Breath play is a form of BDSM activity that involves controlling or restricting a person's breathing for sexual pleasure. It can range from mild to wild, depending on the level of intensity and risk involved. In this blog post, we will explore the different forms of breath play and the safety precautions that should be taken.
What is Breath Play?
Breath play is a type of BDSM activity that focuses on the restriction or control of a person's breathing. It can involve techniques such as choking, smothering, or using various devices to limit airflow. The goal is to create a sense of vulnerability, power exchange, and heightened arousal.
Mild Forms of Breath Play
Mild forms of breath play involve techniques that are relatively safe and have a lower risk of injury. These include:
- Hand Over Mouth: Gently placing a hand over the mouth and nose to restrict airflow for a short period of time.
- Breath Control: Using verbal commands to control the pace and depth of breathing.
- Sensory Deprivation: Using hoods to enhance the sensation of breath restriction.
- Kinging or Queening: A way to intensify the power dynamic in your playtime is to smother your partner's face with your genitals. Vulva owners can rub back and forth across their partner’s face during oral sex to limit breathing. Penis owners can combine oral sex with nose pinching for a similar effect.
Intermediate Forms of Breath Play
Intermediate forms of breath play involve techniques that carry a higher risk and require more experience and caution. These include:
- Choking: Applying pressure to the neck to restrict blood flow to the brain temporarily.
- Smothering: Placing a hand, pillow, or other object over the mouth and nose to restrict breathing.
- Gas Masks: Using a gas mask or similar device to control the flow of air.
- Chest compression (corseting): Compressing someone's chest to restrict breathing can give a similar feel to choking without involving the sensitive structures of the neck. However, your chest is not resistant to damage either so, like any type of breath play, education is vital.
Safety Precautions
When engaging in breath play, it is crucial to prioritize safety to minimize the risk of injury or harm. Here are some important safety precautions to follow:
- Consent: Obtain clear and enthusiastic consent from all parties involved.
- Communication: Establish a safe word or signal to indicate when to stop the activity.
- Education: Educate yourself about the risks, techniques, and safety measures associated with breath play.
- Experience: Start with milder forms of breath play and gradually progress to more intense activities as you gain experience.
- Monitoring: Continuously monitor the person's physical and mental well-being during the activity.
- Emergency Plan: Have an emergency plan in place in case something goes wrong, including knowing how to perform CPR and seeking immediate medical attention if necessary.
Remember, breath play can be a highly intense and potentially dangerous activity. It is essential to prioritize safety, communication, and consent to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for all parties involved.