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Voluntarily Generated Piloerection
To my understanding, voluntarily generated piloerection (VGP), the ability to produce goosebumps at will with no particular external stimulation present, has been scarcely studied, and no true biological mechanisms have been presented as the possible explanation for why this is possible. I am posing this as an open ended question, feel free to contribute with any level of formality/knowledge whatsoever:
What do you think are the mechanisms behind VGP, and what are potential implications of its existence for the patient and/or for science?
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Ok so it started with me at early infancy. Whenever I heard the buzz of a vacuum cleaner a pleasant tingling sensation traveled down my body from my head. I would look forward to my mom using the vacuum cleaner just to enjoy the sensation of chills cover my body. During my teenage years I discovered other types of motors humming would trigger the experience. Now in my adult years I can create the experience of chills and goosebumps at will (preferably standing up straight or sitting up straight. I don’t have to think of anything in particular I just have to relax my mind is happens slowly then strongly. And with breathing I can moderate it to have it continue for minutes at a time.
Voluntarily creating goosebumps (VGP) is something I've been able to do all my life, but had never questioned it until I found the topic on the internet by accident. It's not something that I've ever questioned before.
I have no questions about it, but see that others are studying it, so am open to any queries about the experience for me.
Potential implications of its existence are non-existent for myself, however I found it interesting that not everyone can do it.
In regards to "potential implications of its existence for the patient and/or for science?", all I can think of is that any study where an observable body function can occur at will for some and not others, may open minds to investigating further. I don't believe humans have explored all that the mind can effect and affect.
I'd never thought about how common/uncommon this ability is, so what other uncommon functions can people do that may be initiated by simply thinking it to happen? This question opens potential possibilities.