Self-flagellation is a complex religious practice with a long history. It may be a marker for religious fervor.
Religious groups with a history of self-flagellation:
(1) Shia Islamics
(2) Roman Catholics
In self-flagellation various parts of the body are repeatedly struck with an object by the practitioner.
Objects may include:
(1) rope
(2) chain
(3) whip
(4) rods
(5) knife or blade
A rope, chain or whip may have bits of metal attached to increase the pain and tissue damage.
Complications may include:
(1) scarring
(2) infections of skin and subcutaneous structures
(3) transmission of viruses and other pathogens (hepatitis B, HTLV-1) if instruments shared
(4) pneumothorax
