What Is Chest Suspension

Types and techniques

Basic chest suspension

• Vertical chest suspension technique:
  • Also known as "O-Kee-Pa" or "Okipa"
  • Two hooks are placed in the chest for chest suspension body modification
  • Body hangs vertically to the ground in this chest suspension technique
  • One of the most painful suspension positions due to strain on chest and armpits

Hook placement and safety

• Proper hook placement:

  • Requires great skill in mathematics and understanding of human anatomy for successful chest suspension
  • Depends on the position and weight of the suspended individual
  • Typically uses two hooks for chest suspension body modification

• Safety considerations:

  • Improper placement can cause skin to rip under weight during chest suspension
  • Requires a team of skilled professionals experienced in human suspension
  • Proper skin prep, piercing, hook insertion, and rigging setup are crucial for safe chest suspension

Equipment and process

• Suspension hooks:

  • Heavy-gauge needles followed by suspension hooks (e.g., Gilson Hooks) used in chest suspension
  • Applied by a piercer in temporary piercings immediately before chest suspension
  • Removed at the end of the chest suspension session

• Preparation process:

  • Skin is pierced immediately before rigging and lifting for chest suspension
  • Requires experience and a team of people to perform chest suspension safely

Purposes and benefits

• Spiritual and personal growth:

  • Chest suspension used for spiritual enlightenment and quieting the mind
  • Serves as a form of meditation to gain spiritual awareness through chest suspension
  • Can mark significant life events or turning points in chest suspension body modification

• Physical and performance aspects:

  • Develops physical endurance through chest suspension
  • Used as an engaging performance art medium in chest suspension
  • Provides a transformative experience through physical stress of chest suspension

Historical context

• Ancient origins:

  • Chest suspension derived from rituals like O-Kee-Pa (Plains Indigenous communities) and Chidi Mari (Savite Hindus)
  • Traditionally performed for sacred, ritualistic purposes

• Modern development:

  • Allen Falkner played a significant role in developing various suspension positions, including chest suspension

FAQ

What is chest suspension?

Chest suspension is a form of body modification where an individual is suspended vertically using two hooks placed in their chest. It originates from ancient rituals and is now used for spiritual experiences, performance art, and personal challenges.

How is the vertical chest suspension technique performed?

The vertical chest suspension technique, also known as "O-Kee-Pa" or "Okipa," involves placing two hooks in the chest and suspending the body vertically to the ground. It is considered one of the most painful suspension positions due to the strain on the chest and armpits.

Is chest suspension body modification safe?

Chest suspension body modification can be safe when performed by experienced professionals. It requires proper skin preparation, precise hook placement, and a skilled team. However, there are risks involved, such as skin tearing if hooks are improperly placed.

What equipment is used in chest suspension?

Chest suspension uses heavy-gauge needles followed by suspension hooks (e.g., Gilson Hooks). These are applied by a piercer in temporary piercings immediately before the suspension and are removed afterward.

What are the purposes and benefits of chest suspension?

Chest suspension is used for spiritual enlightenment, meditation, and personal growth. It can mark significant life events, develop physical endurance, and serve as a performance art medium. Many participants report a transformative experience through the physical stress involved.