The Neuroscience of SM - The Benefits of Consensual Pain by Kalyss Mercury

In this 60-minute lecture, Ms. Mercury will share some of the background research on pain mechanisms in the nervous system, some psycho-social theories for why people enjoy S&M, and her own results on the therapeutic benefits of S&M practice. After the lecture, there will be a Q&A, so you can ask whatever question you would like.

Read more about the lecture below .

We live in a paradoxical world where pain management funds an industry of at least $36.1 billion (Elder, 2017) side by side with the culture of BDSM which thrives and celebrates, among other taboo activities, the use of pain within sexual contexts.

Why would people want to use painful activities as part of intimate relationships? Or more to the point, HOW can they mix the two with positive outcomes?

This paradox was the primary inspiration for Ms. Mercury’s Masters's degree research and dissertation on the therapeutic benefits of sadomasochism (S&M).

As a kink explorer from early adulthood, Ms. Mercury observed first-hand how kinky S&M play was not as painful as it seemed. In fact, many kinksters are more “pained” by the stigma around BDSM than by the crack of a whip.

In the past, this stigma placed practitioners in diagnostic scenarios, which described our kinks as «perversions», something to be cured through psychotherapy. Despite the recent removal of BDSM from international psychiatric diagnostic manuals by the World Health Organisation, the cultural stigma remains. In many cases, this cultural judgment can still damage participants’ rights for child custody and job security. Researching the psychological and biological roots of BDSM sheds light on the paradox of perversions and promotes a more accepting and respectful attitude towards diverse sexual & fetish interests.

Who is Kalyss Mercury ?

Kalyss Mercury, BDSM Expert & Consultant – Tantric Domina – Kink Research Pioneer

For over 20 years, Ms. Mercury has traveled the world sharing her dominant skills in private sessions and hosting fetish parties, workshops, and demonstrations at events such as Sexpo (Australia) and Oslo Fetish Weekend (Norway). She has acted as a consultant for films such as “My Mistress” (2014) and was an Executive Producer for the digital remastering of “Preaching to the Perverted” (1997/2013). She has been a guest of TV and radio shows and has given interviews in print and digital media and live performances sharing her expertise in BDSM and sexuality.

“Through all these years in the professional kink scene, my deepest inspiration is seeing my clients and students blossom from their kink exploration. This comes in many forms. In the strict mistress/life coach approach, kink obedience helps clients quit smoking, lose weight and find more inspiring careers. As kink educator, it brings me such joy to receive feedback from couples exploring kink, learning to communicate about taboo issues, conquering challenges together, and fostering deeper connections. It is my mission & pleasure to reach out and serve the wider community, empowering more people to play with their edge, and exploring all the lessons that BDSM can provide”.

You can connect with Ms Mercury via her website & follow her on multiple social media platforms:

ALLmylinks.com/TantricDomina