THE NEUROCHEMISTRY OF PAIN II: TIMING MATTERS
Timing: The Course of a Pain Response
It is important to note that these chemicals have their own course of action. There is nothing much you as impact top can do to rush the release of these chemicals. Finding the individual pace is the key to a pleasurable experience, and this pace has it’s own course.
You will notice from the table below, that endorphins only start to release after 2 minutes and they usually take up to 10 minutes (or longer) to reach their peak. There is no point hitting with full force before the endorphins kick in, because their body is simply not prepared to receive the impact and turn it into pleasure.
A brief summary of the neurochemistry of pain reaction.
The Long-Term Actors: Dopamine & Oxytocin
As the session unfolds and pain becomes integrated into a rhythm, new chemicals enter the scene:
Dopamine is part of the brain’s reward system. It’s linked to novelty, pattern recognition, and anticipation. During impact play, changing rhythm, pacing, or tools - all of which introduce novelty and prevent boredom - can increase dopamine release, keeping the person engaged and “high”.
Oxytocin - often called the “love and attachment hormone” - is released when trust is present, but they are also triggered via skin-to-skin touch, eye contact, and physical closeness. Oxytocin doesn't directly inhibit pain, but it buffers stress and contributes to a feeling of safety and emotional connection. This makes the body more willing to stay open, even to painful stimuli.
Reciprocal Effects
These neurochemicals don’t just follow mood - they create it too. The nervous system works both bottom-up (from body to mind) and top-down (from the mind to the body). That means pain, touch, sound, and connection all feed into a loop of experience and meaning.
For example:
A warm hand on the skin, a scratch, or even a firm hug can trigger oxytocin, which in turn helps buffer incoming pain and help the body stay open to the opioids.
The anticipation of pain - like “missing” a beat nearby - can stimulate norepinephrine, which can increase focus and help the body modulate pain (as long as the person stays relaxed and trusting).
This dual process helps explain why pain in a safe, well-calibrated setting can turn into pleasure, a powerful inner journey between body and soul.