A reader sent me a message pre-power outage asking about subspace.
“What is subspace?? I have no idea what that means. I know I thoroughly LOVE my spankings but is this something less reactive bottoms crave? Experience? I’m baffled.
Some people say their bums “lose” the spanking sensation or become “numb” as the spanking progresses. I never had that experience. I love the progressive soreness too much to care if I’m missing out.”
Subspace to me means that point at which the body has endured a level of pain and emotion to cause the release of endorphins to help cope with the situation. The body is responding to the onslaught of discomfort and the emotional charge of the scene by releasing neurochemicals to make the experience more manageable.
Pain and stress, both of which are pretty much guaranteed with a spanking, are two of the most common factors leading to the release of endorphins. The endorphins act similarly to drugs such as morphine by interacting with the opiate receptors in the brain reducing the perception of pain and contribute to a sense of euphoria.
Personally, I don’t know that I’ve experienced subspace to a degree that I’d term my it euphoric. I’ve also never had the overwhelming desire for a spanking with the primary goal being to reach subspace, but I have heard of others’ accounts in which this is the case. I have noticed a difference in how the pain of impact changes during an intense session moving from wildly intense stinging to superficial numbness with deeper muscle pain still registering. I have also felt myself growing exhausted and fuzzy headed which isn’t necessarily altogether pleasant if you still have to answer questions, plead for forgiveness, or count strokes coherently, but I suppose that could be a part of the “spanking high” that could be quite enjoyable in the right situation.
Others have described subspace to me as being the warm, dreamy state where despite the pain they’ve endured, they are comfortable and almost buzzed. Any stress that they might have been feeling prior to the spanking whether it be directly related to the scene or general stress accumulated from the day melts away and they are floating on a cloud of joy.
I don’t think the different experiences or desires have anything to do with how reactive the bottom is, but more to do with the variations in endorphin release among individuals. Not everyone produces the same levels of endorphins even in response to identical degrees of pain. Also, no two people generate an identical response to the same levels of endorphins. And when you factor in the difference in personalities and how individuals have different reactions to the feeling of not being clear headed and in control and you can see how every bottom is going to have a unique experience even in similar situations.
Have you experienced subspace? If so, how would you describe it? Is reaching a state of subspace a primary goal of a spanking?
For spankers, is it pleasurable and in part a goal of yours to help your spankee reach subspace? Do you have any concerns for safety and knowing when to decrease the intensity once a spankee is in such a state and may not be able to process the experience as clearly?
November 15th, 2012 - 4:30 pm
First, glad to have you back and that you are ok!
Yes, I have achieved subspace. I go into it every time. It does vary, but basically my body goes into it first and then my head; if that makes any sense. I call it “getting loopy.”
Since I do go into subspace, it is a sort of goal of mine to have that experience. For one thing, the endorphins relieve the fibromyalgia pain that is ever with me. That effect lasts for a couple of days to a week, sometimes. It isn’t complete relief, but it does help. I had no idea that would happen. I didn’t notice it right away, but after a couple of times, it was very apparent. So this aspect of a spanking is essential for me. I also feel better emotionally. It is very therapeutic for me and I had no idea that would happen, either.
I have also noticed that if my hip is bothering me, in other words if I am limping a bit beforehand, a spanking will sometimes relieve that problem as well.
I do go into different levels of subspace, depending on how I am feeling. I asked my top once if she ever had anyone fall asleep while she was spanking them. The answer to that was, of course, no. I can say that if she kept within a certain level, I probably would come close; depending. LOL
November 15th, 2012 - 6:30 pm
Whenever I see that term written someplace I always think of it as some unattainable state certain people strive for and apparently attain. To me it’s truly one of those instances where I don’t feel I’m missing out because it’s never been a goal of mine.
I CAN relate to the psychological feeling of day to day stress reduction in the middle of a spanking. But then a NEW set of stress overtakes me such as WHAT smart- assed thing am I going to say NEXT to taunt my “poor” top?! I certainly trust the people who spank me. But I just feel I’m too much of an assertive person to completely lose control even during the most intense spankings.
I never felt dizzy or light headed during my spankings, thankfully. That would ruin my experience.
November 15th, 2012 - 10:30 pm
Hi Pixie, glad to see you back in the swing of things…regarding sub-space..
I had a girl friend who would ask for spankings and when she reached ( whatever endorphin hgh there was) sub-space would ask if I had a leather belt available ( to which I always replied in the affirmative ).. she would then position herself on our bed for an extended strapping..leading to other things which need not be mentioned here…
Suffice it to say that she found her spankings very satisfying….
November 16th, 2012 - 8:48 am
Pixie glad you are back ,yes ive heard spanked girls saying this in blogs ,love and spanks,Timxxx
November 19th, 2012 - 2:05 am
Hi Pixie -
To reiterate what others have been saying; glad to see you are back!
Your topic and explanation sounds like the making of a great thesis statement. Honestly impressed.
As a spanker, my goal is not for my spankeee to reach subspace. My intent is usually a punishment or erotic spanking.
I actually don’t know if I have ever spanked anyone into a state of bliss/subspace; although I do know of a spankee who has mentioned feeling a bit euphoric. She explained this was due to the entire situation and the culmination of emotions leading up to it, not due to the spanking itself.
