I believe the unconsciousness associated with the "ecstasy practice" (for want of a better term) is a combination of the effects of hyperventilation and the drop in blood pressure that occurs when the breath is released while being squeezed. In such event, it's an extremely dangerous practice, since use of ecstasy (MDMA, an amphetamine) causes a rise in blood pressure to begin with.

Possible complications could be burst capillaries, especially in the eyes, and possible stroke.

It would not likely be hypoxia, since the hyperventilation would oxygenate the blood, rather than the opposite.

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(2)
Alice,

In re: the Ecstasy/passing out column: you realize, of course, that you have just passed on detailed instructions to your readers for doing what you then state is a dangerous activity. How many people who might not have considered this activity before reading your column will be tempted to try it, and now know exactly how to do it? This seems pretty dumb, Alice.

Diane

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(3)
Dear Alice,

Re: We take ecstasy, and then pass out on purpose ? What's going on here?

"Inquiring minds want to know" should know from a legal perspective that it's very risky to assist someone to lose consciousness, even if they asked you to do it.

I don't know what laws apply in his/her State, but generally speaking, if anything does go wrong, the friend doing the lifting and squeezing will be held legally responsible on grounds of negligence.