In an analysis of the images appearing today in The Journal of Neurophysiology, researchers in New York and New Jersey argue that romantic love is a biological urge distinct from sexual arousal. It is closer in its neural profile to drives like hunger, thirst or drug craving, the researchers assert, than to emotional states like excitement or affection.
It made me wonder if that's what is also happening when it comes to spanking. Spanking can be arousing for me, but normally it's not. But it is something I will crave like Ben and Jerry's or water, even though while I'm getting spanked it hurts like hell and I'll think why the hell did I want this? I always just thought it was the endorphine rush. But another little snippet from this article made me think there might be more to it.
In the study, a computer-generated map of particularly active areas showed hot spots deep in the brain, below conscious awareness, in areas called the caudate nucleus and the ventral tegmental area, which communicate with each other as part of a circuit.
These areas are dense with cells that produce or receive a brain chemical called dopamine, which circulates actively when people desire or anticipate a reward. In studies of gamblers, cocaine users and even people playing computer games for small amounts of money, these dopamine sites become extremely active as people score or win, neuroscientists say.
And maybe it's that dopamine circulates actively when I desire or anticipate a punishment. That some wire is crossed, or is too sensitive so that dopamine circulates for both states -- reward and punishment.
I dunno. Just something that got me thinking.
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5 comments:
Cool Natty.
I know positively that there is a very different 'physical' reality about each kind of spanking I experience. In the end there is a reward yeilded by each, but other than a satisfying sense of calm and rightness, the substance of that reward is different, be it releif, sex or just closeness with Fred.
And I do crave spanking. I can get fixated on it at the oddest times, and the only cure is to get my butt up, pants down and my ass set on fire. Of course all the preamble, key words... actual baring of my bottom, feel of his thighs under me hs hands on me and all the aftermath stuff, is just as important as the fire part...
Maybe some of us spankos otta go get pet scans done right before, during and after some different kinds of spanking fixes huh??? Wanna?
Well, now there're Patty and Natty in the spanking circuit. I've just been commenting on several other folks' blogs on the complicated inter-personal stuff in D/s relations, and now you two have taken it in the direction of chemistry.
Different dimensions, fer sure. But both are thoughtful posts, and you add to my general sense that blogging is an IMPORTANT way for a lot of us human beings to sort out our messy but engaging lives.
BTW, Patty, you are the sexiest artist I know -- certainly you express my own thrill at the prospect of a spanking. Thanks for sharing (as it were)!
Justine
I'm right with ya Patty on the PET scan deal...hell, I've had an MRI and an EEG in the last few weeks, so why not add another funky scan to the list. ;)
Actually, I was just thinking today that this would be a fascinating venue for studying fetishes. I have a hard time finding much research on BDSM on PsycINFO or Medline and think this would be a brilliant way to examine it from a physiological perspective.
Yeah, Justine, I agree that blogging is an valuable way to make sense of life. I'm finding that by writing and having people comment on my posts, I'm able to better articulate my views and feelings. Plus, I've making a lot of great friends. Thanks for stopping by. :)
Well, possibly Claire. That might explain why punishment spankings are not pleasurable. However, I do get some er...thrill or small bit of joy at contemplating the impending spanking, even though it's also accompanied by a lot of dread. Curious to see how THAT plays out in a fMRI. :)
Well, I was quite happy with my thesis topic but, afraid there won't be much thesis writing for a long time. Relevant post forthcoming...
:) this whole topic fascinates me...
Claire, I'd put it that punishment is "a" reward... but not "the" reward.
There are wonderful side effects of having been punished that can be rewarding, but so far in my life erotic and punishment spanking scenarios have yet to approach the same thing. My heart knows, based on my experience, that they are chemically, physiologically & psychically different.
It would be so neat to see us issected honestly... so neat....
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