<< Relieving of Blockages >>

There is evidence that the whole central nervous system is affected whenever there is sexual arousal. The data are fragmentary, but sufficient to indicate some of the points which the neurophysiologist should investigate.

During sexual arousal, inhibitions and psychologic blockages are relieved or completely eliminated. A considerable series of histories indicate that stutterers are not likely to stutter when they are with a companion to whom they are sexually responsive. Similarly, gagging may be eliminated, even among individuals who are quite prone to gag when objects are placed deep in their mouths. If sufficiently aroused, these individuals do not gag even when they perform fellatio, although that may involve deep penetration of the mouth. Some persons have their hay fever and sinus congestions relieved when they are sexually aroused, and this may depend in part on the relief of some psychologic state by the arousal. Some persons break out into nervous sweating when they are aroused sexually, although it is more usual for the skin to stay dry or normally moist during sexual activity.
Increased perspiration as a result of sexual arousal is also noted by: Van de Velde 1930:244. Havelock Ellis 1936(11,1):153. Sadler 1944:42. Negri 1949:97.

Interferences with the free action of the musculatory system may be relieved during sexual arousal. We have histories which indicate that spastics are able to move more freely when they are sexually aroused, and they may be surprisingly capable in coitus. The improved condition does not persist, however, after the cessation of the sexual arousal.

There is also some information to the effect that some partial paraplegics may be improved when they are aroused sexually.

Most persons display unusual muscular strength during sexual arousal, and may become capable of performing feats that require abilities which they do not ordinarily exhibit. This is not because they actually acquire strength, but because they are released from the inhibitions which normally prevent them from utilizing their full capacities. The possibility of a rapist doing unusual damage may depend on this fact; and many another male becomes unexpectedly strong and handles his partner roughly during sexual activity. When there is arousal, many persons become capable of bending and distorting the body to an extent which would be impossible if there were no arousal. The doubling of the body which is necessary in self-fellation, for instance, may be impossible before arousal, but may become possible for some males as they approach orgasm.

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