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[[File:Vulcan nerve pinch punk.jpg|thumb|The nerve pinch being performed by [[Spock]] in [[1986]]]]
 
[[File:Vulcan nerve pinch punk.jpg|thumb|The nerve pinch being performed by [[Spock]] in [[1986]]]]
[[File:Spock (alternate) performs nerve pinch.jpg|thumb|{{alt|Spock}} uses the nerve pinch in the [[alternate reality]]'s [[2258]]]]
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[[File:Spock neckpinches Khan.jpg|thumb|{{alt|Spock}} attempts a nerve pinch on {{alt|Khan Noonien Singh|Khan}} in [[2259]]]]
 
[[File:Double neck pinch.jpg|thumb|[[Spock]] performing a double Vulcan nerve pinch in [[2269]]]]
 
[[File:Double neck pinch.jpg|thumb|[[Spock]] performing a double Vulcan nerve pinch in [[2269]]]]
The '''Vulcan nerve pinch''' was a [[Martial arts|martial]] technique developed by the [[Vulcan]]s. Likely related to [[neuropressure]], it involved applying pressure near the base of the neck, at the shoulder, and nearly instantly rendered the target unconscious, often so fast that the target was unable to cry out, but not always. ({{TOS|Day of the Dove}})
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The '''Vulcan nerve pinch''' was a [[Martial arts|martial]] technique developed by the [[Vulcan]]s. Likely related to [[neuropressure]], it involved applying pressure near the base of the neck, at the shoulder, and nearly instantly rendered the target unconscious, often so fast that the target was unable to cry out, but not always. ({{TOS|Day of the Dove}}) Being able to perform it was seen as a mark of true Vulcanhood by some. ({{TAS|Yesteryear}})
   
 
In at least some cases the results resembled an extreme trauma to the [[trapezius nerve]] bundle, as if the neuro-fibers had been ruptured. ({{VOY|Cathexis}})
 
In at least some cases the results resembled an extreme trauma to the [[trapezius nerve]] bundle, as if the neuro-fibers had been ruptured. ({{VOY|Cathexis}})
   
The technique did not appear to cause permanent injury and seemed to be effective on most [[humanoid]] species. The only Human to have ever been insensitive to it was [[Gary Seven]], possibly because of metabolic alterations obtained on his planet of adoption. ({{TOS|Assignment: Earth}}) ''When used on Human [[Augment]]s like {{alt|Khan Noonien Singh}}, it caused pain but was not enough to subdue them.'' ({{film|12}}) It was proven ineffective on robotic androids when Spock took the time to softly try it on android [[Alice series|Alice]], who simply asked him calmly if that gesture had any significance. ({{TOS|I, Mudd}}) [[Vian]]s are unaffected by the nerve pinch.
+
The technique did not appear to cause permanent injury and seemed to be effective on most [[humanoid]] species. The only Human to have ever been insensitive to it was [[Gary Seven]], possibly because of metabolic alterations obtained on his [[planet]] of adoption. ({{TOS|Assignment: Earth}}) When used on Human [[Augment]]s like {{alt|Khan Noonien Singh}}, it caused pain but was not enough to subdue them. ({{film|12}}) It was proven ineffective on robotic androids when Spock took the time to softly try it on android [[Alice series|Alice]], who simply asked him calmly if that gesture had any significance. ({{TOS|I, Mudd}}) [[Vian]]s are unaffected by the nerve pinch.({{TOS|The Empath}})
   
[[Spock]] once performed the Vulcan nerve pinch on a [[horse]], [[Selek]] did one to a [[Le-matya]], and [[Tuvok]] once did it to a member of [[Species 8472]] that had disguised itself as a Human. ({{film|5}}; {{TAS|Yesteryear}}; {{VOY|In the Flesh}}) Spock was also known to use a two-handed variety of the technique to subdue two opponents. ({{TOS|Whom Gods Destroy}})
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[[Spock]] once performed the Vulcan nerve pinch on a [[horse]], [[Selek]] did one to a [[Le-matya]] (prompting young Spock to ask if he thought he'd ever do it as well as Selek did, which the older Vulcan affirmed), and [[Tuvok]] once did it to a member of [[Species 8472]] that had disguised itself as a Human. ({{film|5}}; {{TAS|Yesteryear}}; {{VOY|In the Flesh}}) Spock was also known to use a two-handed variety of the technique to subdue two opponents. ({{TOS|Whom Gods Destroy}})
   
 
[[Sakonna]] used the Vulcan nerve pinch on a [[Starfleet]] security guard who was guarding [[Gul]] [[Dukat]] on [[Deep Space 9]] in [[2370]]. ({{DS9|The Maquis, Part I}})
 
