Rope Bondage - The Basics

Rope bondage has been around for centuries. Its uses range from the punishment of a criminal or even ceremonial and sensual. The key thing to remember is it should be enjoyed by all those involved, not painful or uncomfortable. This blog is going to discuss some of the basics of rope bondage. The first thing that should be focused on is safety. Ropes should never be too tight. Many recommend 1-2 fingers wiggle room. Pay attention to where your rope ends are. If they are hanging they could swing and hurt someone. As with all bondage, attention needs to be focused on circulation. You do not want to restrict circulation. Watch for signs of loss of circulation such as tingling, numbness, cold to the touch, and skin color change. If you see any of these signs, immediately stop and remove or adjust the ropes. Do’s Use multiple coils to help expand pressure points. This can enhance the bondage experience. When using multiple coils, make sure they are side by side and not crossing. Crossing them could lead to the coils not sitting right and lead to unintentional pain. Try practicing a few times before having a full session. This way when the time comes you have some experience. There are a couple of things to keep in mind before getting started. Boundaries should be discussed, such as a safe word. In addition to having rope in your kit, make sure to have a pair of scissors in case you need to cut the ropes to get the sub free in an emergency. When the session has ended, be careful removing the ropes so that the sub does not get rope burn. Because bondage can sometimes restrict blood flow it is also recommended to apply warmth or massage the areas to help restore any loss of blood flow. Don’ts In order to be safe, you need to be able to see. Playing in the dark could lead to injury. Suspension bondage is more complicated and could lead to injury if not done by an experienced person. Do not attempt suspension bondage without being trained. Even practice supervised before doing it on your own. If a safe word has been chosen, do not use a gag. Using a gag would prevent the sub from using their safe word if the situation calls for it. If the sub has any heart, respiratory, or circulation related health issues, rope bondage is not recommended due to health risks. When using slip style knots, do not use them around the neck or use to restrict the breathing. In order to be safe, a sub should never be left unattended while bound. Types of Rope Bondage There are a few types of rope bondage that we will touch on. Symmetrical rope bondage - this type is good for beginners. It can be very calming for all those involved. Symmetrical means just what it is. Whatever the design is, it is the same on both sides of the body. Like a mirror image. An example of symmetrical rope bondage is typing the hands together. Asymmetrical rope bondage - this type is not for beginners. Is sometimes used as a punishment due to it causing some uncomfortability. An example of asymmetrical rope bondage would be to tie the right hand to the left ankle. Suspension bondage - an advanced type of rope bondage. Because you are suspending a person above ground it has more risks than binding someone laying down. Because of the increased risks, this type should only be performed by an experienced person. Japanese rope bondage - also known as Shibari and Kinbaku. This type of rope bondage is inspired by Japanese martial arts. It has asymmetrical positions and designs that can be used to stimulate specific areas of the body. Ropes also come in different materials, each good in a different way. Silk rope is smooth on the skin and does not cause friction. It is very comfortable for the sub and easy for beginners to use. Silk rope is often used in Japanese rope bondage. Hemp rope is strong and durable, but it should not be used for suspension bondage. Of course, cotton rope is going to feel very comfortable. It has a drawback in that it stretches and not good for tying knots. It also holds moisture so can collect germs and bacteria if not taken care of properly. Aftercare When ending a session, the first thing is to check the sub to make sure there are no injuries. Immediately tend to any injuries and make sure the sub is OK. Aftercare also concerns the rope used. Some ropes can be cleaned with warm water and soap. The ropes should be left out to dry before putting in storage. A quick clean can sometimes be done by using a warm damp cloth. Hemp rope can be put in a washer machine on gentle cycle. Nylon and cotton ropes can be bleached. Fabric softener can also be used to soften some ropes. The last few cleaning tips are good but over type can deteriorate the material, as washing does with any material after being washed multiple times. Rope bondage can be a fun or sensual experience if done right. Make sure both parties are in agreement and communicate throughout the session. And remember, play safe and have fun!