Abstract
Language is ubiquitous and permeates all dimensions of human life. It is commonly considered a communication tool and an instrument of power. Previous studies have shown that exposure to hurtful or pain-related words affect biological systems including the brain. In this study, the authors sought to examine the analgesic effects of culturally meaningful daring words among the Quichua (Inca) people of the Andes, in South America. This is a pilot, controlled, experimental study. A total of 40 adult men (representing almost the entire small village) in good health were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. They received a pressure pain stimulation using an algometer applied to the right temporal area. The pain threshold and pain tolerance thresholds were measured in all participants. Only the experimental group received culturally meaningful daring Quichua words and sentences while the algometer pressure over the temporal area was applied. After each threshold measurement, a visual analog scale was administered. The visual analog scale and algometer scores of the experimental and control group were compared with t-tests. Participants receiving culturally meaningful daring words had higher algometer values than those who did not receive it p <.001. Those who received daring words had also higher VAS scores than those who did not receive them p <.001. These results suggest that culturally meaningful daring words increase tolerance to pain among the Quichua (Inca) people. This is a pioneering study that reveals the analgesic effects of daring words. It highlights the remarkable biological effects of language in humans. Language is ubiquitous and permeates all dimensions of human life. It is commonly considered a communication tool and an instrument of power. Previous studies have shown that exposure to hurtful or pain-related words affect biological systems including the brain. In this study, the authors sought to examine the analgesic effects of culturally meaningful daring words among the Quichua (Inca) people of the Andes, in South America. This is a pilot, controlled, experimental study. A total of 40 adult men (representing almost the entire small village) in good health were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. They received a pressure pain stimulation using an algometer applied to the right temporal area. The pain threshold and pain tolerance thresholds were measured in all participants. Only the experimental group received culturally meaningful daring Quichua words and sentences while the algometer pressure over the temporal area was applied. After each threshold measurement, a visual analog scale was administered. The visual analog scale and algometer scores of the experimental and control group were compared with t-tests. Participants receiving culturally meaningful daring words had higher algometer values than those who did not receive it p <.001. Those who received daring words had also higher VAS scores than those who did not receive them p <.001. These results suggest that culturally meaningful daring words increase tolerance to pain among the Quichua (Inca) people. This is a pioneering study that reveals the analgesic effects of daring words. It highlights the remarkable biological effects of language in humans.
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