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The Kinky Brain - The Neuroscience of BDSM

This book will explore questions about BDSM from a scientific perspective. 

Hyperlinks are to drafts of the chapters in the blog. 

© 2023 by Hermes Solenzol. Copyright Office Preregistration number PRE000012751

Table of Contents

Part 1 - The Basics 

BDSM Explained to the Vanilla

BDSM Is Not Science, It’s an Art!

Kinks, Squicks and Kink-Shaming

Why Do Masochists Enjoy Pain?

Why Do Sadists Like to Inflict Pain?

Part 2 - The Neuroscience of BDSM

Neurons and Glia

Synapses and Neurotransmitters

Dopamine, Norepinephrine and Serotonin

Opioid Receptors and Endorphins

Cannabinoid Receptors and Endocannabinoids

Social Neuropeptides: Oxytocin and Vasopressin

Pain Neurophysiology

Pain Is Not Suffering

The Neuroscience of Spanking

Areas of the Brain Involved in Masochism

Part 3 - Sadomasochism

The Art of Bondage

The Art of Spanking

The Art of Caning

Non-Impact Sadomasochism

Hot Spicy Buns - Using Hot Peppers and Capsaicin

Figging: the Kink of Putting Ginger in Your Butt

Playing With Fire

Electricity Play

Choking - How Safe Is It?

Part 4 - Dominance/submission

What Happens in a Dominance/Submission Relationship?

Types of Dominance/Submission Relationships

Domestic Discipline

The Origins of Dominance/Submission

Sexual Service and Domination

Orgasm Control and Chastity

The Art of Mind-Fucking

Part 5 - Altered States of Consciousness

The Endorphin Rush: Myth or Reality?

Endorphins and Adrenaline - What Science Really Says

The Neuroscience of Sub Space: Endorphins, Noradrenaline and Serotonin

Altered States of Consciousness in BDSM

How to Achieve Sub Space

Sub Drop

Sadism, Empathy and Compassion

BDSM and Mysticism

Part 6 - Dangers and Abuse in BDSM

Responsibilities of the Dominant and the Submissive

Top Disease

Panic Attacks in BDSM

The Thin Line Between Consent and Coercion

How to Recognize Abuse in BDSM Relationships

Drugs and BDSM

Should People with mental Conditions practice BDSM?

Can BDSM Be Therapeutic?

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