Suspension (body modification) 1601900 225737763 2008-07-15T04:12:32Z 72.185.13.94 /* Rationale */ {{Citations missing|date=January 2007}} [[Image:Body_suspension.jpg|thumb|Suicide-Suspension]] A '''suspension''' is the act of suspending a human body from hooks that have been put through [[body piercing]]s. These piercings are temporary and are performed just prior to the actual suspension. {{TOCleft}} ==Introduction== {{howto}} The process is very delicate and should be done carefully by an experienced individual or [[professional]] of the field in order to avoid serious injury. Suspension may require and often has a small group who handle preparations and the process itself. Suspension should never be attempted alone due to the risk of sustaining injuries or going into [[Shock (medical)|shock]], which is potentially life threatening. The actual act of being suspended may take up a tiny portion of time compared to the time involved in preparation, though some people remain suspended for hours. If carried out properly, the suspendee's body willl be studied to decide the proper placement, number, and size of metal hooks which are pierced into the skin to lift the person off the ground. Multiple hooks are usually located around the shoulders, upper arm, and back, as well as around the knees (this depends on the position in which the body is to be suspended). Finding the proper hook placement and number involves a great deal of skill in mathematics and an acute understanding of [[human anatomy]] and [[physiology]], as well as the durability of the individual's [[dermis|skin]]. If the number of hooks are too few, the suspended individual's skin will be unable to withstand the body's weight and will rip. Also, the amount of weight each hook supports must be distributed evenly throughout the entire body — any imbalance risks injury. A [[block and tackle]]-like machine made for suspension is used and powerful rope that attaches to the hooks is used to slowly and carefully lift an individual a foot or two off the ground — where they may remain relatively motionless for a predetermined period of time. However, depending on the type of suspension, there may be a considerable degree of freedom of movement{{Fact|date=January 2007}}. ==Rationale== Suspensions are sometimes used for [[meditation]] supposedly to gain a higher level of [[spirituality|spiritual]] fulfillment or awareness. To some it is a very [[sacred]] and respected practice and is done on a regular basis{{Fact|date=January 2007}}. Suspension can also be used as a [[symbolic]] tool and represents an important event in life — such as representing one's passing from childhood to [[adulthood]] or the bond two people may share{{Fact|date=January 2007}}. Just as easily, it can be used as [[entertainment]] or as performance art. [[Acrobatic]] actions may be performed, most commonly during a 'suicide' suspension. Some body modifiers simply enjoy getting a suspension for amusement. ==History== Historically, suspension rituals were performed by the [[Mandan]] tribe, located along the banks of the Mississippi River{{Fact|date=January 2007}}. The Oh-Kee-Pa type of suspension was derived from this ritual. Modern day suspensions are closely related to the artwork of performance artists that use their own bodies as canvases. [[Roland Loomis]] was an artist who specialized in suspension and piercing performance pieces, also starting the [[Modern Primitivism]] movement. He helped to bring attention to the suspension 'scene' in the United States{{Fact|date=January 2007}}. [[Allen Falkner]] helped to bring suspensions to people who weren't spiritual, as well as a plethora of different and unique suspensions types. ==Equipment== ===Hooks=== The most commonly used hooks for a flesh suspension are deep-sea [[fish hook]]s (normally used for the fishing of sharks, octopuses, etc), that have had their [[barbs]] removed. The piercing is performed with a body piercing [[hypodermic needle|needle]] followed by a modified hook, often 'thrown' as one unit— i.e. with the needle placed on the tip of the hook, which is then used to move the needle through the skin. ===Rigging=== Once the hooks are in place, they are connected with parachute cord or chain to a rig that can be [[winch]]ed up. It is vital that the hooks are attached to the body in such a way that the weight is evenly distributed. Many different styles of rigging can be used, and some suspension groups have custom rigs that can be identified. A block and tackle pulley system is commonly used to hoist the suspendee and rigging together. ==Types of Suspensions== ===Chest=== A ''chest suspension'', sometimes referred to as an "O-Kee-Pa", is a suspension in which the hook(s) are placed in the chest. Typically two hooks are used for this type of suspension. This is named after the Okipa ceremony of the [[Mandan]] people, in which warriors had their chests pierced in order to gain favour with the spirits{{Fact|date=January 2007}}. ===Coma=== A ''coma suspension'' is a suspension in which the hooks are placed in the chest, torso and legs, usually in two rows, such that the suspendee is lying face up. The name of this position comes from the similar imagery in the movie ''[[Coma (film)|Coma]]''. ===Knee=== A ''knee suspension'' is a suspension in which the hooks are placed in both knees. Typically four hooks are used for this type of suspension - two on either side of each knee. ===Suicide=== A ''suicide suspension'' is a suspension in which the hook(s) are placed in the upper back, such that the suspendee is hanging upright. This type of suspension is named ''suicide'' due to its similarity in appearance to someone who has [[Hanging|hanged]] him or herself. ===Resurrection=== A ''resurrection suspension'' is a suspension in which the suspended person is held up by hooks, usually in two rows on the belly; it gives the impression of rising from death as the suspendee is all curved back. ===Crucifix=== A ''crucifix suspension'' is a variation on a suicide suspension in which hooks are also placed in the arms, such that the suspendee appears to be hanging on a cross, with his or her arms held out to the side. ===Superman=== A ''superman suspension'' is the opposite of a coma suspension - the hooks are placed in the back and legs, usually in two rows, such that the suspendee is lying face down. This type of suspension is named ''superman'' due to the similarity in appearance to [[Superman]] flying. ===Other=== Other variations exist, utilizing anywhere from one to dozens of hooks. The '''rebirth''' suspension is usually performed with 4 to 6 hooks in the back, with the suspendee in the fetal position, face down. The '''lotus''' suspension places hooks in the neck, shoulders, arms and knees, so that the suspendee is in sitting position. Some hang from calves, ankles, knees, or buttocks. Possibilities even include facial suspension. The "Angel" Suspension is eight hooks in the back where the outline of an angel's wings would be. ==Suspension== * The character Captain Howdy in the 1998 movie ''[[Strangeland]]'' suspends himself from the chest in an attempt to reach [[Hell]] without dying. He also hangs in the coma position one of the men who tried to hang him after he was released from a mental hospital. * The main protagonist of the film [[The Last King of Scotland]] is suspended from the chest as a form of torture. * In the film "Ichi The Killer" a Yakuza gang member is suspended from his back as a form of torture. On January 11, 2008 Matt Zane broke the world record. He was suspended at the Pleasure Productions booth at The AVN Adult Entertainment Expo for 6 hours with only four hooks beating the record set in 2002 where Criss Angel was suspended in Time Square with eight hooks for 5 hours and 40 minutes. ==References== <references/> *[http://encyc.bmezine.com/?Suspension BMEzine encyclopedia entry on suspension] ==External links== *[http://www.suspension.org Suspension.org] *[http://www.bmezine.com/ritual/susp-faq.txt A detailed suspension FAQ] from [[BMEzine]] *[http://www.bmezine.com/ritual/bme-ritu-exp-s7-001.html Prose testimonials of suspensions] *[http://www.bizarremag.com/weird_world/body_world/7089/marionette-suspension.html Gallery of marionette suspension pictures] *[http://www.bmezine.com/ritual/bme-ritu.html Suspension pictures] *[http://www.youtube.com/visitordrew Suspension Videos] *[http://www.youtube.com/Pitex88] [[Category:Body modification]] [[de:Body-Suspension]] [[pt:Suspensão corporal]]