I just further wonder, if spanking subspace exists than do orgasms during spankings that some people claim to have also exist?
November 19th, 2012 - 1:09 pm
Pixie ,lovely Ten receives spoon spanks from herangry Auntie ,love and spanks,Timxxx
November 19th, 2012 - 2:35 pm
Hello Miss Pixie, Ma’am,
Glad to hear you are OK and to see you back! Hope you are also recovering physically as well as I am sure I speak for all of your fans when I say that we very much miss seeing you ON screen as well, but of course your health MUST come FIRST!
Tim brings up a VERY good idea! Has Punished Brats ever done a wooden spoon spanking? I don’t recall any. Although I think maybe Mischa or Chloe from Miss Susan, Miss Veronica or Miss Pixie as their babysitters sounds VERY interesting!
As far as subspace goes, I have never been lucky enough to be spanked myself, which strikes me as a probable prerequisite for said experience.
Once again, Ma’am, welcome back!
November 19th, 2012 - 5:22 pm
Hi Pixie,
As a male switch, I have experienced the concept both as a spankee and a spanker. During my younger days, self-spanking was a necessary outlet. There was one time when I was applying a ping pomg paddle to my bare right cheek when I reached a sensation where pain and pleasure became blurred. Each swat was a loving caress. This last several minutes as the paddle found its mark. A badly bruised cheek the next morning was the only after effect of a pleasurable experience.
As an adult, I enjoyed being paddled by my lover. Again I would reach that level of blissful pain. She was excellent at applying the paddle at a proper speed and intensity that prolonged the sensation until finally reaching utopia.
As a spanker, I had to judge my lover’s sensations and body reactions. It did not happen with every spanking but when it did happen, it was just as much fun to view the pleasure that she was obviously experiencing.
Bottoms Up!
P.S. Add my prayers to having a normal life soon!!
November 20th, 2012 - 4:05 am
Dear Pixie,
I have had a few ladies over my knee who told me later that they had gone into subspace, but it’s not a condition that I strive to induce. I’m just trying to give them the spanking that they need/want/deserve. Subspace is not the goal, but if they go there….more power to them.
And yes, as a Top you do have to watch out for anyone who has achieved this state. They’re not going to want the spanking to end and believe they can keep on going–I have to make the judgment call on that and convince them that it’s time to wrap things up. They may not be happy about it at the time, but they’ll thank you for watching out for them later….
Hugs and spanks,
Dr. Ken
November 20th, 2012 - 11:26 am
Yes, it’s good that you’re back and in one piece! I hope the others in your neighbourhood soon get everything put back together again.
I’ve read a lot about this subspace thing, but I’m unlikely to ever experience it for myself, even if I ever found a good spanking partner. I’m not really of the bottomy orientation.
A fascinating subject, though.
November 21st, 2012 - 12:26 am
Not sure you’re back and in one piece. Haven’t written that you have power, water and the basic needs. Know nothing about sub space — not my style of play. But do know that I’m one of many who want you healthy and safe, Hope that comes to pass soon.
November 21st, 2012 - 12:29 pm
Hi, Pixie,
I hope you are feeling and doing well after Hurricane Sandy.
Yes, I have experienced subspace, but it’s not necessarily a goal to which I strive. If the spanking is intense enough after a suitable warm-up, I sometimes find my awareness turning inward. It then drifts in time and space leading to a sensation not too dissimilar to a disassociated state or hypnotic trance in which my mind experiences an undulating darkness. I’m still aware of each spank, however, but the blow seems to emerge out of nowhere and intensity is lessened and more pleasurable than it would be otherwise. My bottom also becomes a little more numb and receptive to the bath brush or strap. In such a state, I’m more keenly aware of the sound and the feeling of submission, which I find rewarding. Euphoria is not part of this picture. In a completely different content, I have felt a global release of endorphins in my brain, a pin-pricking pleasure that was nearly intolerable; it was, unfortunately, a one-time occurrence.
November 21st, 2012 - 3:50 pm
I’ve definitely felt the endorphin release walking back to class with a freshly paddled butt. But even with tears streaming down my cheeks, and a butt almost on fire with every step a torment, I remember a floaty, almost out of body experience. I also remember waking up after having slept off being sent to bed and crying myself to sleep after a really hard belt whipping and feeling really great and well rested. I’d even forgotten about the beating, until I sat down, that is.
November 23rd, 2012 - 9:50 am
pixielovely little Joelle has her tanning continuing by David for her naughtiness ,love and spanks,Timxxx
November 26th, 2012 - 7:56 am
Pixie ,young Audrey receives her spanking from David while little Brittany after her whacking watches ,love and spanks from ,Timxxx
December 9th, 2012 - 10:37 pm
Hi there Pixi,
Yes I regularly experience subspace. When a spanking first starts it is very painful. After a while with the spanks being applied with the self same force they do not seem to be so bad. It seem as though someone else is being spanked and I drift off into a dreamlike state. Whether or not I experience subspace I always enjoy the after effects of a spanking. I enjoy looking at the redness and marks on my bottom. When I sit down on a hard surface and go ouch it reminds me of why I feel that way and I smile. Subsequent spankings on the same day as the first one I find much more enjoyable. I don’t experience the initial pain of that first spanking. By the way I really enjoy a leather strap being applied to my bared backside – a single wide leather strap that is. I find a tawse altogether too painful!