Psychology of pressure points?

[cathal]

I completely agree that it has a bearing.

[MizuRyu]

It depends on the point. I personally believe that things such as Chin Na cavity presses and whatnot are purely physiological, and the effectiveness or lack thereof of those points are determined primarily by the body on which it is performed. Look at the veins in your right forearm compared to those on other people, totally different, and the same goes for nerves. Many of the major nerves lie more or less in the same places as everyone, but a slight variation can mean that you're not getting the optimum effect out of pressing/attacking that point. Touchless knockouts = magic. Plain and simple.

[shotochem]

I think if you tell a person before what happens what they should experience then there can be some psychological influence. However, I feel this influence is relatively minimal. My own experiences w/ pp (though limited) is that if applied properly and in the correct location it will work rather well. The question I would consider is based on the anatomy (which I do have extensive experience with). Do everyones pp's always end up in the exact same spot? I know in nursing school they would say "you have a vein, nerve, artery, etc. right here..." what I have found since then is that it may be off slightly, like a mm or two. Or in rare cases be completely out of place. This can make a major difference in how you do something. Same thing w/ pp techniques. If not applied precisely it won't work.

I believe you nailed it on the head. No 2 people are exactly alike. The pressure points will be in about the same place on everyone but you have to be exact in your application or they will not work effectively.

Just 1cm off and your partner will be stareing at you asking are you doing it yet?

[savedbygrace]

I feel that the mentality/toughness of the individual that you face will have some bearing on the results of attacking a pressure point. Some people have higher pain tolerance levels than others, and this will have an effect of the results.

I agree. As others have stated I also believe that it also has to do with the persons phyisical build. Yes, technically (most "normal" people) have the same nerves, muscles, ect... but depending on size build, ect.. our bodies sometimes differ, in a geographical sense, of exactly where these areas lie. The human body is SO amazing. I mean there are parts of the body, like the appendix and tonsils that sciencetists doesnt really truelly understand their function or purpose. Sorry to get off the topic, intersting discussion though.