Misogi in practice

But, Fields continues, putting yourself through a difficult, foreign experience can have neurological benefits. “You can exploit the biochemistry of novelty,” he says. “The molecular processes that are engaged during a novel—stressful or traumatic—experience get turned on, and everything gets stamped into long-term memory.” Everything. This is why witnesses remember trivial details. “This effect can be used to advantage in training,” says Fields. Also, he notes, the prefrontal cortex controls the body’s stress, fear, and pain responses. Willing yourself to persist through pain and adversity can strengthen control of those responses. “That,” says Fields, “is what this Japanese method is doing: expanding your limits by strengthening forebrain control

http://www.outsideonline.com/1928041/one-day-year-fitness-plan