the deviants' dictionary Main Entries Updated 21 July 1997asb-dydo A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZINTRO | FRAMES | INDEX MORE ENTRIES: E-I J-M N-Q R-T U-Z CONTRIBUTORS | BOOKLIST | LINKS | HELP A ------------------------------------------------------------------------ asb Sometimes a.s.b.. See alt.sex.bondage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ AT Animal Training ------------------------------------------------------------------------ abrasion Stimulating the surface of the body with abrasive materials, for example, rough silk, chamois leather, fine sandpaper, brushes, wire wool. An often overlooked but surprisingly effective set of techniques, especially on a blindfolded bottom. More details in the forthcoming Factsheet; see also surface play. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ accident prone In personal ads, usually means pissing and/or shitting while still clothed. See scat, piss. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ acucullophallia, acucullophilia State of being circumcised (of men), attraction to men who are circumcised. See circumcision. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ adult babies May refer to those who gain fetishistic satisfaction from dressing up in infants' clothing and using associated objects like dummies and cribs; may also indicate those who enjoy elaborate role-playing scenes in which they act out the part of a baby as fully as possible. See infantilism. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ age play Play that involves taking on the role of someone of a different age. Most commonly, adults take on the role of children, perhaps in a submissive capacity -- see also daddy/boy, infantilism. Younger people may also take on the role of older people. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Albert Short for Prince Albert piercing -- see the Piercing Glossary ------------------------------------------------------------------------ alcohol Most likely to be encountered in an SM context in one of three ways 1. As a cleaning agent in scenes involving breaking the skin. In this case you need 70% rubbing alcohol, or (in Britain) surgical spirit. This should be obtainable from most pharmacies, though in some areas they are reluctant to supply it since it is used in the preparation of certain illegal drugs. Convenient alcohol-soaked pre-injection swabs, 'Mediswabs', are also available. See Resources in the Play Piercing Factsheet. 2. Used for its property of burning at a relatively low temperature in heavy temperature play scenes. 3. Used in its familiar form of alcoholic drinks for its disinhibiting, intoxicating and, in piss scenes, diuretic properties. Beware of using it to excess, however, especially in potentially dangerous play. See the Drugs Factsheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ algolagnia Love of pain, from the Greek. Psychological term to describe SM preferred by sexologist Havelock Ellis, who saw it as 'pain given in love'. Perhaps useful to describe that element of SM that is about the enjoyment of pain itself rather than acting out domination and submission. Ellis's definition is quoted in the Boundaries section of the Dynamics and Definitions Sourcsheet; see also sadomasochism. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ alt.sex.bondage asb or a.s.b.. Old-established mixed gender and sexuality Usenet newsgroup concerned with a wide range of SM activities as well as just bondage. Unfortunately the newsgroup itself has largely been swamped by commercial sex advertising but there is still a useful home page, along with various FAQs and classic postings. Much of the discussion from the group has shifted onto alt.torture. There is also a gay and lesbian mailing list, gl-asb, hosted by Queernet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ altocalciphilia Fetish for high heels -- see under high heels. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ampallang Horizontal piercing through the glans penis -- see the Piercing Glossary. An account of traditional ampallang piercings is in the Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ amyl nitrite See poppers ------------------------------------------------------------------------ anal intercourse See fucking. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ankle cuffs See handcuffs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ankle restraint Bondage device placed around ankle -- see restraint 2. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ animal training AT. Games in which one or more partners, usually the bottom(s), takes on the role of an animal. The commonest is probably a dog, though horses are also popular. The 'animal' may imitate animal behaviour, wear items such as collars, leads, bridles and so on, or carry out tasks associated with the animal, such as pulling a vehicle. Scenes vary enormously, both in elaborateness and in authenticity. There is no necessary connection with any sexual attraction to real animals. See the forthcoming Briefing. •The Dog House - a gay male dog-training page, with other SM material too. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ apadrayva Vertical piercing through the glans penis -- see the Piercing Glossary ------------------------------------------------------------------------ aromas Normally refers to poppers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ arseplay US: assplay. Any games involving stimulation of the arsehole, almost certainly by inserting objects inside it. See douching, fisting, fucking, insertive toy. Hygiene precautions should be observed with these activities -- see safer sex. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ asphyxiaphilia See breath control. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ assplay See arseplay. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ auto-erotic asphyxiation See breath control. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ B ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BD Sometimes B/D, B&D. Bondage and Discipline. Sometimes used interchangeably with SM but more strictly referring to practises involving bondage and role-playing or humiliation but little or no pain. Sometimes thought to stand for Bondage and Domination, but see also DS. See also BDSM. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BDSM Sometimes BD/SM. Bondage and Discipline, Domination and Submission, Sadism and Masochism. Catch-all term much used in North America to lump together those perves who play with physical pain and those who don't, reflecting a concern that the term SM, with its associations with pain, is not always appropriate. See also BD, SM. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BDSM emblem This recently designed symbol is gaining some popularity in the perve community. See in the Codes and Symbols sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BJ Blowjob -- see fellatio. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BT See ball torture. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ball torture BT. Causing sensation, discomfort and pain to the male testicles, often including the scrotum as well. For more details see the Briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ball toy A wide variety of toys are available for playing with the balls, including straps, stretchers and weights -- see 'What to Use' in the Ball Torture Briefing ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bastille Pseudonym of late gay male erotic artist Frank Weber -- see Deviant Personalities. The name is sometimes cited in contact ads to indicate those who share Weber's interests in heavy rubber, control, piss and shit. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ bastinado Form of torture or punishment involving beating the soles of the feet; these are very tender and should be handled with care. See The Flagellation Factsheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ bear Usually a large, bearded, perhaps older and even overweight man, preferably with substantial body hair. The bear community overlaps with the gay leather community and those who describe themselves as, or say they are seeking, bears may have very 'masculine' images and interests that sometimes shade over into SM. A smaller or slighter and perhaps younger and submissive man who seeks the company of bears is sometimes called a cub. See also daddy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ beating Striking typically administered as punishment, particularly in connection with childhood punishments such as spanking, caning or belting but also used (perhaps more so in England, where some schools referred to corporal punishment with the cane as 'beating') of more 'adult' scenes like whipping. Can mean more 'violent', bruising striking such as punching, as in the expression 'beating up'. See The Flagellation Factsheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ belt See belting. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ belt clip Fastening normally made in a g-shape, opened and closed with a sprung lever, designed for fastening keyrings onto belts and so on. Heavy duty versions are useful and convenient fastenings in bondage -- see under Other Fastenings in the Bondage Reference. Belt clips with key rings worn on left or right have also been used as codes to indicate top and bottom respectively. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ belting Striking with a belt, normally on the buttocks or thighs but sometimes on the shoulders. In everyday language, sometimes used more generally: 'belting someone in the mouth' is more likely to involve the backs of the hands than a belt. See The Flagellation Factsheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Berkley, Theresa Early 19th century (d. 1836) London-based professional dominatrix and flagellation specialist; the 'Berkley machine', a bondage device intended to expose the body for beating, is named after her. For an account see The Flagellation Sourcesheet: The Flogging Whores of Old London. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ beta-endorphin See endorphin. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ birch, birching Light wooden rod or bundle of twigs, traditionally from the birch tree; striking with such an implement. See The Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ black Hanky code for 'heavy SM', usually involving flagellation of some sort and/or other forms of painful play. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ blackroom See playroom. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ blend modality Method of hair removal combining electrolysis and thermolysis. See depilation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ blindfold Temporarily blocking the sense of sight is a common technique in SM scenes. It can make the bottom feel more vulnerable, help them concentrate or 'get into the headspace', and is essential to the sorts of abrasion and surface play games where everyday objects are used to give unexpected sensations. Use purpose-made blindfolds such as the cheap ones made for travellers and often distributed free by airlines, or the more expensive ones in leather or rubber from perve shops; hoods with no eyeholes or blockable ones (tape over gas mask lenses with Gaffa tape); improvised blindfolds from scarves, hankies, long socks, bandages (Ace are a favourite). Check the blindfold first: they normally have to be placed carefully to be 100% effective. Safety notes: don't make blindfolds too tight and avoid undue pressure on the eyeballs. Take special care when leading the bottom round blindfold. Warn the bottom when you are removing the blindfold so they can close their eyes and open them slowly to avoid too much dazzle. And remember though some people take blindfolding in their stride, it can have unpredictable psychological effects and be very powerful and even frightening for some people in some situations. More details on blindfolding in preparation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ block and tackle A device that makes it possible to lift heavy weights with little effort using arrangements of wheels and ropes, ideal for suspension scenes. See in the Suspension Briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ blowjob The act of sucking or licking a cock -- see fellatio. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ blowing Sucking or licking a cock -- see fellatio. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ body modification Making permanent but usually superficial alterations to the appearance of the body, sometimes by painful processes. See branding, piercing, scarification, tattooing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ body shaving See depilation ------------------------------------------------------------------------ bondage Restriction of a person's bodily movement for erotic reasons using fastenings of various kinds. For more information see the Factsheet. Also sometimes used loosely as a code for a wider range of SM practises, reflecting the fact that bondage interests are widespread and popular among SMers (though certainly not universal). This slightly confusing usage is found in the name of the newsgroup alt.sex.bondage which covered many more sexual practises besides. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ bootlicking A common practise for domination and humiliation purposes, or sometimes just as a means of indulging a fetish for boots. See under Hygiene in the Boots and Shoes briefing for hygiene notes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ boots and shoes Retifism, the fetish for boots or shoes, is a common fetish, often linked to domination. See the Boots and Shoes briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ bottom Submissive or recipient of stimulation in an SM scene -- see top. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ bowline Knot with loop as used by emergency personnel. See the Knots Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ boy Common term for male submissive, especially among gay men, with less expression of permanence about it than the term 'slave'. May or may not imply age play, where the adult referred to takes on the role of a younger male. Is also sometimes used of women taking a similar role. See also Daddy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ branding Making a permanent or semi-permanent scar on the skin by burning it with a heated metal object, as practised on livestock and in earlier times on slaves and criminals. Can be carried out safely with the correct technique and aftercare but still likely to be intensely painful, and seen by some as the ultimate either in body art or as the culmination of a heavily submissive relationship or scene. •More information in the Alternative Bodyart FAQ maintained by the Usenet group rec.arts.bodyart. •Also covered in the Body Modification Ezine ------------------------------------------------------------------------ breath control Asphyxiaphilia, auto-erotic asphyxiation (if solo play), breath games, breathplay, hypoxyphilia. Games involving control or restriction of air and/or the supply of oxygen to the brain. Strangling is usually the compression of the carotid arteries to prevent oxygenated blood reaching the brain; suffocation involves reducing the level of oxygen in the air available to breathe. Hanging, where the body is suspended by the neck, though a relatively common fantasy, is very difficult to stage in a non-harmful way for SM scenes: remember that judicial hanging was intended to break the spine, not cause death by suffocation. All these games are very dangerous to play alone, and may also be dangerous if with a partner. See the Briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ brown Hanky code for playing with shit. