What is sensation play in BDSM? A handy guide.

when you think Kink and BDSM, what do you imagine? We’re guessing dark dungeons, paddles, crops, black leather, pain play… Spanking and paddling scenes tend to come to mind.

However, this perception is rather limited. It doesn’t take into account the full breadth of kink activity.

Well, sexy bro, I think! Even people who don’t like playing painfully can access Kink. This is where the brilliant art of sensory play, aka sensory play, comes into play. “Sensory play doesn’t have to be painful” Dr. Selina Chris(opens in new tab)BDSM and GSRD, or a certified sex coach who specializes in gender, sexual and romantic diversity. The clothes they wear and the environments they create can be a big part of this kind of play.”

Kink is all about playing with power dynamics. The crux of it is when a submissive partner empowers an avidly dominant partner. If we whet your appetite, read on.

As kink misinformation plagues the internet amid the online sexual misinformation crisis, Mashable spoke to a respected kink expert to find out what erotic play is about, why it appeals to you, and more. , explained how to try it yourself.

What is sensory play?

Sensory play = play that stimulates the five senses.

touch, smell, taste, sound, and visual play. If this sounds expansive, it is because it is. “Sensory play is the exploration of pleasure through intentional stimulation of the senses. This is where we get our words. eroticit can mean almost anything in the context of play,” says Chris.

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Sensory play focuses on either enhancing the senses or depriving them in order to enhance other senses. “Blindfold so that you can’t see” Zachary Zayn(opens in new tab)the author of Boyz Rats: Memoirs and Manifesto(opens in new tab) and sex experts Intimacy of Momentum(opens in new tab).

The appeal of this kind of play is that removing the senses or experiencing intense stimulation strengthens the connection between the brain and the body. bring about a heightened awareness. Experiencing this kind of hyperfocus will flood your brain with positive brain chemicals like oxytocin and endorphins.

How to enjoy sensory play without pain

Now let’s analyze where sensory play and pain play intersect. Pain play is sensory play — because you experience pain through touch. However, not all sensory play is pain play. Sensory play can be thought of as a large umbrella term that includes nociceptive play. You may enjoy both general sensory play and pain play, or you may prefer one or the other. Sensory play goes beyond touch and branches into all five senses.

Do not yak someone else’s yum. We all just have fun doing nasty things.

kink instructor Juliet Chiaramonte(opens in new tab)“massage, tickling, feeding each other fruit, blindfolds, erotic music, and more, all for painless sensory play. They are all[to] A bigger, more sensory experience. ”

It’s all about curiosity and that delicious power play, experienced in a way that brings sensuality. That doesn’t mean… don’t yak someone else’s yum. We all just enjoy doing things we don’t like.

How to enjoy sensory play

How a scene of sensory play unfolds depends entirely on the activities you and your partner want to try, what feels good to you, and your boundaries. It’s a negotiated, co-built experience. No two are exactly alike, as they are as unique as the people who participate.

Some examples are:

• Remove the sight using a blindfold.

• The whole body is covered with fresh cream and licked.

• Bondage (handcuffs, ropes, harnesses, cages, etc.)

• Caress the skin with feathers (or other implements).

• Use ice or heat to manipulate skin temperature.

• Cover the hood and completely block the light.

• Massage.

• Playing around with edging.

• Eat and eat a variety of fruits and foods.

• Play with sex toys.

• Spanking and paddling in a soft, painless way.

This list is certainly not exhaustive, but it gives a good idea of ​​what this looks like for those who like it. “It can’t be overstated that you don’t have to work hard. Light paddling and spanking go a long way,” says Zane. “You are really, TRUE You don’t have to torture your partner to improve your sexual experience. ”

If you’re completely new to the play, Chiaramonte suggests creating a “storyline” for the scene. Blindfold your partner, trace a feather over his body, feed him some fruit or chocolate, run a vibrator on him (ask him to tell you which spot feels the best). Embrace it and slowly bring it back to reality.”

are you still on? we are.

4 expert-approved tips to get you started

Start yourself.

If you’re new to any kind of play, trying it yourself is a good way to figure out what you like (and what you don’t like). Chiaramonte suggests collecting and experimenting with many sensory tools. “Like masturbation, if you’ve already researched what you like and don’t like, you can fine-tune your intimate tools,” she says. Try using each one for about 10 minutes and think about what you don’t like.

Kink should be fully negotiated so that each person’s desires and boundaries are respected.

Have an open discussion about your desires and boundaries.

Once you know exactly what you enjoy and what you don’t enjoy, you’ll be able to have open and honest discussions with your partner. Kink should be fully negotiated so that each person’s desires and boundaries are respected. Make sure he chooses non-sexual safe words (words that let your partner know you’re on the edge). Check back with your partner from time to time to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves.

Get some tools.

What do you play when you have endless options?! Chris suggests starting by playing with sound and sight. Make a sexy playlist and try a simple blindfold. If you keep it simple when you’re just starting out, it won’t overwhelm you to play.

Massage candles are also available for purchase. This candle is heated to the perfect temperature before creating a warm, delicious oil that can be poured all over your partner for a massage.

If you’re looking to shop for bondage gear, Zane is the place to go. Bondage Boutique Bound to Please Black Under Mattress Restraint(opens in new tab)For less than $50, you can’t go wrong.

Disclaimer: This play should be done with care and safety. Before you go crazy with restraints, learn how to use restraints. What’s the best place to go? Chiaramonte rope knot and kink class. check them out here(opens in new tab).

Full of curiosity!

And finally, and perhaps most importantly, stay curious. This play should be fun and exploratory. It’s silly, it’s hot, it’s funny, it’s awkward, it’s amazing. Indulge in and enjoy all the emotions it brings.