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It seems as though everything can be taken to the extreme: extreme sports, extreme eating, even extreme couponing.

Those who participate often say it is "for the rush." But what about taking piercing to the extreme?

Piercing is a common enough practice, but some people are looking for more.

“People are into piercings, body modifications, different things," said suspension artist Bradde Hamman. "People like to push themselves to the limit. And this is one way people push themselves.”

It's called "suspension." Participants hang the human body from various hooks pierced directly through the flesh. “There are almost infinite ways to suspend," said Hamman. "Most common is in the upper part of the back. It can be done with one, two, three, four, five, six hooks.”

While there are many way to hang, there's also a growing number of places to try it.

Open Minded in Van Wert opened less than one year ago, and they're drawing in thrill-seekers from all around the region.

The question is, why?

“A spiritual enlightenment is one reason why. A lot of people feel a euphoric, almost meditative experience, as well. It’s a very empowering situation,” said Hamman. “It’s entertainment as well. A stage performance; a side show act. It is different, it’s out there, it’s unique. It’s just something not everybody can do.”

Those who can do it, say suspension isn't easy. Bethany Nolin has been suspending for years. She says mentally, it's always a challenge. “I hate getting pierced. Hate it. So that is a huge source of anxiety for me," said Nolin.  “I get all this anxiety about it and then I do it. And not only do I actually do it physically, but I do it emotionally and mentally, as well”

It's mind over matter, strategically placing ropes and hooks and allowing the skin to stretch.

“Maybe it being looking past a situation that you’ve been through, or a new step onto something new and exciting. It’s kind of a stepping stone, if you must,” said Hamman.

Suspenders tell us that stepping stone takes them to a new level of consciousness, although the pierced skin can take up to completely heal. “Throughout our whole lives, what are we? We are on the ground. I can walk this way, I can walk that way. When you’re up in the air, I can’t just take a step and walk that way," said Hamman. "To know there’s something more powerful than you is a huge reason why.”

But we had to ask just how much it hurts, and if it's really worth it.

“It’s very painful – don’t get me wrong – good golly it hurts!" said Hamman. "But you have to get over that in order to experience and embrace the joy.”

“I really like that post-suspension accomplishment feeling, like, ‘Hooray I did something!’" said Nolin. "And just that feeling of happiness and euphoria you get afterwards.”

Suspension certainly isn't the way for everyone to reach that level of euphoria, but those who do it, say there's nothing else like it.

“When you’re up there, nothing else matters,” said Hamman.

lf you'd like to see the much more graphic version of those story, click on the video below.

*Viewer discretion is advised: some images show large needles, pierced and stretched skin*