[[Sakonna]] used the Vulcan nerve pinch on a [[Starfleet]] security guard who was guarding [[Gul]] [[Dukat]] on [[Deep Space 9]] in [[2370]]. ({{DS9|The Maquis, Part I}})
   
''In the alternate reality, when [[James T. Kirk (alternate reality)|James Kirk]] [[Mutiny|mutinied]] against Captain [[Spock (alternate reality)|Spock]] aboard the Enterprise, Spock used the nerve pinch to subdue him.'' ({{film|11}})
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''In the alternate reality, when {{alt|James T. Kirk}} [[Mutiny|mutinied]] against acting captain {{alt|Spock}} aboard the {{USS|Enterprise|alternate reality}}, Spock used the nerve pinch to subdue him. ({{film|11}})''
   
 
==Use by non-Vulcans==
 
==Use by non-Vulcans==
 
[[File:Picard nerve pinch.jpg|thumb|One of the few non-Vulcans to have learned this technique, [[Jean-Luc Picard]] performing a nerve pinch on [[Devor]] in [[2369]]]]
 
[[File:Picard nerve pinch.jpg|thumb|One of the few non-Vulcans to have learned this technique, [[Jean-Luc Picard]] performing a nerve pinch on [[Devor]] in [[2369]]]]
On some occasions non-Vulcans have been instructed in the technique. Spock has attempted in vain to teach Kirk. On planet [[Omega IV]], while fighting [[Cloud William]] and [[Sirah (Yang)|Sirah]] in his cell, Kirk expressed his appreciation for the neutralization of Sirah by Spock with the pinch. ({{TOS|The Omega Glory}}) Overall, the nerve pinch seemed to be extremely difficult to learn for non-Vulcans, although the [[android]] [[Data]] was able to master it, ({{TNG|Unification II}}) as was [[Jean-Luc Picard]], years after his mind meld with [[Sarek]]. ({{TNG|Starship Mine}}, {{Film|10}}) [[Jonathan Archer]] was also able to perform the nerve pinch while carrying the ''[[katra]]'' of [[Surak]]. ({{ENT|Kir'Shara}}) [[Leonard McCoy|Dr. McCoy]], however, was unsuccessful in performing the technique on a security officer while carrying Spock's ''[[katra]]'', likely due to the doctor's [[arthritis]]. ({{film|3}})
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On some occasions non-Vulcans have been instructed in the technique. Spock has attempted in vain to teach Kirk. On planet [[Omega IV]], while fighting [[Cloud William]] and {{dis|Sirah|Yang}} in his cell, Kirk expressed his appreciation for the neutralization of Sirah by Spock with the pinch. ({{TOS|The Omega Glory}}) Overall, the nerve pinch seemed to be extremely difficult to learn for non-Vulcans, although the [[android]] [[Data]] was able to master it, ({{TNG|Unification II}}) as was [[Jean-Luc Picard]], years after his mind meld with [[Sarek]]. ({{TNG|Starship Mine}}, {{Film|10}}) [[Jonathan Archer]] was also able to perform the nerve pinch while carrying the ''[[katra]]'' of [[Surak]]. ({{ENT|Kir'Shara}}) [[Leonard McCoy|Dr. McCoy]], however, was unsuccessful in performing the technique on a security officer while carrying Spock's ''[[katra]]'', likely due to the doctor's [[arthritis]]. ({{film|3}})
   
 
[[Odo]] was observed dispatching a [[Starfleet]] [[security]] guard using the technique in [[2372]]. ({{DS9|Paradise Lost}})
 
[[Odo]] was observed dispatching a [[Starfleet]] [[security]] guard using the technique in [[2372]]. ({{DS9|Paradise Lost}})
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==Appendices==
 
==Appendices==
 
===Background===
 
===Background===
  +
[[File:Odo Vulcan nerve pinch.jpg|thumb|200px|Odo's use of the Vulcan nerve pinch.]]
The Vulcan nerve pinch was referred to as the "Famous Spock Nerve Pinch" or "FSNP" in the scripts of TOS. It was invented for the episode {{e|The Enemy Within}} by [[Leonard Nimoy]], who felt that [[Spock]] was too dignified to render someone unconscious by striking them over the head. (''[[Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'') The first character on which it was performed was [[James T. Kirk]].
+
The Vulcan nerve pinch was referred to as the "Famous Spock Nerve Pinch" or "FSNP" in the scripts of TOS. It was invented for the episode {{e|The Naked Time}} by [[Leonard Nimoy]], who felt that [[Spock]] was too dignified to render someone unconscious by striking them over the head. (''[[Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'') The first character on which it was performed was Hikaru Sulu.
   
