Suspension (body modification)

Suspension is a recreational activity and/or performance stunt which some people involved the body modification community enjoy, in which several hooks are placed in a person's skin and then raised, suspending the person on them. However, it is mostly used for meditation and gaining a higher level of spiritual fulfillment or awareness. To some it is a very sacred and respected practice and is done on a regular basis. Suspension can also be used as a symbolic tool and represents an important event in life- such as representing one's passing from childhood to adulthood or the bond two people may share. Because of its nature, it is often considered to be taboo by those outside of Mod (body modifying) cultures. The process is very delicate and should be done carefully by an experienced individual or professional in order to avoid serious injury. Suspension may require and often has a small group who handle preparations and the process itself. Suspension should never be attempted alone due to the risk of sustaining injuries or going into shock, which is potentially life threatening. The actual act of being suspended may take up a tiny portion of time compared to the time involved in preparation, though some people remain suspended for hours. If carried out properly, your body will be studied to decide the proper placement, number, and size of metal hooks which are pierced into the skin to lift the person off the ground. Multiple hooks are usually located around the shoulders, upper arm, and back, as well as around the knees (this depends on the position in which you want to be suspended). Finding the proper hook placement and number involves a great deal of skill in mathematics and an acute understanding of human anatomy and physiology, and well as the durability of the individuals dermis. If the number of hooks are too few, the suspended individual's dermis will be unable to withstand the body's weight and will rip. Also, the amount of weight each hook supports must be distributed evenly throughout the entire body - any imbalance risks injury. A crane-like machine made for suspension is used and powerful rope that attaches to the hooks is used to slowly and carefully lift an individual a foot or two off the ground- where they will remain relatively motionless for a predetermined period of time.

Related Topics:
Body modification - Meditation - Spiritual - Sacred - Symbolic - Adulthood - Taboo - Mod - Professional - Shock - Acute - Human anatomy - Physiology - Dermis

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