THE PHYSIOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF BODY PIERCING BY A YOGA MASTER: CONTROL OF PAIN AND BLEEDING

Abstract

A Yogi master was psychophysiologically monitored while he pierced his neck and tongue with skewers to demonstrate control of pain and bleeding. Measurements included respiration rate (RR), heart rate (HR), diaphragmatic and thoracic breathing, electrodermal activity (EDA) and electroencepholography (EEG) from Cz and Fz. The Yogi reported no pain during piercing and no bleeding was observed. In general he had elevated HR and low untesponsive EDA throughout the session. His respiration rate averaged 7 brpm during the slow breathing meditation prior to and following the piercing but elevated to approximately 25 breaths per minute during piercing. His EEG showed predominate alpha of 10Hz during meditation. Alpha, sensory motor rhythm (SMR), and beta elevated at Cz during piercing with no change in delta or theta. Alpha and beta elevated at Fz during piercing with no change in SMR, delta or theta. While he stayed in alpha during the piercing, there was a broader range of alpha activation ranging from 10 to 14 Hz. This demonstration suggests a finding of conscious self-regulation, as opposed to disassociation, for controlling attention and responsiveness to painful stimuli. It could be hypothesized that clients with chronic pain could be taught how to control pain using the mind/body in a similar manner.