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ bullwhip Very long and heavy plaited leather whip. See What to use: Whips in the Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ buntline hitch Knot with a resizable loop. See the Knots Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ butterfly board Toy used in some play piercing games: a card or wood board with a hole cut to the shape of the cock and balls. The board is placed over the genitals and the skin of the edges of the cock and scrotum is pinned with needles or nails to it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ buttplug Object designed to be inserted in the rectum and shaped so that it stays in position by trapping the sphincter between the bulk of the plug and the wide flanged base, an idea often more effective in theory than in practise. Various designs are available: the conical shape is the most popular but there are also torpedoes (similar to conicals but with flattened points), doorknobs (spherical) and double doorknobs (one sphere on top of another). They are usually made of solid latex but sometimes in other materials like conductive acrylic for special purposes. Latex plugs should have chains inside as a safety feature, to allow removal if they break off inside the body: the end of the chain should be clearly visible where it emerges at the base. The length of buttplugs can vary between 120-180mm (4.5"-6.5"), but the crucial dimension is the circumference of the widest point. This normally ranges from 120mm (4.5"), or 38mm (1.5") diameter, to a bowel-bursting 275mm (10"), or 88mm (3.5") diameter. Start very modestly at first and build up slowly. See also dildo, vibrator. A full briefing on insertive toys is planned. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ buzzcut See Crop 1. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ C ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CBT, CBTT Cock and Ball Torture, Cock Ball and Tit (Nipple) Torture - see cock torture, ball torture, nipple torture ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CP Corporal Punishment ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CT Cock Torture ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cable tie Narrow disposable plastic belt designed to lock back on itself that can be used for bondage purposes. See What to Use: Cable Ties in The Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cage Perhaps the ultimate all-round bondage and beloved of those into prisoner and Animal Training scenes: see 'What to Use: Cages' in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Califia, Pat US-based lesbian writer, activist and self-proclaimed sadist and arguably the most influential modern commentator on the SM scene -- see Deviant Personalities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ candle Could be used as an improvised dildo, but much more likely to occur in SM as a source of hot wax, in which case white household candles are preferred for their lower temperature. See temperature play. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cane, caning Thin flexible rod, traditionally of rattan; striking with such an implement as in the old-style school punishment, typically across the buttocks. See The Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ canula Latin for channel; medically any semi-permanent arrangement giving access to the bloodstream. The wide hollow needles used, of which the best known brand are Medicuts, are also used for permanent piercing. See How It's Done in the Permanent Piercing factsheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ castration There is some confusion over the meaning of this term. According to the OED it refers to removal of the testicles but some people use it for the removal of any or all the sexual organs of either sex. Nullification refers to the removal of any external organ, including nipples. The removal of the testicles is sometimes referred to as emasculation, the surgical operation is more properly referred to as orchidectomy and a man who has undergone it is a eunuch. The surgical equivalent with women is ovariectomy, the removal of the ovaries. Clitoridectomy and penectomy refer to the removal of the clitoris and penis respectively. The term is also used metaphorically in chemical castration, where hormones are taken to cause a cumulative and irreversible change in the body chemistry equivalent to that resulting from actual castration. All these procedures cause permanent and significant changes to the body. The removal of penis or clitoris obviously denies the person certain forms of sensual pleasure but the removal of balls or ovaries brings about hormonal changes that have an even greater impact on overall behaviour. Eunuchs whose cocks are still intact retain the ability to achieve erection and ejaculation (semen but no sperm) but may have no sex drive and additionally will exhibit weight gain, loss of body hair and even lack of mental acuity. Most of these changes can be reversed by taking the appropriate hormones. These extreme body modifications may seem to many people the ultimate fear -- but they can also be the ultimate fantasy. Castration fantasies are fairly common, and played symbolically out in scenes involving cock, ball and cunt torture, permanent and play piercing and even genital shaving. A very few people choose to make their fantasies reality. It should be noted that even the simplest of the operations discussed here, orchidectomy, is a serious surgical procedure with irreversible consequences, not something that anyone can teach themselves to do safely. In former times unwilling eunuchs often died of blood loss and infection from the operation itself. •There are some notes and FAQs on various forms of nullification and castration in the Extreme section of BME. •Elysa has information (in French) on biological effects of castration. •There is a newsgroup called alt.eunuchs.questions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cat Multi-tailed whip with weighted and/or cutting ends, from the traditional naval punishment implement the Cat o' Nine Tails. A similar whip with plain ends is sometimes known as a flogger. See descriptions in The Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cat o' nine tails See cat. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ catheter Cath. Flexible tube used in medical treatment and surgery for feeding into various body structures to allow access from the outside. In SM most likely to mean those catheters designed for the bladder, often utilised in SM 'control' scenes: the best type to use for this purpose is the foley catheter, which has a balloon that can be inflated with sterile water to hold it in place once inserted. Also a verb, catheterise (US '-ize'), meaning to apply a catheter. See also sound, urethral play, and the Briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ chain A sometimes stonger and more lockable, though less flexible and more potentially dangerous, alternative to rope in bondage scenes. Always make sure you observe metal bondage rules and choose chain that is strong enough to withstand whatever strain you want to place on it. See What to Use:Chains in The Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ chair These are useful both in bondage and as supports for bottoms during flagellation. Elaborate purpose-made bondage chairs are available but ordinary household ones can be adapted too. See What to Use:Chairs and Horses in The Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ chastity In SM circles most likely to mean banning or physically preventing someone from achieving orgasm or even any form of genital stimulation in the long term, usually as a means of asserting domination. Also known as enforced chastity (EC). A device intended for this purpose is known as a chastity belt or a chastity device, and wearing such a device is a form of bondage; it can also be achieved by infibulation. See the Chastity Briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ chastity belt Device for ensuring chastity. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ chastity device Device for ensuring chastity. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ chemical castration Slowly destroying a man's capacity to produce male hormones by the administration of other hormones, having an effect similar to real castration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ circlip pliers Pliers that open outwards when squeezed, ideal for opening and closing the ball closure rings used as permanent piercing jewellery. See How It's Done in the Permanent Piercing factsheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ circumcision Acucullophallia, being 'cut'. In males, the cutting away of some or all of the foreskin to expose the glans, sometimes carried out for religious reasons, and also for hygiene, though the last reason is rather unjustified if the penis is cleaned regularly, and sometimes because foreskins are too tight or cause problems in other ways. Some people have distinct preferences for circumcised or uncircumcised cocks: the attraction to circumcised ones is called acucullophilia. Uncircumcised ('uncut') men often have more sensitivity than those who have been cut, and of course have more foreskin to play with. There will also be differences in masturbation techniques. The female equivalent is the removal of the prepuce or clitoris hood, and is sometimes carried out when a woman finds it inhibits her orgasm. The folk practises that are sometimes described as 'female circumcision' can involve clitoridectomy and other genital alterations too. Some people find the idea of being circumcised exciting, perhaps as a form of symbolic castration. The actual operation, while fairly straightforward, should only be carried out by experienced people under hygienic conditions, and recovery can be uncomfortable. More information in due course. •There is some information on circumcision in the BME. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ clamp Gripping device that can be used to put pressure on suitable body sites, notably nipples (see nipple torture) but also noses, cunts, loose body skin and so on. Very often a pervertible of some sort. A detailed Clips, Clamps and Pegs Briefing is planned. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ clingfilm US: saran wrap. Thin, soft, transparent polythene film with the property of sticking to itself, intended for wrapping food but often used as a pervertible for bondage (see What to Use: Tapes and Wraps in The Bondage Reference) and especially for mummification. Also sometimes used as improvised protection against infection in oral sex scenes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ clip Small gripping device that can be used as a pervertible on suitable body sites. A detailed Clips, Clamps and Pegs Briefing is planned. May also be a fastening in bondage, such as a belt clip. See under Other Fastenings in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ clitoridectomy Surgical removal of the clitoris. See castration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ clitorilingus Sex involving contact between mouth and clitoris -- see cunnilingus. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ clothespeg US: clothespin. These readily available and mostly harmless miniature clamps are the ultimate bargain-basement SM 'pervertible'. See in the Clips, Clamps and Pegs Briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ clove hitch Knot used for attaching the middle of a rope to an anchor when the load is equal at both ends. See the Knots Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cock ring Rubber or metal ring that slips round base of cock and balls when flaccid. See notes on cock bondage techniques in the Cock Torture Briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cock strap Simplest form is a narrow leather or neoprene strap that wraps around the base of cock and balls; there are various more elaborate versions. See notes on cock bondage techniques in the Cock Torture Briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cock sucking See fellatio. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cock torture CT. Causing sensation, discomfort and pain to the penis. For more details see the Briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cocksucking See fellatio. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ codes and symbols Numerous codes, signs and symbols are in use in the various subcultures that make up the BDSM community besides the linguistic items that this dictionary attempts to catalogue. The best known, although perhaps no longer widely used, is the hanky code for indicating sexual preferences. Some of the better known visual codes and symbols are illustrated in the Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ collar and lead Some like purpose-made ones in rubber, leather or steel; some like ones made for large dogs but in all cases make sure they are an adequate size so they don't need to be pulled too tight. For symbolic purposes, humiliation, dog play and bondage. Note that wearing a collar may be an indication of a bottom -- and being led round on a lead almost certainly is -- but to some people a collar just symbolises kinky sex with no indication of role. See also Collars and Leads in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ conch Piercing through the shell of the ear, near the earhole -- see the Piercing Glossary ------------------------------------------------------------------------ condom The male condom, also known amongst other things as a French letter (a fairly rare term now), rubber (especially in the US) or rubber johnny, sheath, or in Britain by the name of the best-known brand Durex (manufactured by the London Rubber Company), is a thin waterproof sheath, today usually made of latex, that tightly encases the erect penis and prevents the passage of semen during fucking. Condoms were originally designed, and are still used, as contraceptive devices, but they are also essential items in the practise of safer sex; they may additionally be of interest to the rubber fetishist. A more recent invention, the female condom, is a larger cylinder, normally made from thin but tough polyurethane, that can be inserted up the cunt so that a male condom need not be used. In Britain the only brand available is the Femidom. More on both kinds under Condoms in the Safer Sex sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ consent The consent of both parties is of vital importance in any sexual encounter, but the issue seems more pronounced in SM because many of the activities are those that are widely seen as unpleasant and undesirable in everyday life. Many SMers have therefore devised particularly techniques for managing consent. See 'On Consent' in the Ethics Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ control, control scene In an SM context, most likely to mean scenes where the top takes control of one or more of the bottom's bodily functions, through the use of techniques like catheterisation, enemas, force-feeding and breath control. Could also include scenes where actions which are normally volitional are closely controlled by the top, either through physical restraint or roleplay. