Is it possible to conquer pain using only the mind? This is the question two young British Doctors, Chris and Xand van Tulleken, who are also identical twins, set out to investigate on a journey through Asia in the second programme of Medicine Men Go Wild . Chris and Xand begin their journey at the Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Kuala Lumpur where the doctors are intrigued by the devotees’ ability to endure the pain of piercings through the face and body by seeming to enter a blissful trance.

Eager to discover whether they can achieve a similar result, they decide to try it for themselves. They explore the region’s ancient Tibetan medical system which they discover, does not include any specific medicines to deal with pain. As they travel they are intrigued by the way in which those they meet seem to be able to manage pain using only the mind.

Channel 4, Tuesday 29 January 2008 9PM