According to Leonard Nimoy, on the "25 year mission tour" video, when he was pitching the idea for the neck pinch, the director asked about it and Nimoy said that Spock was a graduate of the Vulcan Institute of Technology where he took a number of courses on the human anatomy and that Vulcans have a kind of energy that comes off their fingertips, which when applied to certain points on the human neck, it renders the human unconscious. Nimoy said then that the director had no idea what he was talking about but then when he explained it to [[William Shatner|Shatner]], he got it immediately and Nimoy credits Shatner's reaction as to what sold the idea of the neck pinch.
+
According to Leonard Nimoy, on the "25 year mission tour" video, when he was pitching the idea for the neck pinch, the director asked about it and Nimoy said that Spock was a graduate of the Vulcan Institute of Technology where he took a number of courses on the Human anatomy and that Vulcans have a kind of energy that comes off their fingertips, which when applied to certain points on the Human neck, it renders the Human unconscious. Nimoy said then that the director had no idea what he was talking about but then when he explained it to [[William Shatner|Shatner]], he got it immediately and Nimoy credits Shatner's reaction as to what sold the idea of the neck pinch.
  +
  +
[[Robert Hewitt Wolfe]] commented that [[Odo]]'s use of the Vulcan nerve pinch in "Paradise Lost" was scripted by the writers to avoid having to spend money on [[Changeling]] morphing special effects in the scene where [[Benjamin Sisko]] is freed from detention. [[Rene Auberjonois]] commented that he did not know where Odo had learned the Vulcan nerve pinch, but that: "''Odo is a man of many talents''". (''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion]]'', p 303)
   
 
===Apocrypha===
 
===Apocrypha===
In the novelization of {{film|4}}, author [[Vonda N. McIntyre]] has Admiral [[James T. Kirk]] performing a Vulcan nerve pinch to stop one of the twentieth century Earth doctors, who was trying to prevent Dr. [[Leonard McCoy]] from doing the high-tech, non-invasive repair of the fallen [[Pavel Chekov]]'s [[middle meningeal artery]] in the hospital scene in that movie. In the book, after Kirk successfully uses the nerve pinch he says "''that never worked before, and will probably never work again.''"(this could be explained by his meld with Sarek in ST III)
+
In the novelization of {{film|4}}, author [[Vonda N. McIntyre]] has Admiral [[James T. Kirk]] performing a Vulcan nerve pinch to stop one of the twentieth century Earth doctors, who was trying to prevent Dr. [[Leonard McCoy]] from doing the high-tech, non-invasive repair of the fallen [[Pavel Chekov]]'s [[middle meningeal artery]] in the hospital scene in that movie. In the book, after Kirk successfully uses the nerve pinch he says "''that never worked before, and will probably never work again.''"
   
 
In the ''Star Trek RPG'', published by [[Last Unicorn Games]], the nerve pinch is part of the martial art Taroon-Ifla, the only known martial art which consists of a single advanced technique. Presumably, Taroon-Ifla includes nearly endless variations and applications of the nerve pinch (the Taroon), making it effective on an assortment of lifeforms and includes less aggressive functions, such as healing techniques similar to acupressure.
 
In the ''Star Trek RPG'', published by [[Last Unicorn Games]], the nerve pinch is part of the martial art Taroon-Ifla, the only known martial art which consists of a single advanced technique. Presumably, Taroon-Ifla includes nearly endless variations and applications of the nerve pinch (the Taroon), making it effective on an assortment of lifeforms and includes less aggressive functions, such as healing techniques similar to acupressure.
   
 
==External link==
 
==External link==
* {{NCwiki}}
+
* {{mbeta}}
 
* {{wikipedia}}
 
* {{wikipedia}}
 
[[de:Vulkanischer Nackengriff]]
 
[[de:Vulkanischer Nackengriff]]

Revision as of 21:46, 8 October 2015

Vulcan nerve pinch punk

The nerve pinch being performed by Spock in 1986

Spock neckpinches Khan

Spock attempts a nerve pinch on Khan in 2259

Double neck pinch

Spock performing a double Vulcan nerve pinch in 2269

The Vulcan nerve pinch was a martial technique developed by the Vulcans. Likely related to neuropressure, it involved applying pressure near the base of the neck, at the shoulder, and nearly instantly rendered the target unconscious, often so fast that the target was unable to cry out, but not always. (TOS: "Day of the Dove") Being able to perform it was seen as a mark of true Vulcanhood by some. (TAS: "Yesteryear")

In at least some cases the results resembled an extreme trauma to the trapezius nerve bundle, as if the neuro-fibers had been ruptured. (VOY: "Cathexis")