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ coprophagy Eating shit. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ coprophilia Gaining sexual pleasure from playing with shit. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ corporal punishment CP. Originally, retributive punishment involving the infliction of pain, often though not exclusively through blows administered with some form of flexible object like a whip or cane, and, with children, the palm of the hand. In an SM context, normally refers to the activities of caning, whipping and spanking. In North America, often implies some form of role-playing in which the bottom is 'punished', especially recreations of 'real-life' CP; in Britain it is sometimes used simply to describe the physical activities of caning and whipping without necessarily implying 'punishment'. See The Flagellation Reference and spanking for further discussion. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ crewcut See Crop 1. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ crop 1. US: Crewcut, Buzzcut. Very short haircut usually obtained with a pair of electric clippers to achieve the same length all over, as favoured by skinheads and widely popular in the perve scene, particularly among gay men. The lengths are known by the numbers on the plastic attachments supplied with clippers by manufacturer Wahl and Co, which range from a No.4 (1/2" or 14mm) to a No.1 (1/16" or 1.5mm). A No. 0 is shorter still, achieved simply with the naked clippers. 2. Form of Riding Whip. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cross A major item of bondage furniture, usually constructed of wood often equipped with extra fixtures, for binding a person, particularly in preparation for flogging and whipping scenes. The familiar straight cross is known as a St George's cross; the X-shaped St Andrew's cross is much more convenient. See What to Use:Crosses, Stocks and Posts in The Bondage Reference. See also crucifixion. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cross dressing Dressing in clothing usually worn by the opposite sex. In a sexual context, can be carried out as a sexual thrill in itself, in which case it is known as transvestism. However, is also sometimes employed in power and humiliation games, and seems most common on the heterosexual BDSM scene where male bottoms are instructed to wear female clothing and even wigs and makeup by female tops. Unsurprisingly, given the unequal social roles of men and women, men are more likely to find women's clothes humiliating, whereas women might dress in men's clothes to feel powerful and dominant. In the past Scottish boys were sometimes punished by the humiliation of having to wear a kilt without a sporran, a practise known as petticoat discipline. There are accounts of some societies where people cross dressed in order to have homosexual sex: the Spaniard Balboa encountered a local king in Panama whose harem of men dressed as women included his own brother, all of them being 'abused with preposterous venus' -- Balboa was so horrified he had forty of the offenders thrown to the dogs (cited in Love 1992:286). Most modern-day transvestites, however, are more likely to be heterosexual. Cross-dressing and transvestism should not be confused with transexuality, where a person wants to change their body to that of the opposite sex. More information on cross dressing is forthcoming. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ crucifixion This ancient Roman method of execution is universally known from the story of Jesus and its symbolic role in Christianity, though the details have been distorted by history; death is caused not by blood loss -- the most prolonged suffering takes place when the victim is just tied to the cross -- but by slow suffocation and exhaustion. With care, non-fatal crucifixions of the nail-free variety can be incorporated into scenes. See the briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cub Term sometimes used for a young, and perhaps smaller and submissive man who seeks the company of bears. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cuff 1. To hit someone, usually not too hard, with the back of the hand or arm, perhaps the sort of thing a bear might do. 2. A metal bondage item that locks round a limb, or, as a verb, to place someone in such an item. See handcuffs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cunnilingus From Latin cunnus, vulva, and lingus, tongue: the act of licking and sucking the cunt, a form of oral sex, archaically known as gamahuching, and also known as 'going down on' someone or 'licking (or eating) someone out'. Can include mouth contact with the labia and the insertion of the tongue into the cunt, but the most intense physical responses are caused by licking the clitoris, a technique termed more specifically as clitorilingus. Common in vanilla sex; in BDSM it may be as a form of service performed on a top by a bottom, or a more intense form, perhaps involving the use of teeth, can be used on a bottom by a top. Hygiene precautions should be observed with this activity -- see safer sex. See also cunt torture. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cunt torture Any form of intense stimulation or pain inflicted on the female genitals: perhaps by abrasion, clips and clamps, electricity, temperature play, play piercing, gentle whipping and flogging and with nails and hands. The clitoris is the most sensitive part, and the clitoris hood (prepuce) and both labia will also repay attention. Some women are also particularly sensitive in the G-spot, a round raised area of fatty tissue about 1cm (1/3") diameter just inside the front wall of the vagina. Apart from the G-spot, the inside of the vagina itself is fairly insensitive. Some people might consider particular kinds of use of insertive toys, fucking and fisting a form of cunt torture but these are more properly dealt with elsewhere. A full factsheet on cunt torture is forthcoming. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cupping The placing of suction devices on the skin, once used to draw blood to the surface for medical leeching but now sometimes used in scenes to sensitise the skin and particularly nipples. Rubber suction cups found in snakebite kits are often used; other devices include a sealable tube through which the air can be sucked out of the cup. Avoid extreme pressure such as that available with powered pumps, and be aware that the activity can cause welting. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cut A term often used, especially in North America and in contact ads, to mean circumcised; therefore, uncut meaning uncircumcised. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ cutting Cutting the surface of the skin with a sharp blade, for the thrill, the sensation or pain, or to create decorative scars (see sarification). The same basic safety precautions apply as with play piercing: clean the skin, use sterile implements such as the sealed sterile scalpels and razor blades available from medical suppliers, and avoid areas with major blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Two further hazards apply, however: firstly, blades are capable of doing far more damage if mishandled than needles; second, since the area of the wound is likely to be much larger, it is more open to infection, and treatment with antiseptics afterwards is essential. Safest sites are as for flagellation, such as the upper back and shoulders, buttocks and other fleshy areas away from the vital organs. Genital cutting requires the greatest skill and care, and major 'body modification' cutting such as circumcision (male or female) and penis bifurcation are best left to trained experts. •There is some limited information on Cutting for decorative purposes in the Alternative Bodyarts FAQ •There is a section on cutting in the Body Modification Ezine ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ D ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DMs Doctor Marten's (boots). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DS Sometimes D/S, D/s or D&S. Domination and Submission. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ dacryphilia Sexual arousal from seeing tears in the eyes of one's partner. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ daddy A role taken on by some dominants or tops that mimics that of a parent: the style is likely to be 'kind but firm', perhaps with little deliberate pain-giving or cruelty except in punishment scenes. A gay male daddy's bottom is likely to be called a boy, and though such scenes can be played on a part-time basis the role is as likely to be part of a long-term relationship as with master/mistress-slave. Other sexualities may play this way too, and although the terms mummy (mommy) and girl are used, there are a number of instances of women taking on the male terms in these sorts of relationships. A description of a daddy-boy relationship is in the Dynamics and Definitions sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ de Sade, Marquis See Deviant Personalities: Sade, Marquis de ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DeBlase, Tony Aka Fledermaus (the pseudonym is taken from the German for 'bat'). US writer, publisher and video maker, founder of a number of influential magazines and a respected authority on SM techniques; also designer of the Leather Pride flag. A fuller biography of DeBlase will appear in Deviant Personalities. See also in the bibliography. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ denim Used as the codeword for a widespread fetish not so much for the material itself, a tough twill fabric woven from cotton, as the clothes typically made from it, especially Western-style jeans and shirt jackets in traditional blue, such as Levi's 501 jeans. With its masculine associations, it isn't surprising that this style of clothing is popular among gay men, and it is often permitted on the dress codes of leather bars, either in conjunction with leather or on its own. There is a considerable overlap between the denim crowd and the SM end of the 'leather' scene. The name, incidentally, derives from the French serge de Nîmes, twill from Nimes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ depilation Removal of hair. The removal of most body hair except the pubic hair for cosmetic purposes is socially acceptable in women, and even expected in many Western countries, but for men it is much more likely to be for erotic purposes. The removal of the pubic hair in both sexes is definitely kinky, though it has the added benefits of preventing the spread of pubic lice and making genital stimulation and bondage techniques more practical. It may be linked to infanitilism, or to castration fantasies, and is sometimes carried out on a bottom as an act of domination or sign of a dom-sub relationship. Hairless heads are becoming more acceptable and some balding men shave their heads to mitigate their baldness, but it can also be carried out as a sexual activity. The commonest means of removing hair is shaving, but the hair grows back fairly rapidly since only the hair above the surface is removed. There are various longer-lasting but more uncomfortable techniques that involve yanking the hair out from the root: waxing is where wax is melted onto the skin then solidified and pulled off, taking the hair with it, something that can also be accomplished even more violently with the use of strong adhesive tape. Simply pulling hair out with the hands is also possible, and in certain places has been offered as a service by prostitutes and courtesans. Modern creams and gels render this process less painful but should be handled with care: preparations intended for use on armpits and limbs may be unsuitable for use on the more sensitive tissues of nipples and genitals. The only permanent methods of depilation involve using electricity to destroy follicles; they involve some pain, have to be carried out in specialist clinics and can take one to two years. Electrolysis uses direct current, and thermolysis, alternating current, whereas blend modality is a combination of the two. Further information on depilation is planned. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ diath Piercing through the ridge below the earhole -- see the Piercing Glossary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ dildo Archaically termed a godemiche, from a French phrase meaning 'I enjoy myself'. Penis-shaped toy designed for insertion into the body. Early versions were made of stuffed gut, leather or ceramics but today they are most commonly made from moulded latex, often to a 'realistic' pattern but in hyper-realist sizes. They may be hand-held, strapped on with a harness to allow women to simulate male fucking, or held in place inside the body by harnesses or clothing. Hygiene demands that you either reserve particular toys for on particular people or cover them in condoms which are changed between different people. The word is of uncertain origin but dates back to the 16th century; it may come from the Italian diletto, 'little darling' (McDonald 1988:39). See also buttplug, vibrator. A full briefing on insertive toys is planned. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ dirty sex This term can refer to games involving mud, but it almost always means playing with shit. Although an English phrase, it is more widely used in continental Europe for this form of sex game. