Impact play
Impact play is a subset of sensation play, or Pain play, characterized by (repeated) striking of a person for the gratification of one or both parties.[1] While issues with impact play are rarely fatal, severe and sometimes permanent injury can occur.
| Health risk | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Legal risk | Mild |
Description
Impact is one of the most common forms of BDSM play, however, depending on intensity, it may also be considered edge play.
Appeal
For some practitioners, the appeal is sadistic/masochistic in nature. Impact play can cause the release of endorphins, from pain and/or connectivity created between impact top and submissive. Many also enjoy the marks impact can leave.
Some submissives may use impact as harm-reductive self-injury. Ideally, submissives should inform their dominant that this is occurring. In harm-reductive self-injury, submissives may achieve the release they need through impact play. Dominants can support their submissives by understanding the needs of their submissive and avoiding shaming language or behavior.
Methods
Impact implements are generally broken down into ...
warming up
Impact can be performed with parts of the body such as hands and feet, slapping implements such as paddles and crops, sturdier implements such as canes, scourge-type implements such as floggers and whips
Risks
While most injuries from impact play are superficial, such as bruising and minor lacerations, some can be more serious, such as joint injury, organ injury, and infection.
Thorough negation before the impact scene is imperative.
Warm Up
Joint injury
Avoid striking joints and spine. Aim instead for fleshy areas such as buttocks, thighs, and shoulders. *(add photo of color code that indicates kidney)
Organ injury
Avoid striking or trampling the stomach. Impact recipient should engage their abdominal muscles when being struck in front to protect their organs. Never strike over the kidneys or low back. Kidney damage may cause hematuria (blood in the urine)[2] or anuria (inability to urinate)[3] which can result in death.
Infection
The impact top should thoroughly wash their hands before a scene, and nitrile gloves are recommended. Implements should be cleaned between uses. This includes furniture the recipient may be touching, and tools used before and after the scene. Lack of cleanliness can result not only in skin infections, but can also lead to the transfer of diseases such as hepatitis. If you plan on breaking skin during the scene, sanitize the intended areas beforehand. If skin becomes broken, sanitize after and ensure the recipient does not sit on surfaces others have, or will, touch. Puppy pads or soft pants are a good way to prevent cross contamination while still keeping the recipient comfortable after the scene.
Wrapping
Wrapping describes the ends of a whip or flogger striking past the intended point of contact, which can result in
Risk mitigation
Know the body
Impact should be done on primarily fatty and/or muscular areas[4] of the body. === Know your tools === Take classes, watch others, practice on pillows. It will increase your accuracy and your confidence. Make sure you can use scourge-style tools without wrapping (ends of implement striking beyond the intended impact point). Be precise with all materials.
Be prepared
Ensure your tools (including footwear if trampling) are clean and well-maintained. Be aware of your own ability to focus and observe, and knowledgeable about subspace and the body's reaction to pain.. Consumption of drugs or alcohol by either participant dramatically increases the risk of accidents or injury.
Negotiate thoughtfully
Be thorough in your negotiation. Preexisting injuries, illnesses, and current medications may interfere with the impact recipient’s ability to clot, heal, breathe, gauge pain, or maintain consciousness under systemic stress. Be sure to ask about any health related concerns.