Savages, also, are perfectly well aware how valuable sexual continence is, in combination with fasting and solitude, to acquire the aptitude for abnormal spiritual powers.
Thus C.Hill Tout (_Journal Anthropological Institute_, Jan.-June, 1905, pp.

143-145) gives an interesting account of the self-discipline undergone by those among the Salish Indians of British Columbia, who seek to acquire shamanistic powers.

The psychic effects of such training on these men, says Hill Tout, is undoubted.

"It enables them to undertake and accomplish feats of abnormal strength, agility, and endurance; and gives them at times, besides a general exaltation of the senses, undoubted clairvoyant and other supernormal mental and bodily powers." At the other end of the world, as shown by the _Reports of the Anthropological Expedition to Torres Straits_ (vol.v, p.

321), closely analogous methods of obtaining supernatural powers are also customary.
There are fundamental psychological reasons for the wide prevalence of asceticism and for the remarkable manner in which it involves self-mortification, even acute physical suffering.
Such pain is an actual psychic stimulant, more especially in slightly neurotic persons.