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ discipline Like many SM terms, used rather loosely, but usually refers to the imposition of rules of behaviour on the bottom in domination scenes and the 'punishments' used to enforce them. A distinction is often made between intense and painful activities that are carried out so the bottom gets direct enjoyment from them (see endorphin, pain) and those carried out as a 'punishment' for infraction where in certain kinds of ongoing relationships the bottom does not determine the limits of the activity (see also consent). A bottom seeking 'discipline' would normally expect their behaviour to be carefully controlled and that there will be regular opportunities for some form of physical punishment, even if mild, for infractions. When used with 'bondage' in bondage and discipline, (BD, B&D), as distinct from SM, there is a definite implication that little or no real pain is involved. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dittle sound A straight-shaped urethral sound. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Docs Doctor Marten's (boots). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Doctor Marten's DMs, Docs. A British work boot with a synthetic air cushion sole most notoriously associated with the skinhead cult of the late 1960s, now widely fetishised on the gay scene and the footwear of choice for many European perves. In recent years the original flatter sole has been joined by a thicker one with more tread known as the Ranger. See under Doctor Marten's in the Boots and Shoes briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ dog training Games involving treating the bottom as a dog. See animal training. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ dom Short for dominant -- see domination. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ dom-sub Short for dominant and submissive or domination and submission. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ dominance See domination. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ dominant Either a person who practises or seeks to practise domination or an adjective for a dominant person. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ domination Alternatively, dominance (a form sometimes preferred in the US). The practise of taking the dominant role in a scene, running the scene, controlling the bottom's behaviour, perhaps simply as role play or humiliation or perhaps reinforced by the threat or the actual use of intense or painful physical activities directed at the bottom, and/or by restriction, bondage and physical control. A person who takes on this sexually dominant role, either habitually or for a specific scene, is known as a dominant or dom. The term dominatrix has a more specific meaning -- see below. The complimentary term for the bottom is submission, and someone bottoming to a dominant is called a submissive or sub. 'Submissive' is also an adjective, but the term subby is sometimes heard. The terms 'dom' and 'sub' to describe individuals have slightly more currency in the heterosexual scene that among gay men and lesbians, where the terms 'top' and 'bottom' are more common. Femdom, meaning a female dominant or a scene with a woman top, and its equivalent maledom, are invariably used to refer to heterosexual interaction. The overarching term for games involving domination is domination and submission (dom-sub, DS, D/S, D/s or D&S). Some descriptions of DS are in the Dynamics and Definitions sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ dominatrix The Latin feminine of the term 'dominator', one who dominates, could just mean a woman who enjoys taking the dominant role but almost always refers specifically to the professional dominatrix who charges for staging scenes where she dominates mainly male clients. The work of these women is rarely classed legally as prostitution because very often genital sex is not involved. Some dominatrixes are renowned for their knowledge and skill at both the psychological and physical aspects of SM techniques and a number have made valuable contributions to the BDSM community. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ douche A simple item of equipment for douching, usually consisting of a rubber bulb and nozzle, though the term is sometimes extended to cover other items of douching equipment. Also the activity of douching, as in 'I had a douche' or 'I douched'. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ douching From the French douche, 'shower', in a sexual context this means injecting liquid, usually water, under pressure into the arse or cunt, either for hygiene purposes prior to sex, for contraceptive purposes afterwards (not terribly reliable), or as a sexual thrill in itself. In the vagina the liquid is entering a closed cavity and only a limited amount can be used. In the rectum, the cavity immediatly behind the arsehole can be flushed, or liquid can be made to penetrate higher and further into the bowel and colon: such a thorough anal douche is known as an enema and the sexual enjoyment of them is termed klismaphilia. The body will quickly attempt to expel water introduced in this way with a shitting action and controlling this can be part of the fun. The main types of equipment for douching are simple douches with a rubber bulb attached to a nozzle into which liquid can be sucked and then injected; shower attachments designed for inserting into the relevant orifices (take great care with these to regulate the pressure and temperature of your shower); and enema kits of the sort designed for medical use to relieve constipation. These consist of a vessel or bag, typically of around 2 litres (4 pts) capacity, attached to a long tube of around 2m (6') that ends in a nozzle (there are sometimes interchangeable heads for both anal and vaginal use), with a valve or clamp for turning the flow on and off. The length of the tube is necessary for the bag to be suspended above the recipient so that air pressure will force the liquid down. Sometimes the term 'douche' is extended to cover any or all of these items of equipment. Douching is generally a harmless game but can cause problems if done incorrectly. To prevent infections, the equipment should be kept clean and should be reserved for one-person use, and should not be swapped between arse and cunt without a thorough cleaning. Douching with someone else's piss carries some risk of transmitting infections. Clean water is safest: various soaps can irritate internal tissues, and alcohol and other drugs are absorbed much more readily through the wall of the intestine than when taken orally, with a risk of rapid intoxication and even poisoning if any but the smallest quantities are used. Start by using only modest amounts of liquid -- 500ml (a pint) is quite enough for an enema. Avoid high pressure: let the water flow gently. Frequent douching can disturb the natural balance of chemicals and micro-organisms inside the body and vaginal douching is not recommended for women with IUDs (coils). Some enema fans recommend eating live yoghurt after a session to replace bacteria lost from the gut. A full factsheet on douching is forthcoming; see also safer sex. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ dress code A set of rules imposed at a BDSM venue or party that requires customers or guests to dress in a certain way. Dress codes date back to a time that the scene was much smaller and more furtive than it is today, where they truly were 'codes' that allowed those with certain sexual proclivities to recognise each other, but they still endure in many places, much to the disgruntlement of critics who argue that one's ability to put on certain clothes says little about one's sexual experience and capabilities. Typical dress codes in gay male (and some lesbian) circles revolve around leather, denim, rubber, 'uniform' and, in Europe, skinhead gear. On the straight scene acceptable appearances cluster round the more obviously fetishistic materials like leather, rubber and PVC but in a more extravagant repertory of styles, with space for the costumes of other fantasy figures like nurses and nuns. A more detailed discussion of dress codes is planned for the Codes and Symbols sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ drugs By drugs here we mean recreational drugs, those intoxicating substances taken for reasons other than medical ones. The marginal nature of the BDSM community means that some drugs may be more familiar to its members than to society at large, but in general wise BDSMers do not mix drugs and play, and many play parties and events have no-drugs rules. Many SM activities are potentially dangerous and it is important that both top and bottom are alert and aware of any problems. Nevertheless some people do experiment with drugs in combination with scenes. Poppers are the most familiar drugs to be indelibly associated with sex (see the section in the Drugs sourcesheet). Alcohol and cannabis in small amounts are sometimes convenient disinhibitors and relaxants. Some people use speed to keep them going through long scenes; others experiment with hallucinogenics like acid (psychologically risky). The effects of some drugs can be inappropriate: ecstasy may make you too docile for complicated sex, and opiates like smack are powerful analgesics that inhibit the perception of pain! A comprehensive sourcesheet discussing drugs in relation to SM sex is in preparation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ duct tape US term for the tough, woven adhesive tape also known as gaffa tape. See also What to Use: Tapes and Wraps in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ dungeon Melodramatic term for a playroom, a room specially equipped for SM sex, perhaps of the heavier or more leathery variety. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Durex Best known British brand of condom. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ dydo Piercing passing at right angles through the rim (corona) of the glans penis -- see the Piercing Glossary. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ the deviants' dictionary Main Entries Updated 21 July 1997jockstrap-mummy A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZINTRO | FRAMES | INDEX MORE ENTRIES: A-D E-I N-Q R-T U-Z CONTRIBUTORS | BOOKLIST | LINKS | HELP J ------------------------------------------------------------------------ jug sling hitch Knot with resizable loop suitable for attaching tethers to the bottom. See the Knots Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ K ------------------------------------------------------------------------ klismaphilia The obtaining of sexual enjoyment from enemas -- see douching. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ knot The simplest way to fasten rope bondage and a skill that most BDSMers benefit from gaining some proficiency in. A number of the most useful knots for bondage purposes are illustrated in the Knots Sourcesheet; see also What to Use: Rope in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ L ------------------------------------------------------------------------ labret Piercing into the mouth from just below the center of the lower lip -- see the Piercing Glossary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ lark's head Knot for attaching rope to an anchor point leaving two ends dangling. See the Knots Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ lash, lashing 1. A sort of long-tailed implement like a whip that can create a stinging pain; striking with such an implement. See Terms and What to Use: Whips in the Flagellation Reference. 2. To fasten something to something else with rope. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lawrence, Thomas Edward aka "Lawrence of Arabia" 1888-1935. British military officer instrumental in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I, immortalized most majestically in the 1962 David Lean film Lawrence of Arabia and later revealed as a person who amongst other things enjoyed severe floggings. See Deviant Personalities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ leather Material made from the cured skin of animals is a popular sexual fetish: it may combine some natural appeal with the social associations of particularly black leather with power and masculinity. Certainly it often co-occurs with SM interests and was the dress code and de facto uniform of the influential gay male SM community that developed in the US from the 1960s, who came to be known as leathermen. Consequently 'leather' is often used, rather euphemistically, as a general term for BDSM interests, a usage immortalised in the title of Larry Townsend's seminal Leatherman's Handbook (Townsend 1983), first published in 1972, which is in fact a manual of SM techniques. Today the leathermen have been joined by leatherwomen and phrases such as 'leathersex', 'leather community' and 'leather lifestyle' are used to imply much more than a fetishistic interest in the material itself. The usage is particularly common in the US, and among lesbian and gay SMers, though it has some currency on the straight scene too. But in fact the overlap between the two interests has never been total and there are many SMers for whom leather does little. The usage would be acceptable, albeit potentially confusing, if it were accepted that there were two meanings, and that those into 'leather' would not necessarily be wearing leather. Unfortunately some SMers fail to comprehend that others can have a different complex of sexual interests from themselves and insist that 'real' SMers wear leather while 'real' leatherpeople do SM. This attitude was already widespread in the 1970s with complaints that most of the people wearing leather in the bars just 'liked the look' and were otherwise totally vanilla. Today it is more likely to manifest itself in arguments over dress codes and the complaints are as likely to come from SMers who want to play in public spaces without having to conform to someone else's fetish. It should be noted that even just as a fetish the term 'leather' is not likely to indicate just any old leather but implies a specific subset of leather clothing, preferably in black. The most essential item is the classic motorcycle jacket, and this may often be enough on its own to satisfy a dress code if worn with denim jeans and boots. Also acceptable are black leather trousers, chaps, shirts and various items of bondage wear such as harnesses. Red suede jackets, blacksmith's aprons and white kid gloves will generally not do. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Leather Pride flag This recently designed symbol enjoys a gradually spreading popularity particularly among lesbian and gay SMers; Leather here is certainly being used in its wider sense. See in the Codes and Symbols sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ leatherman May just mean a man into leather as a fetish but more likely to mean a male SMer belonging to a particular community where the wearing of leather is the norm, a particularly common usage among gay male SMers in the US. See leather. