Bondage

Who doesn't like getting tied up?

Bondage is one of the most common forms of kinky play. It creates a vulnerability and dependence on another. It can test trust between partners or it can force an individual to sit with their own feelings longer and with fewer distractions than they normally would.

Restriction

Restrictive bondage is intended to limit movement of the subject to some degree. Sometimes this can be intended to keep them in place, such as on a bed, or to limit their range of motion (prevent running). Rope can be used on wrists and ankles to limit motion. Handcuffs and leg irons are also used to accomplish this goal. Various types of restraints of varying mediums including leather, rubber and steel exist to reach this level of bondage.

Immobilization

Immobilization prevents the subject from moving in any meaningful way. This can be tight restraint such as a hogtie or mummification, or it can be devices that limit mobility without excessive tightness such as a sleepsack or leg binder.

Sensory Deprivation

Sensory deprivation often involves bondage devices, such as hoods, but its function is more oriented toward creating a different mental state rather than pure restriction. Hoods, blindfolds, headphones, fist mitts, etc can be used for this purpose, depending on the level of sensation you which to remove. A hood used with headphones can be used for sensory replacement, permitting the control what stimuli is received.

Full sensory deprivation can create fear and lead to feeling as though every sensation is a gift.

Confinement

Restriction to a small space, while otherwise allowed to move freely (or with some other restrictions). Commonly associated with Master/slave or prisoner situations. Cages are common, but can also be implemented by anchored restraints (chained to wall) or command (leave this square and you will be punished).

Confinement can have a complex emotional reaction because of the relative physical freedom, but yet creating a feeling of being trapped. Combining with isolation can intensify the feeling.

Long Term

"Long term" bondage means different things depending on the bondage. For a hood or straight jacket "long term" might be a few hours. For a sleep sack, 12-24 hours is "long term". For leg irons "long term" might be a weekend or week. Some types of bondage are better suited to long term than others, ropes are challenging for longer sessions because of the construction they can cause.

With long-term bondage, the quick thrill of being bound is allowed to wear off to a lower level sensation of restriction or in some cases (such as hoods) to begin feeling how restrictive the bondage element is.

Difficulty with long term bondage can include the bound participant becoming bored. This is something to plan ahead for how to deal with.

Chastity

The goal of chastity is to deter orgasm or to create a sense of detachment from being able to touch the penis. For short term sessions preventing of touch is usually the goal, but longer term sessions can be used to create sexual frustration or in a D/s relationship to condition or incentivize the submissive partner. Sizing of devices is not crucial for short term sessions, but longer term (overnight and beyond) a properly sized device is necessary.

Relationship to Other Topics

Fetish - acts and materials of bondage can be associated with fetishes through the enacting of identity. Handcuffs extend the role of a captured soldier or of a dangerous prisoner. Tight rope bondage calls to a certain cowboy identity. The identities are not usually as clear with bondage as directly through fetish, in fact they may be absent, but yet the perceived acceptance of a bondage challenge, which is associated with a generic rugged masculinity can still be arousing
Dominance - bondage and sensory deprivation give one partner control over the other, placing themselves in a position of power related to their partner.
Sensation/Sadomasochism - sensory deprivation limits the awareness of what is going on around, creating an increased focus on sensations that are occurring. Bondage can also be used to create a lack of ability to escape from tickling, pain or delicate bodily torment.

Key Idea

Bondage: Restriction can create pleasure through a sense of helplessness or confinement. It can be enjoyed on its own or as a utilitarian tool within another kink.

Quiz

Under what circumstances might you want to use a restriction form of bondage, but not immobilization?
In addition to the restriction feeling of bondage, what might be other appealing sensations of bondage?
Bondage sessions can either be open ended or set to a specific time table (either for the session or per element), reflect on your personal preferences. Which do you prefer? Why?

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