*Sirius has done both, but was also "fortunate" enough to have been revived almost as soon as it happened* *is not about to open that can of worms now*
I've read that there are two strains of Cruciatus. One stimulates every nerve ending, as I described. The other "merely" sends a signal to your brain that this happened. *getting to the point* I can see how occlumency would ameliorate the effects of the second strain, but not how it would do so for the first.
*curious* I'm not sure what you mean by "protectant"?
*relieved, but then realises...* The Bear and Barnacle? I only ask because The Black Pot's menu could also be described as exceedingly strange.