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ leatherwoman May just mean a woman into leather as a fetish but more likely to mean a female SMer belonging to a particular community where the wearing of leather is the norm, a particularly common usage among lesbian SMers in the US. See leather. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ left-right convention A well-know visual code to indicate sexual interests whereby an accessory displayed on the left of the body indicates top or active, and on the right, bottom or passive. Used in conjunction with the hanky code to indicate more specific activities. See in the Codes and Symbols Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ leg irons See irons. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ leg restraint Bondage device placed around leg -- see restraint 2. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ leg stretcher Restraint designed to force the legs apart -- see stretcher or under What to use: Stretchers in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ limit The point beyond which a player in a BDSM game does not consent to go. Can either indicate a particular activity that someone cannot cope with or finds a turnoff, or a point reached in play at which the stimulation ceases to be enjoyable or satisfying, or becomes impossible to cope with psychologically. Obviously the limits will vary between person to person and situation to situation. Note that although limits are usually thought of in connection with bottoms, they are also applicable to tops. More discussion in the Ethics Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ lorum Piercing through the skin on the underside of the penis -- see the Piercing Glossary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ lunge whip Quirt. Long thin whip used in coaching and carriage-driving. See What to Use: Riding Whips in the Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ M ------------------------------------------------------------------------ M A potentially confusing abbreviation. In SM it stands for masochism and so may indicate a masochist. But it can also stand for the opposite role in the opposition of master or mistress and slave. When used for masochist it may be written m in lower case; when used for master or mistress it is almost always written in upper case. Thankfully the sense is usually clear from the context. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ M/s Sometimes MS, M&S or M-s. Master (or mistress) and slave. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ madison Piercing through the front of the neck -- see the Piercing Glossary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ madonna Piercing through either side of the upper lip -- see the Piercing Glossary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ malacca Thick cane with a knob-shaped handle at one end. See What to Use: Canes in the Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ maledom A male dominant or male domination. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ manacle Metal rings joined by a chain to restrain wrists or ankles -- see What to use: Manacles and Irons in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ martinet Small flogger usually having six leather tresses of the same length as the handle. See What to use: Floggers in the Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ masochism, masochist In contemporary BDSM circles, the propensity to enjoy undergoing experiences normally thought of as painful, and one who enjoys such experiences, but the terms have a more complex past. See sadomasochism. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ master Female equivalent: mistress. Dominant, controlling partner or top in a relationship based on sexual domination and submission (DS), where the submissive partner is known as the slave. Such relationships are known as master/mistress-slave relationships, abbreviated to M/s, M-s or MS. Both terms were formerly used more generally to cover a variety of different BDSM styles but as the community begins to disentangle DS from the enjoyment of pain, they are gradually becoming specialised to situations where the DS element is particularly essential or marked and/or where it perhaps extends into everyday life, as when the slave carries out domestic tasks for the master/mistress or adopts formalised rules of address and other rules of behaviour. There are even cases of 'full-time' or 24/7 (24 hours a day, seven days a week) MS relationships, where the slave has perhaps signed a contract and considers him/herself owned as 'property'. See also daddy, discipline, domination, sadomasochism, top and the discussion on master-slave relationships in the Dynamics and Definitions Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ medical scene Scene involving some form of medical procedure or scenario, perhaps with the top playing the role of a doctor or nurse and the bottom a patient, often with a control element. Typical medical scenes may involve intrusive physical examinations and insertive medical equipment such as specula, douching and enemas, and perhaps catheterisation, piercing, suturing, electricity, breath control with anaesthesia masks, and the use of naso-gastric tubes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Medicut Trade name for a common type of canula needle. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ mistress Female equivalent of a master. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ mommy Female equivalent (in American English) of a daddy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ mummee One who is mummified. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ mummification A specialised kind of bondage in which the whole body, including the head if some form of breathing tube is used, is wrapped tightly using materials like clingfilm (saran wrap) and gaffa tape, cloth or latex bandages until the bottom (the mummee) is completely immobilised. Holes are then sometimes made for access to genitals and other areas. More information in the Mummification Briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ mummy 1. Female equivalent (in British English) of a daddy. 2. One who is mummified, though in this case the spelling 'mummee' is usually preferred. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ the deviants' dictionary Main Entries Updated 21 July 1997NG tube-quirt A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZINTRO | FRAMES | INDEX MORE ENTRIES: A-D E-I J-M R-T U-Z CONTRIBUTORS | BOOKLIST | LINKS | HELP N ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NG tube Nasogastric tube. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ nasogastric tube NG tube. Sterile rubber or polythene tube used in hospitals for direct access to the stomach via the nose for feeding or pumping. Used in control-type scenes for force feeding and the giving of fluids. They are considered a safer and more comfortable alternative to orogastric tubes, which access the stomach via the mouth. For procedures see the Briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ negotiation With the variety of activities that come under the rubric of BDSM, the huge variation in individuals' limits and the importance of consent, a good deal of open, honest negotiation before a scene is vital. There are various ways to make this process fun as well -- we hope to be covering this in future. For the moment see the notes on Negotiations and Limits in the Ethics Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ nitrite See poppers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ novice The usual term for someone new either to BDSM as a whole or to a particular activity. Very few people come out onto the scene with no experience at all -- most have experimented on themselves or perhaps persuaded vanilla partners to indulge some of their desires -- but nonetheless a good top will take a different approach to a novice bottom than to an experienced one, and for successful negotiation should be honest about their levels of experience. A sourcesheet giving advice to novices is forthcoming. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ nuchae Piercing through the back of the neck -- see the Piercing Glossary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ nullification The surgical removal of an external part of the body, as in castration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ O ------------------------------------------------------------------------ oral sex Any sex involving contact between mouth and arsehole (see rimming), cock (see fellatio) or cunt (see cunnilingus. All these were once considered perversions, but are now vanilla activities that frequently arise in a BDSM context too. Hygiene precautions should be observed with all of them -- see safer sex. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ orchidectomy The surgical removal of the testicles -- see castration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ orogastric tube A tube from mouth to stomach -- see force feeding and nasogastric tube. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ovariectomy The surgical removal of the ovaries -- see castration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ P ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PA Prince Albert. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PE Power Exchange. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ paddle, paddling A flat instrument for striking the body with, particularly the buttocks; using such an implement, which effectively imitates the effect of the flat of the palm in spanking. See What to Use: Paddles in The Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ padlock The familiar piece of household security equipment consisting of a lockable metal clip is sometimes used as a means of securing in bondage. See What to Use: Padlocks and Clips in The Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ pain Pain is, in broad terms, the body's warning that something is wrong, but our pain responses are very complex and it is very easy to produce the effect of pain without doing any real harm; the pain threshold, at which a stimulus crosses the boundary between intense sensation and pain, is also a grey area in terms of our perception, and can vary according to context. SM is associated in most people's minds with potentially painful activities, sometimes referred to as paingames (for example various kinds of flagellation or torture), and it is true that some people directly enjoy, or at least get some other kind of satisfaction out of, intense physical sensation. Most of this, however, is on rather than decidedly over the pain threshold, and some of the satisfaction may be attributable to the release of body chemicals such as endorphins. And there are other aspects of SM: most players' interests are a mixture of the physical aspects and the psychological dynamics of domination and submission, and some play with hardly any physical pain at all. Those for whom the interest in pain predominates are sometimes referred to as sadists and masochists rather than dominants and submissives. See the Pain Sourcesheet and under Pain in the Boundaries section of the Dynamics and Definitons sourcesheet for further discussion. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ pain threshold The point of intensity at which stimulation becomes pain -- see pain. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ painful bondage Specialist form of severe bondage which is carried out not just for restraint but to inflict pain by fastening the body into positions that place strain on the muscles. A section of the The Bondage Practical is in preparation on this topic. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ paingames SM activities involving pain. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ panic snap A metal clip shaped like a wedge with a hinged section down the side that snaps into place, very useful as fastening in bondage. See What to Use: Padlocks and Clips in The Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ pansexuality All-encompassing sexuality, disregarding gender differences and, sometimes, preferences for particular activities. Could be used of a person, in which case it suggests a wide interest in all forms of sex with partners of any gender. Much more commonly used of a community: some people have argued for the pansexuality of the BDSM community. Alternatively pansexual can mean simply pertaining to all sexes and sexual orientations: for example, this Deviants' Dictionary is a pansexual project because it aims to address the BDSM interests of any combination of male and female, heterosexual and homosexual and top and bottom. For some personal thoughts by Slakker, see the section in the Dynamics and Definitions Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ parachute A toy shaped like a shallow cone, usually of leather or neoprene, with a hole in the centre and chains or cords hanging from around the rim and joined together belief, slightly resembling a parachute, and use for weighting the balls by resting the parachute on them with the scrotum passing up through the hole and hanging weights from the chains. See What to Use in The Ball Torture Briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ penectomy The surgical removal of the penis -- see castration. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ penile sheath See sheath. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ percussion play Term used by some SMers to group together all activities involving repeated striking, with the hands or with any heavy or light, blunt, cutting or stinging implement. See The Flagellation Reference and entries on spanking, punching, kicking. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ permanent piercing Piercing the body in order to insert jewellery that is intended to be worn on at least a semi-permanent basis, as opposed to play or temporary piercing -- see piercing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ pervertible Term coined by David Stein and now used widely to describe objects intended for some non-sexual use, especially everyday household objects, that can nonetheless be appropriated for BDSM play. Typical pervertibles are clothespegs, clingfilm, household candles (see temperature play), and wooden spoons and spatulas that can be used as improvised paddles. A comprehensive list of pervertibles is in preparation. The word is sometimes seen spelt pervertable but after some correspondence with Mr Stein, including copious citation of Latin derivational affixes, we have settled on the spelling given above by analogy with 'convertible'. