Sub-space

Sub-space is often discussed in the community and on web sites. But what actually is it? Quite simply, it's an altered state of consciousness caused by the release of certain chemicals into the body. It creates slightly different reactions in each person, but generally feelings of light-headedness, dream-like states, elevated or reduced heartbeat, increased or decreased skin temperature, a unique sense of peace and being removed from immediate reality are associated with this condition.

The science of sub-space is complex, but I'll give you a brief outline here without boring you with all the details. During a scene, stimulus is applied to the submissive which causes the release of between one and four chemicals in the body. These chemicals travel around the body until they hit certain receptors in the brain and cause the experience we know as sub-space to occur. In order for a submissive to gain sub-space from this route, the brain receptors must be in certain positions. Not everyone has these receptors, let alone in places where sub-space can be achieved. This would seem to indicate that an individual can be born a masochist, and either achieve their high by engaging in extreme sports or a BDSM exchange (which is often less risky than the sport option!).

Sub-space can have varied after effects on the individual too. A few report what is referred to as "sub-drop". This is a sensation of low mood or depression caused by the body reacting to the loss of chemicals, and usually arrives the day after an intense session where sub-space has been achieved.

This is nothing to worry about, and can easily be offset by making contact with the Dominant who you were engaged in the scene with. A good Dominant will require you to make contact the next day so that They can be reassured of your psychological and emotional state, and also to help steady you off if you are having any problems. It helps to maintain contact with the specific Dominant concerned, as They will know what you experienced at the time, and in honesty, you are "in it together" at that point, even if it was a casual play or with a Professional.