Evidence shows that sword swallowing carries distinct physical risks, including esophageal perforations, sore throats, and major gastrointestinal bleeding, refuting the claim that the act is performed without harming the body.
Papers [2] and [3] directly examine sword swallowing and document significant medical complications and physical harm resulting from the practice, such as esophageal perforations and gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, the claim that it is performed without harming the body is refuted.