Why is some pain soothing?


Question:
I'm not into S&M at all, but if I get a bad bruise or I have my braces tightened, why does it feel good if I press hard on the bruise or clench my teeth together?

It does hurt when I do it, but it's a good pain and it feels almost relaxing.

Why is this?

Answers:
Perhaps by giving yourself a small amount of pain, you're sending signals to your brain to release more endorphins (the neurotransmitters that typically make you feel happy after exercise, stressful situations, etc.) so you're substituting a small pain for a large amount of healing chemicals.

There's also a theory called the "gate control theory" which suggests that by applying pressure, you can distract your brain from feeling pain because it's focusing on the sensory information being sent up from the pressure instead of on the pain signals. (This theory is the reason that we have Lamaze classes -- by gently massaging an area that's not in pain, daddies-to-be can distract mommies-to-be from the pain they're experiencing elsewhere.)

Hope this helps (and I hope I didn't bore you!)
Good question, I noticed that too. Like, when you're muscles are sore and you stretch them or press on them it feels soo good to me.
pain is just a sensation - and any sensation can feel good. Just as when you receive a massage, and it hurts - it hurts good - which is why people into bdsm enjoy pain. Its not so much the pain but the feeling left when the pain stops.

Everyone has a little bdsm'er in them and maybe this is your little bit. Enjoy!
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