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ petticoat discipline Making a boy dress up as a girl to punish him by humiliation, as was apparently carried out in Scotland by making boys wear a kilt without a sporran -- see cross dressing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ piercing Any activity that involves piercing the body with a thin, sharp object such as a needle. There are two basic types: permanent piercing, sometimes called ringing, and play or temporary piercing. Permanent piercing is carried out with a relatively thick needle in order to insert jewellery which is then worn on at least a semi-permanent basis. For more information see the Permanent Piercing Factsheet. Play piercing is carried out for the experience of the piercing itself, the sensation of which can vary between barely noticeable and excruciating depending on where and how it is done. Thinner needles are used and are removed before the end of the session. For more information see the Play Piercing Factsheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ pile hitch Knot for tethering rope to a pile or peg, that tightens as it is pulled. See the Knots Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ piss The sexual enjoyment of piss (urine) is officially known as urolagnia, and sometimes referred to as golden showers (GS), water sports (WS) or yellow (the colour used to indicate piss in the hanky code). Someone who likes drinking piss might describe themselves as thirsty. Fascination with piss is fairly common: it may be enjoyed for its own sake, but in a BDSM context it can be part of a degradation or humiliation scene. Fresh piss is generally sterile and safe to play with and to drink, and indeed the constant flushing with piss is the reason why certain genital piercings heal so rapidly, but there are exceptions. An infection in the bladder, prostate or urethra can contaminate piss -- if you have one of these you will know about it because you will experience discomfort when you piss. And infections and trauma in the area, such as can be caused by the use of catheters and sounds, can enable traces of blood to find their way into piss, which can carry viral infections like HIV and Hepatitis. Piss is fine on unbroken skins, but be careful on cuts and abrasions, and in the mouth if there are abrasions where viruses could find their way in before being destroyed by stomach acids: avoid both if there is or has recently been a bacterial infection. Piss enemas and the exchanging of piss between bladders via catheters are risky because of possibility of cross infection and the skin trauma involved. A more comprehensive section on piss play is planned. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ play piercing Piercing the body for the experience of the piercing itself, with needles that are removed before the end of the session, as opposed to permanent piercing -- see piercing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ playroom Room designed specifically for SM sex, perhaps equipped with large items such as racks and crosses and with certain room modifications to faciliate bondage, a water supply and toilet and storage for various toys. Sometimes called a blackroom although by no means always painted black; can also be known melodramatically as a dungeon, which perhaps suggests a venue for heavier or more leathery scenes. Some suggestions for designing and stocking playrooms are in preparation. See also What to Use: Room Modifications in the Bondage Factsheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ poppers Common name for amyl (or alkyl, butyl or propyl) nitrite, also known as aromas. These are volatile compounds whose vapours cause temporarily increased heart and breathing rates, muscle relaxation and a characteristic 'rushing' feeling in the head. Popular on the gay and rave scenes and often used in an SM context as disinhibitor, muscle relaxant and means of raising limits. There are some dangers associated with their use but claims of serious consequences to the health are largely unsubstantiated. See the discussion in the Drugs Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ power exchange PE. A term used by some people to refer to what happens in a BDSM scene when the bottom agrees to be submissive and/or gives up control to the top. Also sometimes identified as the defining characteristic of SM, which has been described as 'a form of eroticism based on a consensual exchange of power' (Samois 1982). More on this not entirely transparent notion in the Boundaries section of the Dynamics and Definitons sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Prince Albert PA, Albert. Piercing between the urethra and the underside of the penis just to the side of the frenum, allowing a ring to be worn on the end of the penis -- see the Piercing Glossary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ proctoscope Similar to a speculum. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ professional dominatrix See dominatrix. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ prussick Knot used for creating a resizeable loop. See the Knots Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ punch fucking A particularly rare and extreme form of fisting. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ pushy bottom Common phrase for a bottom who is overdemanding and while purporting to be submissive attempts to control the scene by manipulation, usually to increase the intensity of what's going on or to invite other activities rather than to defy or disobey the top. Obviously the more the dynamic of domination and submission is important to the scene, the more pushiness on the bottom's part could become a problem. Most tops err on the side of caution when playing with someone new so there is a good possibility with partners who do not know each other well that the bottom will feel frustrated that his or her limit is not being reached. If this is happening it's usually less irritating and disruptive to either wait for a break or call one and then explain what is happening explicitly to the top. The situation can be usually be avoided by patience and honest negotiation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Q ------------------------------------------------------------------------ queening When a woman sits astride a person's face and forces her cunt into their mouth and nose. Could be simply for cunnilingus or practised as a form of breath control. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ quirt A long coaching whip -- see lunge whip and under What to Use: Riding Whips in the Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ the deviants' dictionary Main Entries Updated 21 July 1997rack-24/7 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZINTRO | FRAMES | INDEX MORE ENTRIES: A-D E-I J-M N-Q U-Z CONTRIBUTORS | BOOKLIST | LINKS | HELP R ------------------------------------------------------------------------ rack Item of bondage furniture consisting of a horizontal platform or table with fixing points allowing someone to be stretched out on their back or front with easy access all round: rarely do modern racks provide the facility for progressive stretching familiar from the popular image of the mediaeval torture chamber. See What to use: Racks in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ranger A newer version of the Doctor Marten boot with a thicker sole. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ rebreathing A form of breath control or suffocation involving breathing into an airtight enclosure so the oxygen is cumulatively exhausted and supplanted by exhaled carbon dioxide. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ red Hanky code for fisting. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ reef knot See square knot. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Relaxicisor Machine similar to a TENS machine, sometimes used in electrical play. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ restraining, restraint 1. Practice of limiting someone's movement with the use of fastenings of various kinds, as in placing someone 'under restraint' -- in this sense the term is interchangeable with bondage. 2. Restraint, a term for various objects designed for bondage purposes, usually consisting of straps or buckles for placing round limbs prior to fastening them together, as in ankle, elbow, leg and wrist restraints. See What to use: Straps and Restraints in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ restriction May mean limiting someone's movement with the use of fastenings of various kinds, as in bondage; or a rule of behaviour placed upon a bottom as part of roleplay; or a special kind of bondage involving binding the chest to restrict the breathing, a form of breath control. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ retifism The fetish for boots and shoes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ riding crop Short whip with a loop of leather on the end intended for use on horses but very useful and adaptable on humans too. See What to use: Riding Whips in the Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ rimjob See rimming. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ rimming Giving a rimjob. Mouth contact with the arsehole, including insertion of the tongue inside it. More common than you might think in vanilla sex; in BDSM it may be as a form of service performed on a top by a bottom, but in view of the intensity of the sensation it could go either way. Hygiene precautions should be observed with this activity: unless the area is cleaned extremely thoroughly, including douching, there is likely to be shit around, which may of course be the object of the exercise. See also safer sex. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ringing An alternative name for Permanent Piercing -- see piercing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ rook Piercing through the ridge above the earhole -- see the Piercing Glossary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ rope The cheapest, most widely available and most versatile bondage equipment, for which purpose medium thickness nylon rope is to be preferred by beginners. Much more under What to use: Rope in the Bondage Reference; see also the Knots Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ round turn A useful and quick knot with which to tie down a rope end. See the Knots Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ rubber 1. After leather, easily the most popular material fetish going, though it tends to be more popular in Europe, where items can be obtained reasonably cheaply, than in US, where they are very expensive. It mainly takes the form of an interest in clothing, hoods and bondage items made out of latex sheeting and, as with leather, black is the most popular colour, though by no means totally monolithic. Rubber in other colours is popular too, especially in continental Europe. Most of the clothing is purpose made, often in imitation of more conventional styles, but some items, such as all in one suits, are peculiar to the fetish community. Shorts and T-shirts are common but some rubber fans want total coverage, to be totally encased in rubber. Rubber fetishism often, though not universally, co-occurs with a particular set of other fetishisms and interests: breath control, fisting, piss, shaving and shit are all fairly likely bedfellows. The character of the rubber scene has changed over the past few decades: in days gone by people could still remember rubber clothing such as raincoats made for practical purposes and the fetish often focussed around such items -- for a fascinating evocation of the 1960s scene see North 1970. Today almost all rubber gear is made specially for fetishists, and its popularity seems to be on the increase, perhaps encouraged by renewed interest in condoms for safer sex purposes. The only vanilla items still found are the ever popular gasmasks, wellington boots and waders and items of heavy industrial protective clothing. A more detailed document on rubber is forthcoming. 2. Euphemism for condom, especially used in the US. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ rubber johnny Slang term for condom. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ S ------------------------------------------------------------------------ S A potentially confusing abbreviation. In SM it stands for sadism and so may indicate a sadist. But it can also stand for 'slave' as opposed to master or mistress. When used for slave it may be written s in lower case; when used for sadist it is most likely to be written in upper case. Thankfully the sense is usually clear from the context. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SM S/M, S/m, S&M. Normally sadomasochism, though confusingly it occasionally refers to 'slave/master or mistress', in which case it might be written s/M (but in this usage 'M/s' is more usual). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SMer Sadomasochist, person who does SM. See sadomasochism. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sacher-Masoch, Leopold von (1836-1895) Aristrocratic Austrian Romantic novelist whose semi-autobiographical Venus im Pelz (Venus in Furs, 1869 -- see Sacher-Masoch 1980) is an influential early account of a mistress-slave relationship. Immortalised when psychologist Krafft-Ebing named the 'disorder' of masochism after him. For more see in Deviant Personalities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sade, Marquis de Donatien Alphonse François, Comte de Sade (1740-1817), French philosopher, novelist and revolutionary whose novels, such as Les 120 Journées de Sodome (The 120 Days of Sodom, 1785 -- see Sade 1966), Justine and Juliette, are as much social satire and philosophical parable as they are provocative portrayals of sexual violence and degradation. Immortalised when psychologist Krafft-Ebing named the 'disorder' of sadism after him. For more see in Deviant Personalities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ sadism, sadist See sadomasochism. