Through intense training, sword swallowers learn to open this sphincter on command, allowing the sword to pass into the stomach. These muscles move involuntarily-they’re what keep the contents of your stomach from creeping back up your throat-and when one weakens these, it can cause acid reflux.
Finally, the sword must move through the lower esophageal sphincter, the entrance to the stomach. Then, the sword swallower has to bend their body so that the blade passes around their heart. The sword has to pass through the upper esophageal sphincter-the muscles at the top of the esophagus that you use when burping, eating, vomiting, etc. As a 2006 study of sword swallowers describes, performers train by “repeatedly putting fingers down the throat, but other objects are used including spoons, paint brushes, knitting needles, and plastic tubes before the swallower commonly progresses to a bent wire coat hanger.” It goes on to note that “sore throats are common.”
First, sword swallowers have to learn to master their gag reflex.
Gag reflex training how to#
In order to master the ancient art of sword swallowing, enthusiasts spend years practicing and learning how to wield control over involuntary bodily reflexes. Trained performers really do stick at least 16 inches of blade into their bodies. Sword swallowing is not just an elaborate visual trick.
0 kommentar(er)
