Bondage

Bondage

Health risk	Moderate
Legal risk	Moderate

Bondage is the practice of binding a person with rope, tape, cuffs, or other restraints, for erotic, aesthetic, or somatosensory stimulation

Background

Bondage may be practiced for specific purposes such as sexual acts, for aesthetics/art, for torture, or for meditation. It can also be used more generally, creating power dynamics and releasing endorphins.

Appeal

The appeal of this practice varies individually and situationally. For some, the appeal is erotic in nature. Bondage can create intensified sensation, opportunity to act out a fantasy, or an appealing aesthetic. For others, the bond created between submissive and dominant is a motivating factor. Some practitioners like the element of pain, and others prefer a more sensual, caressing sensation.

Some enjoy long-term bondage which in itself presents with its own risks.

Methods

The methods of bondage are varied, including but not limited to:

• Rope bondage
• Tape bondage (mummification, tape forniphilia, plastic wrap)
• Chain bondage (chain on skin)
• Leather/latex/canvas restraints
• Medical bondage (straitjacket, segufix, medical restraints)
• Imprisonment (cage, bondage box, prison cell)
• Predicament bondage (stress bondage)
• Total enclosure bondage, such as sleepsacks, hogsacks, mail bags and vacbeds

Suspension: Can be incorporated with any of these methods, and carries a higher risk of injury.

Risks

Due to the variety of bondage methods and styles, the risks vary in probability and seriousness. The following is a list of more common risks with bondage:

Physical:

Nerve Damage and Circulation Issues

Tight restraints or prolonged immobilization can put pressure on nerves and restrict blood flow, potentially leading to nerve damage, numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the bound areas. Primary areas to look out for are the wrists and ankles to produce wrist and foot drop respectively. This risk is particularly relevant in long-term bondage scenarios or when restraints are applied incorrectly.

Joint injury

Particularly stressful or tight bondage positions can put a lot of stress on the joints. If not careful these joints can be injured.

Bruising, Abrasions, and Skin Injuries

Improperly applied restraints or rough handling can cause bruising, abrasions, or skin injuries, especially if the bound individual struggles against the restraints. It's essential to use appropriate padding, avoid tying restraints too tightly, and regularly check for signs of discomfort or injury.

Breathing Difficulties

Certain bondage positions, such as those that involve restraint around the chest or neck, can restrict breathing and pose a risk of asphyxiation, especially if the bound individual is unable to communicate distress.

Accidental Injury

Careless or reckless use of bondage equipment, such as ropes, cuffs, or suspension gear, can result in accidental injury (such as a fall) to both the bound individual and the person applying the restraints.

Allergic Reactions

Some individuals may have allergies to materials used in bondage equipment like latex, leather, or specific types of rope (hemp/jute).

Fainting:

Prolonged restraint or intense sensations can trigger fainting due to factors like anxiety or changes in blood pressure.

Overheating:

Depending on the bondage and the envirenment, the sub may be at risk of overheating due to physical exertion, clothing or (full coverage) bondage gear.

Mental/Emotional:

Panic or Anxiety

Being restrained can trigger feelings of panic or anxiety in some individuals, especially if they have past trauma or negative experiences associated with confinement or loss of control.

Emotional and Psychological Risks

Bondage can evoke strong emotional and psychological responses, including vulnerability, fear, excitement, or arousal. The resulting sub drop can also be intense for both parties.

Risk mitigation

Preparation

• Negotiation: Do this before the scene begins. Some bottoms become less communicative or nonverbal once they are in sub space.
  • Does the bottom have any allergies? Jute/hemp, latex, etc can cause allergic reactions.
    • Does the bottom have an EpiPen/Inhaler? Is it close by?
  • Does the bottom have any injuries/illnesses? Certain positions can exacerbate preexisting conditions.
  • Is the bottom on any recreational drugs or prescription medication? Even prescription medication can affect clotting and breathing, cause fainting, interfere with communication, etc.
  • Does the bottom have a history of anxiety/PTSD? Certain positions/bindings/type of touch can trigger anxiety, flashbacks, and claustrophobia.
  • Can the established safeword/gesture can be heard/seen regardless of positioning, equipment such as gags, and even if nerve function is compromised?
• Cutting Tools: For any bondage wherein a bottom might need to be cut out of bindings, have a cutting tool handy. Do not use knives, razors, or exposed blades. These can cause serious injuries. Some good options for cutting tools are:

Cutting Tools

Tool	Pro	Con
Medical shears	Safe, rounded edge Will cut most rope/leather/tape easily	Single use Takes more time due to duller blade
Textile shears	Safe, rounded edge Serrated for better cutting	Hard to apply a lot of force Must be discarded within 1-3 uses
Rescue/Seatbelt Cutter	Safe, rounded edge Very sharp Can keep tool, change the blade after use	Must change blade after each use Can be used incorrectly
Leatherman Shears	Safe, rounded edge Very sharp Can use indefinitely	More expensive than other options Heavier/more bulky than other options

During

Upper body nerve information:

Note: Nerve compression might have no sensation at all, and only be evident in loss of movement. It is different from circulation issues, which might feel like the "pins and needles" tingly numbness of a limb falling asleep. The bottom might feel like the tied limb is a bit cold or moving more slowly. Nerve issues will most likely present in isolated areas of the limb, for example, an icy feeling specifically in the pinky, or an inability to lift the wrist.

In upper body bondage wherein the hands/arms are tied, there are two major nerves to be aware of.

• Radial nerve runs back of arm from armpit to hand. It affects:
  • Outside thumb/top of hand
  • Straightening and raising elbow/hand/fingers

• Symptoms of radial nerve issues are
  • numbness/weakness/paralysis in hand/arm including wrist drop
  • difficulty straightening hand/arm
  • difficulty grasping/pinching

• Ulnar nerve runs from elbow to hand. Entrapment can cause pain and weakness in fingers/hands. It affects:
  • Outside of pinky/ring fingers, palm and back of hand on pinky side
  • Grip strength and fine motor skills
  • Athletes who use their hands/elbows/wrists heavily, as well as gamers and typists, are more prone to ulnar injury
  • Symptoms of pinched ulnar nerve
    • curved pinky
    • pain in elbow or wrist
    • inability to grasp/fine motor skills
    • numbness

Hand checks:

Note: performed while in bondage which crosses wrists/arms (no need in arms free chest harness)

• Bottom can tap each finger against their thumb. The pinky/ring finger should feel the same as the other fingers. If there is a difference in sensation this can indicated a compression of a nerve.
• Bottom can flex hands forwards and backwards at the wrist. If range of movement is compromised, this can indicate a compression of a nerve.
• Top can place two fingers in bottom's hands and have them squeeze, bottom should be able to squeeze strongly. Weakness can indicate compression of a nerve.

Lower body nerve information:

• Common peroneal nerve
  • decreased sensation
  • foot drop
• Femoral Nerve

Total enclosure:

Breathing:

neck compression

Total enclosure

pull in at ribs/base of neck

capillary refill test

In case of emergency

if something is serious - cut the rope and call 911, better safe than sorry, tell med professionals what actually happened

stay calm/reassuring (riggs)

After

check in next days

Bondage kit suggestions:

• Cutting tool
• Bandaids/alcohol swabs
• Nitrile gloves
• Small flashlight

Known incidents

Matt - Mad_Scientist