The technique did not appear to cause permanent injury and seemed to be effective on most humanoid species. The only Human to have ever been insensitive to it was Gary Seven, possibly because of metabolic alterations obtained on his planet of adoption. (TOS: "Assignment: Earth") When used on Human Augments like Khan Noonien Singh, it caused pain but was not enough to subdue them. (Star Trek Into Darkness) It was proven ineffective on robotic androids when Spock took the time to softly try it on android Alice, who simply asked him calmly if that gesture had any significance. (TOS: "I, Mudd") Vians are unaffected by the nerve pinch.(TOS: "The Empath")

Spock once performed the Vulcan nerve pinch on a horse, Selek did one to a Le-matya (prompting young Spock to ask if he thought he'd ever do it as well as Selek did, which the older Vulcan affirmed), and Tuvok once did it to a member of Species 8472 that had disguised itself as a Human. (Star Trek V: The Final Frontier; TAS: "Yesteryear"; VOY: "In the Flesh") Spock was also known to use a two-handed variety of the technique to subdue two opponents. (TOS: "Whom Gods Destroy")

Sakonna used the Vulcan nerve pinch on a Starfleet security guard who was guarding Gul Dukat on Deep Space 9 in 2370. (DS9: "The Maquis, Part I")

In the alternate reality, when James T. Kirk mutinied against acting captain Spock aboard the USS Enterprise, Spock used the nerve pinch to subdue him. (Star Trek)

Use by non-Vulcans

Picard nerve pinch

One of the few non-Vulcans to have learned this technique, Jean-Luc Picard performing a nerve pinch on Devor in 2369

On some occasions non-Vulcans have been instructed in the technique. Spock has attempted in vain to teach Kirk. On planet Omega IV, while fighting Cloud William and Sirah in his cell, Kirk expressed his appreciation for the neutralization of Sirah by Spock with the pinch. (TOS: "The Omega Glory") Overall, the nerve pinch seemed to be extremely difficult to learn for non-Vulcans, although the android Data was able to master it, (TNG: "Unification II") as was Jean-Luc Picard, years after his mind meld with Sarek. (TNG: "Starship Mine", Star Trek Nemesis) Jonathan Archer was also able to perform the nerve pinch while carrying the katra of Surak. (ENT: "Kir'Shara") Dr. McCoy, however, was unsuccessful in performing the technique on a security officer while carrying Spock's katra, likely due to the doctor's arthritis. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock)

Odo was observed dispatching a Starfleet security guard using the technique in 2372. (DS9: "Paradise Lost")

The reclaimed Borg drone Seven of Nine also displayed the ability to perform it, most likely having acquired this knowledge from Vulcans assimilated when she was still part of the Borg Collective. (VOY: "The Raven")

See also

Appendices

Background

Odo Vulcan nerve pinch

Odo's use of the Vulcan nerve pinch.

The Vulcan nerve pinch was referred to as the "Famous Spock Nerve Pinch" or "FSNP" in the scripts of TOS. It was invented for the episode "The Naked Time" by Leonard Nimoy, who felt that Spock was too dignified to render someone unconscious by striking them over the head. (Star Trek Encyclopedia) The first character on which it was performed was Hikaru Sulu.

According to Leonard Nimoy, on the "25 year mission tour" video, when he was pitching the idea for the neck pinch, the director asked about it and Nimoy said that Spock was a graduate of the Vulcan Institute of Technology where he took a number of courses on the Human anatomy and that Vulcans have a kind of energy that comes off their fingertips, which when applied to certain points on the Human neck, it renders the Human unconscious. Nimoy said then that the director had no idea what he was talking about but then when he explained it to Shatner, he got it immediately and Nimoy credits Shatner's reaction as to what sold the idea of the neck pinch.

Robert Hewitt Wolfe commented that Odo's use of the Vulcan nerve pinch in "Paradise Lost" was scripted by the writers to avoid having to spend money on Changeling morphing special effects in the scene where Benjamin Sisko is freed from detention. Rene Auberjonois commented that he did not know where Odo had learned the Vulcan nerve pinch, but that: "Odo is a man of many talents". (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion, p 303)

Apocrypha

In the novelization of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, author Vonda N. McIntyre has Admiral James T. Kirk performing a Vulcan nerve pinch to stop one of the twentieth century Earth doctors, who was trying to prevent Dr. Leonard McCoy from doing the high-tech, non-invasive repair of the fallen Pavel Chekov's middle meningeal artery in the hospital scene in that movie. In the book, after Kirk successfully uses the nerve pinch he says "that never worked before, and will probably never work again."

In the Star Trek RPG, published by Last Unicorn Games, the nerve pinch is part of the martial art Taroon-Ifla, the only known martial art which consists of a single advanced technique. Presumably, Taroon-Ifla includes nearly endless variations and applications of the nerve pinch (the Taroon), making it effective on an assortment of lifeforms and includes less aggressive functions, such as healing techniques similar to acupressure.

External link