It's much easier to simply hold your breath, and won't leave welts or hickeys on your neck. The effect is the same.
It may be different for others, but I find that it's the actual flow of oxygenated blood to my brain that enhances my pleasure. Squeezing the arteries, not closing the windpipe, is what does it for me.
And it's really hard to hold my breath for that long.
And for those who express concern for my safety:
"Autoerotic asphyxiation, or AEA, is typically performed in the following way: A man... loops a belt or rope around his neck, attaches the other end to a door knob or pipe, and lowers himself into a controlled suspension. Sex or masturbation ensues. The pressure from the belt cuts off the flow of blood through the veins in his neck, causing blood to congest in the brain. Oxygen levels drop and carbon dioxide levels increase, producing lightheadedness and, for some, intensifying erotic pleasure.
When death occurs, it's usually because of pressure on a part of the neck called the carotid body, a small cluster of
chemoreceptors located near the fork of the carotid artery. Pressure on the carotid body causes a discharge from the
vagus nerve. This slows down the heart and can make a person pass out instantaneously. (That's why karate chops and the
Vulcan nerve pinch target the vagus nerve.)
Losing consciousness causes the person to go limp, which tightens the choke and decreases circulation through the neck arteries, causing asphyxiation. Rarely is there enough pressure to block the windpipe—rather, it's the lack of blood flow that causes death."
Considering that, as I have stated twice, I do NOT hang myself, but rather use pressure from my own grip (which would be loosened as my body went limp in the event of my passing out), can you tell me what is unsafe about this activity for me?
Thanks for the concern, btw... I guess? But back to David Carradine. Why did he have the wrope tied around his wrist???