The Issaouis

A Sufi sect characterized by collective trances, rhythms, dances, incense, and acrobatics bordering on miracles. Under the influence of vivid colors, loud music, and the strong scent of incense, excitement reaches its peak.

Upon entering a state of ecstasy, the Issaoui devotees lose all sensation and perform impressive and dangerous feats: one eats live scorpions, another drives a nail into his throat, and a third, shirtless, drags prickly cacti across his chest.

Recent scientific studies have shown that when participants reach this extreme trance state, their nervous systems release anesthetic hormones that numb the entire body.