[Psychophysiology of fire walking. II. Pain perception in pyrovasy (fire walking)].
Archiv fur Psychiatrie und Nervenkrankheiten July 4, 1979 C Xenakis, W Holtmann
Pain perception in pyrovates involves two mechanisms: mechanical stimuli from their running technique cause convergence of noxious and non-noxious afferent impulses and central inhibition of noxious effects, while the stressful preparation period induces a temporary surplus of endorphins that elevates the pain threshold. The paper also discusses pain physiology and neuropharmacological effects of the opiate antagonist Naloxone, explaining the relationship between analgesia, hyperesthesia, stress-induced behavior, and states of consciousness.