Subspace is not a BDSM term for an orgasm although orgasms can have a part to play in reaching this state.
Subspace is not the emotional and psychologically switching off of the brain as a reaction to fear or abuse.
So what is sub space?
Subspace occurs during pain or endurance play. It is created by a mix of brain chemicals that cause a natural high that can, in a lot of cases, become addictive. A rush of brain chemicals such as endorphins or adrenaline create a high of their own. For example, the adrenaline high is the one that people into dangerous or extreme sports, like bungee jumping from high bridges, go for. Subspace differs from these singular highs. It is a prolonged state brought about by a cocktail of chemicals such as endorphins, dopamines, serotonin and adrenaline created by experiencing pleasure and pain simultaneously.
Dopamine and Seretonin in the brain are responsible for happy or euphoric feelings.
Dopamine, Serotonin and Adrenaline try to increase our ability to deal with a crisis by increasing our ability to process subconsciously, because subconscious processing is fast and conscious processing is slow. This retreating into the subconscious is the basis for subspace.
When a sub is in this state the pain threshold increases. The sub may seem totally oblivious to pain and to his or her surroundings. They are lost in the moment. Their safety at this time is completely entrusted to their Dom/me since the sub is no longer able to apply conscious thought. Care, empathy and, above all, sanity must be exercised by the Dom/me.
What is Sub Drop?
This happens when the sub comes out of subspace. As the conscious mind comes back to its normal state the body and brain are experiencing the remnants of the adrenaline and the depletion of the endorphins etc. Sub drop presents its self through various symptoms: shaking, confusion, headaches, tearfulness, disorientation, lack of coherent thought and/or speech. Some symptoms are similar to depression but, unlike depression, which lasts 2 weeks or more, sub drop can be gone in less than an hour.
Some of the brain chemical functions contradict each other and this contradiction is the most probable cause of the feeling of confusion felt during subdrop.
The simplest way to deal with a sub in subdrop is to hold them close, tenderly and reassuringly. Allow them time-out before embarking on play again. Even a cup of tea will help.
Do Dominants Experience Dom Space?
Not as such but a well timed orgasm at a time when they are experiencing a rush from the pain they are causing can create a chemical surge that hits the brain like a sudden sharp and severe headache. They may also experience the shakiness from the adrenaline and a slight disorientation as it all subsides.
Some Dominants also experience a "lost in the moment" effect where they are so "involved" in what they are doing they have to consciously enforce self-control to prevent themselves from going too far.
What are the Brain Chemicals?
The chemicals listed below are a few of the natural chemicals that affect our bodily processes on a daily basis. In pain-and-pleasure play the brain experiences an increase and/or a surge in some or all of these chemicals which mix together and create a mind blowing high.
Endorphins (the pain killer) are natural pain killing substances found in the human brain. The name comes from endogenous (meaning within) and morphine (morphine being a pain killer). Endorphins are one of the neurotransmitters in the brain.(meaning that they send messages from the brain to the body's nerve system).
Dopamine (the mood regulator) is a stimulant that raises the body's temperature and increases metabolic rate. Dopamine is essential for the proper working of the muscles and without it movement becomes slow and rigid and tremor sets in. Dopamine makes people more talkative and excitable
Serotonin (the emotion regulator) is a chemical that helps maintain a "happy feeling," and seems to help keep our moods under control by helping with sleep, calming anxiety, and relieving depression. It affects brain processes that control movement, emotional response, and ability to experience pleasure and pain.
Adrenalin (the survival response) The "flight or fight" reaction comes about as the result of extremely rapid reactions that take place in our bodies when faced with a danger, harm or attack. The reaction is an expression of the preparations our bodies make to either fight or run away which stem from this situation, during which signals sent from the hypothalamus region of the brain place the body in a state of alarm. The activation of the nerve cells and chemicals secreted by a gland above the kidneys prepare the body to fight or flee. When this reaction is given a series of nerve cells are fired and chemicals such as adrenaline, noradrenalin and cortisol (stresser) are secreted into the blood. These lead to rapid changes in the body. Blood in the digestive system is directed to the muscles in the arms and legs, which have a greater need of energy in order to fight or flee. Our pupils expand and our concentration focuses. Our pulse accelerates and our pain perception levels fall. The exceedingly complex physical adjustments of the fight or flight reaction are a marvellous system that goes into operation in a very short space of time.
Psychological Health
Panic Attacks
The effects of Adrenaline are the main cause of panic attacks. The subconscious fear of not being able to cope with something triggers the flight or fight response and the adrenaline surges. The conscious mind cannot perceive the danger but still experiences the effects of the body being put on alert. This is a panic attack and can sometimes make a person feel like they are going to die because of the sudden increase in heart rate etc.
Communication
Psychological health between dominants and submissives is maintained by clear, open communication, respect and trust. Communication is paramount, if you can't talk openly to each other, you shouldn't play!
