefly stop there).

Following the demonstration, Cathie fielded a few questions from the audience. In particular, there was concern whether one builds a tolerance to the endorphins. In Cathie's experience, it is not so much a tolerance to the endorphins but rather the activity, and that cutting back on that particular sensation for a while can often help to retrigger it's endorphin response.

Many thanks to Cathie for providing an enlivened and educational program, as well as Lisa for her participation. As always, we appreciate the time and preparation that goes into giving a program, and are grateful that she took the time to give Janus the benefit of her experience.

Posted with permission from Society of Janus
Ó Society of Janus http://www.soj.org