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ sadomasochism, sadomasochist SM, S/M, S/m, S&M, SMer (=sadomasochist). Human sexual behaviour is highly complex and there are no easy definitions for the terms used to describe it -- usage has shifted both over time and from group to group, being adapted to the needs and opinions of the day. The terms sadism and masochism, as used of sex-related activities and interests, and the corresponding sadist and masochist, meaning those who practise such activities or have such interests, were first coined by psychologist Krafft-Ebing, drawing on the names of authors Sade and Sacher-Masoch to characterise what he saw as disorders. Contrary to the popular understandings of today, Krafft-Ebing did not see the two as complements: sadists were sexually aroused by the infliction of cruelty and pain on others or on themselves, whereas masochists were aroused by fantasies of being controlled, dominated and humiliated. Krafft-Ebing's definition clearly separates two tendencies which are usually present in various proportions in most people who would describe themselves as BDSMers, but which it is often useful to keep distinct: the interest in domination and submission, and the interest in the infliction of pain. However neither Krafft-Ebing nor many of the psychologists following him, until Ellis, made a distinction between those who aroused themselves by inflicting cruelty on unwilling victims, and those who incorporated elements of pain and domination into consensual sexual encounters for mutual pleasure. Thus in everyday speech the term 'sadist' in particular is used loosely to describe anyone who is inordinately cruel or unpleasant. Freud first blended the pair of terms into sadomasochism, emphasising the potential reciprocity of the use of pain in sexual encounters but obliterating the distinction between what we might call the sensual side of SM and the psychological, dom-sub side. This confusion has persisted and the two are only now beginning to be unpicked by SMers themselves. Today as it is normally used, the term 'sadomasochism' usually suggests mutual consensual activity for the purposes of sexual arousal which involves some sort of pain, restraint or domination. However, it covers a wide field with very flexible borders, encompassing all kinds of things that aren't considered normal or conventioanl sex: indeed, you sometimes think some people use it to cover everything a little unconventional that they personally find a turn-on. Some people, however, do attempt to maintain the distinction between interests in pain and in other activities like dom-sub, clothing fetishes, bondage for its own sake and so on, and reserve the term sadomasochism for pain games. Despite Krafft-Ebing's original distinction, today most people on the BDSM scene who describe themselves as 'sadists' intend to emphasise the enjoyment they obtain from inflicting pain, and those who describe themselves as 'masochists' to emphasise the enjoyment they obtain from enduring it, within certain limits. This narrower reading of 'sadomasochism' is reflected in the use of more 'all-encompassing' terms such as 'BDSM', 'perve' and even euphemisms like 'leather'. For a more detailed discussion of the terms, and a few definitions that have been suggested, see the Dynamics and Definitions Sourcesheet. For an impressionistic and widely-quoted evocation of the diversity of SM, see Donald Miesen's 'A view of Sadomasochism', posted among other places on the Arizona Power Exchange site. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ safe out See safeword. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Safe, Sane and Consensual A widely-known slogan in the BDSM community that aims to specify the limits of ethically acceptable play. It is not without its flaws: we might ask whether play can (or should) be made totally safe, and also whose standards of sanity are being used. It could be argued that 'consensual' actually encompasses the others, so long as both parties are informed about the risks of what they are doing and every effort is made to avoid unintended consequences. See The SM Orthodoxy: Safe, Sane and Consensual in the Ethics Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ safe signal See safeword. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ safer sex This term is usually used in connection with having sex more safely from the point of view of transmission of diseases, especially HIV/Aids. Specific advice on health and safety with respect to various activities is discussed under the individual activities themselves; for a general discussion of sexually transmitted diseases and SM, see The Safer Sex Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ safeword Stopword. A word or words agreed before a scene begins that a bottom can use to ask the top to ease up or to stop the scene entirely: the non-verbal equivalent, which may be necessary in the event that the bottom is gagged, is a safe signal or stop signal. It is both a safety device and a way of managing consent, insisted on by some players and avoided by others as artificial. When the bottom uses the word, he or she is said to safe out. For a discussion about the pros and cons see Safewords and Safe Signals in the Ethics Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ St Andrew's cross See cross. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ saran wrap US brand of clingfilm. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ scaffold Piercing with two holes on both sides of the arch at the top of the ear, allowing a bar to be worn right across the ear -- see the Piercing Glossary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ scat Term for playing with shit. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ scene 1. An individual SM encounter, as in 'I had a scene with x last night'. 2. The SM community, particularly the more organised and commercial social spaces, as in 'I don't go out on the scene very much'. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ scourge, scourging A scourge is typically a whip of several leather thongs, as once practised by religious flagellants. Used loosely, the term 'scourging' is likely to imply a whipping severe enough to draw blood. See under terms in The Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ seizure Medically, a bout of unconsciousness coupled with spasming of the muscles, the best known cause of which is epilepsy. Possibly the second most common medical emergency you might have to deal with in an SM scene -- a detailed discussion is under Seizure Management in the First Aid Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ self-bondage Bondage carried out on oneself during solo play. Special safety precautions must be taken with this style of bondage -- for more see Self Bondage in the Bondage Practical. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ shackle Metal bondage item consisting of round cuffs joined by a chain or bar, discussed here as Manacles and Irons in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ shackle bolt U-shaped metal fastening with screw-in barrel across the top used to close it, a useful form of clip in bondage. See What to Use: Padlocks and Clips in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ shaving A form of depilation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ sheath In a sexual context, normally refers to a penile sheath, an item designed to tightly sheathe the penis. Some sheaths are items of fetish clothing, worn separately or 'built-in' to other garments. Waterproof sheaths may be connected to gags for piss games. By far the commonest sheath, however, is the condom, designed as a contraceptive and now widely used for safer sex purposes; in fact the term 'sheath' is sometimes used interchangeably with 'condom'. Note that only a proper condom should be relied upon for contraception and safer sex; if you intend to fuck someone while wearing a fetish or novelty sheath, wear a very generously lubricated strong condom underneath. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ sheepshank A knot used to shorten a rope that has already been fastened at both ends -- see the Knots Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ sheetbend A knot used to tie two ropes together; the slipped sheetbend is similar but even easier to untie -- see the Knots Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ shoes There is a common fetish for certain kinds of shoes -- see under boots and shoes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ shit The scientific name for being aroused by excrement is coprophilia, though games involving shit are known more commonly (and euphemistically) by the term scat (this word is derived from 'scatology', originally the medical practise of diagnosis through the inspection of faeces, from a Greek root that is cognate with English 'shit', though curiously enough 'scatology' was used in the 19th century to mean 'pornography' -- see McDonald 1996:129). The hanky code for shit is brown. Some people may find the shit itself a turn-on, others find it as repulsive as most people but get off on the degradation and humiliation of playing with it; it may also be linked to an interest in arseholes (see arseplay) as a sex organ. Shit games range from an interest in fucking shitty arseholes, through wanting to handle and be smeared in it to wanting to eat it, a practise known as coprophagy, perhaps as part of a submissive fantasy about being a toilet (see also rimming). Though having shit on unbroken skin can do little harm, there are some health risks attached to coprophagy, particularly involving the transmission of bacterial and yeast infections and viruses like hepatitis-B (although shit is not particularly a risk for HIV unless blood is present -- see safer sex). Some people act out these kinds of games as fantasy by substituting items like chocolate cake at the last moment. More information on shit play is in preparation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ signal whip Medium-length plaited leather whip similar to a small bullwhip, as used with dog teams. See What to Use: Whips in the Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ slapper Form of paddle with hinged second surface to produce extra-loud noise on contact. See What to Use: Paddles in the Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ slave Once used more generally for an SM bottom, this is now becoming limited to submissive in a long-term dominant- submissive relationship. See master. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ sleepsack A bag in which to wrap the body for a particularly intense form of bondage, custom-made from leather or rubber or improvised from a sleeping bag and rope or straps. See What to Use: Garments in the Bondage Reference; see also mummification. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ slipped sheetbend See Sheetbend. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ sound 1. Medical implement designed to be inserted into the urethra, usually consisting of a smooth metal bar, which may be straight as in the Dittle sound or hooked like the Van Buren sound. For more information see the Briefing. 2. Sound, in the sense of aural stimulation, is sometimes used in the context of a scene. More information is forthcoming. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ spanking Hitting someone with the flat of the palm, typically on the buttocks, as a form of corporal punishment. A similar physical effect can be achieved by using a paddle and sometimes this is included under spanking. More on manual spanking in the Briefing; beating using implements of various kinds is dealt with under flagellation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Spanner The original codeword for a police investigation in England in 1991, Operation Spanner, that resulted in the arrest and conviction of consensual gay male sadomasochists on assault charges, effectively rendering SM sex of all but the lightest kinds illegal in England. The judgement is still in place, all appeals up to and including the European Court of Human Rights having failed. For more details see in the SM and the Law Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ speculum Device intended for medical examination of the rectum or vagina, normally made of steel in a duckbill design. The 'bill' is lubricated and inserted and then the two jaws are moved apart with a screw mechanism, stretching the opening to give a clear view down the throat of the instrument. Objects such as swabs can also be inserted through the throat and into the office. Used by SMers in medical scenes but also in more general use; the ability to slowly increase the tension on the opening is useful in anal fisting as a way of gradually stretching and relaxing the sphincter. Proctoscopes are similar devices. For safety reasons toys like this should only be used on one person unless effectively sterilised in between -- see safer sex. A full briefing on insertive toys is in preparation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Spencer paddle Form of wooden paddle with holes drilled in striking surface. See What to Use: Paddles in the Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ square knot Reef knot. The simplest and one of the most common and effective general purpose knots for tying two ends of rope together -- see the Knots Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ stocks Substantial item of bondage furniture based on mediaeval model, usually consisting of a two hinged pieces of wood with semi-circular holes that when locked together form rings to trap neck, wrists and/or ankles. See What to Use: Crosses, Stocks and Posts in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ stopword See safeword. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ straight 8 A type of handcuff. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ strait jacket A garment sometimes used on prisoners or psychiatric patients with closed-ended sleeves that can be strapped around the person's back, sometimes also used for bondage. See What to Use: Garments in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ strangling See under breath control. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ strap 1. Length of leather or other material used for fastening -- see What to Use: Straps and Restraints in the Bondage Reference. 2. As above but used for striking the body; may also refer to a specially made item for this purpose. See under What to Use: Straps and Belts in the Flagellation Reference. Thus strapping, striking with a strap. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ strapping See strap 2. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ stretcher Term covering a variety of toys used for stretching muscles or parts of the body. A ball stretcher in fact stretches the scrotum above the balls -- see under ball toy. In bondage, stretchers are cuffs attached to long solid bars designed to hold limbs apart. See What to Use: Stretchers in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ sub Submissive, usually used of a person. See domination. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ subby Submissive (as an adjective). See domination. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ submission The act of or interest in submitting to a someone else's will, within limits, for sexual purposes. See domination. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ submissive One who submits. See domination. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ suffocation See under breath control. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ suspension An advanced variety of bondage in which the whole body is lifted off the ground and hangs free in space. See the Briefing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ switch 1. Someone who switches between Top and Bottom roles, either from scene to scene or within a scene, also known as a switch-hitter. 2. Small cane with split end: see What to Use: Canes in the Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ switch-hitter See switch 1. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ symbols See under codes and symbols. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ T ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TPE Total Power Exchange. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TENS unit Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation unit, one of a number of machines designed for applying electrical pulses to the body at safe levels. Similar machines include EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulator) units and Relaxicisors. See What to Use in the Electricity Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ TES The Eulenspiegel Society. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ tawse 1. Leather strap split most of the way down its length, formerly used for the corporal punishment of juveniles in Scotland. See What to Use: Straps and Belts in the Flagellation Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ temporary piercing See piercing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ tethering Fixing someone to a point to limit their movement, usually by means of a rope. Used in bondage and suspension. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ thermolysis A form of electrical depilation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ thirsty Sometimes used as a codeword to indicate a desire to drink piss. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ thumbcuffs See under handcuffs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ timber hitch A knot for attaching the middle of a length of rope to a bar or pole -- see the Knots Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ top Top and its compliment bottom are two terms coined in the last two decades to designate the 'agent' and 'patient' roles respectively in an SM scene while avoiding the loadedness of the existing terms like master-slave; they can be used just in relation to the scene itself and don't imply anything about the participants' regular practice, though they are also used to describe people who typically take one role or the other. Also may not imply role-played domination and submission but just who does what to whom. Confusingly some people associate them with anal intercourse, but it should be remembered that some tops like to get fucked too. A person who alternates both roles, either from scene to scene or within a scene, is known as a switch or switch-hitter. See also domination, master, sadomasochism and the discussions of terms in the Dynamics and Definitions Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ torture In SM, usually used to indicate the use of techniques that produce sustained sensations of continuously variable intensity, some of which may be painful, usually focussed on some identifiable body part. May also refer to pleasurable sexual stimulation alternating with deliberate frustration. See ball torture, cock torture, cunt torture, nipple torture. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ total coverage Expression used by rubber fetishists for when the whole body is encased in rubber. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ total power exchange TPE. Term occasionally used to describe a full-time (24/7) dom-sub or master/mistress-slave relationship. See also power exchange. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ toy Generally, any item of equipment used in an SM scene; sometimes used more specifically only for toys designed to be inserted into bodily orifices such as buttplugs and dildos. The choice of words relating to childhood recreation is interesting: compare with play. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ tragus Piercing through the ridge on the face side of the earhole -- see the Piercing Glossary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ transvestism See cross dressing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 24/7 24 hours a day, 7 days a week master/mistress-slave relationship. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ the deviants' dictionary Main Entries Updated 21 July 1997uniform-yellow A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZINTRO | FRAMES | INDEX MORE ENTRIES: A-D E-I J-M N-Q R-T CONTRIBUTORS | BOOKLIST | LINKS | HELP U ------------------------------------------------------------------------ urethral play Any play involving the urethra, the tube that runs between the bladder and the outside of the body, emerging in men at the end of the penis and in women just inside the vagina. Except for the very end nearest the surface, this tube is sterile, and anything inserted into it deeper than a few millimetres should be sterile too otherwise an infection is easily caused. Serious damage can be done by inserting inappropriate objects or using excessive force or bad technique. The best known forms of urethral play involve catheters and sounds, items of medical equipment specifically designed for use in the urethra. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ urolagnia Sexual arousal from playing with piss. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ V ------------------------------------------------------------------------ vaginal intercourse See fucking. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Van Buren sound A urethral sound shaped like a J. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ vanilla Term used by SMers, fetishists and so on to mean 'normal' sex without SM or fetish activities. Coined fairly recently as a humourous reference to what is regarded as the 'plainest' flavour of ice cream. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ violet wand A device used in electrical play to discharge radio energy as spectacular sparks onto a bottom: the sensation is similar to the static charges sometimes encountered when walking in certain shoes on certain artificial fibres, but can be varied in intensity. See Toys in the Electricity Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ W ------------------------------------------------------------------------ WS Water Sports -- see piss. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ water knot A strong knot for tying two ropes together, ideal for use with wet rope or other slippery materials -- see the Knots Sourcesheet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ water sports WS. Euphemism for playing with piss. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ web Alternative name for a rope harness, useful for bondage and suspension. For a description see in the Bondage Practical. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Weber, Frank Perve artist better known as Bastille. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ whip, whipping 1. An instrument with a long flexible striking surface used for corporal punishment; striking with such an implement. See Terms and What to Use: Whips in the Flagellation Reference. 2. Whipping: binding the ends of a cut length of rope to prevent fraying. See under What to Use: Rope in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ whipping post In mediaeval times, a simple upright post with cuffs attached to which offenders were fastened for public whippings. Reproductions are sometimes found today as items of bondage furniture. See under What to Use: Crosses, Stocks and Posts in the Bondage Reference. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ wrist restraint See restraint 2. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ X ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Y ------------------------------------------------------------------------ yellow Hanky code for piss. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Z ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRIEFINGS the deviants' dictionary Briefing Updated 11 Feb 1997Ball Torture by Dirk with David Stein and Richard Sommers Contents: •Introduction •What's the Thrill? •Anatomy •What to Use •Health and Safety ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ball Torture (BT) refers to a range of techniques to cause sensation, discomfort and pain in the male testicles and scrotum. Common examples are squeezing with hands, slapping and beating with hands and other objects, crushing using various vice-like devices and applying pressure with bindings, straps and weights are favourite techniques. Often found in conjunction with cock torture (CT), thus CBT. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ What's the Thrill? As most men know, the balls are highly sensitive, particularly to pressure. Most men find handling, stroking and squeezing gently is a pleasurable sensation in itself, and the boundary between strong sensation and outright pain seems particularly malleable here. For many people there is also the thrill that the balls are regarded as probably the most delicate and vulnerable part of the male anatomy and using them in SM games requires great trust and carries a particularly intense charge. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Anatomy The scrotum is a loose, flexible bag of skin that contains the testicles (the 'balls'), two bean-shaped organs of fibrous material covering soft gland tissue in which sperm is produced. Plentiful pressure-sensitive nerves in the testicles account for their extreme sensitivity to blows or squeezing. A ridge on the outside of each testicle, known as the epidymis, extends up to form a lump on top and contains tubules that transfer sperm. Attached to the top, next to the epidymis, is the spermatic cord, an elastic tissue that connects the testicles to the rest of the body and contains the vas deferens, the duct between the epidymis and the penis. Since sperm production requires a lower temperature than the normal body temperature, the testicles usually hang outside the body, but the spermatic cord can draw them up into the body when cold. The scrotum also contains some fluid. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ What to Use Hands are the obvious weapons: precisely controllable and always available. Slap (gently), punch (more gently), or flick with fingerbacks, and carefully squeeze with the fingers. Get the balls in the bottom of the scrotum, then twist the scrotum around above them to prevent them slipping out of your fingers. Probably the second most popular items are ball bondage toys. Cords, ropes, laces and bandages can all be wrapped in various ways around the balls to stretch the scrotal skin, force balls apart or together and put pressure on individual balls. A classic basic tie is a loop around the base of both cock and balls, a loop around the neck of the scrotum and then a loop between the balls to force them apart. Leather and fetish shops usually have a range of (usually leather, sometimes rubber or neoprene) toys with various arrangements of straps purpose made for ball bondage, for example: •Cock and ball straps and dividers anchor the balls in place round the root of the scrotum and cock and pass around the scrotum vertically to separate the balls. •Ball stretchers are straps of various sizes that go around the top of the scrotum horizontally, forcing the balls down into the stretched sac. Alternatives are bandages, ropes or leather thongs which can be gradually wrapped round to increase the pressure. Just a modest strap around the top of the scrotum will have the additional effect of trapping the balls and preventing them slipping out of range. •Parachutes are parachute-shaped devices with a hole in the middle for the scrotum to pass through, with the parachute itself resting on top of the balls. Ball weights are then hung from chains below the parachute. Weights can also be hung from arrangements of chain or rope. Be very careful with weights: some men can work up to hanging quite large weights from their balls, but there is some danger to the practise. Weights of 500g-1.5kg (1-3 lbs) should be enough to give sensation and be safe. As well as weights, light objects that move can be hung from balls. A London top has experimented with dangling a spherical jumping toy from Toys R Us in a string bag attached to ball bindings or parachute. Crushing the balls can be achieved with various clamps or bondage equipment like cling film (saran wrap) or elastic bandages (Ace bandages). DeBlase says he has read "of an American Indian torture that involved soaking a piece of rawhide and then sewing it up to tightly encase a victim's scrotum. As it dries, it shrinks, increasing pressure" (1993:17). He also speculates about experimenting with an inflatable blood pressure cuff, and suggests putting gravel inside the elastic bandages to add abrasion to the repertoire of ball techniques. Toys for beating need to be fairly light and delicate. An ordinary pencil is quite adequate, especially for rapid light strokes on a well-secured ball. Some people use a small, soft cat o'nine tails called a ball whip. One source of hard objects suitable to the task is music shops: try bell-beaters designed for playing hand-held cowbells, or mallets topped with dense rubber balls of the sort used to play glockenspiels and chime bars! Other specialist techniques could be applied to the balls. See elastrators, electricity, play piercing, shaving. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Health and Safety The key thing to remember is that levels of tolerance vary enormously. When you're playing with anyone new, always start out lightly with any kind of stimulation to the balls and increase the intensity gradually. With an established partner or in "self-abuse," you can safely begin at a higher level and move faster, but you should still be very sensitive to his (or your own) reactions as you go along. Probably the single most important danger signal in this area is intense and often rapidly increasing pain, so the bottom must be able to let the top know unmistakably when he's had enough. In the vast majority of cases, a bottom whose consciousness is not dulled by alcohol or drugs will have no difficulty in distinguishing between a level of pain that is erotically stimulating and pain that signals real damage. Probably the most common form of genitorture involves pressure exerted by "ball crushers," the hands, or weights. While even a heavy, experienced masochist is almost certain to beg for relief well before damage is done through steady pressure alone, if you have any doubt whether you're injuring him, stop. Ball stretchers aren't hazardous within reasonable limits, but don't get impatient and overdo. Begin with a narrow stretcher band and work up to wider ones gradually, carefully monitoring the bottom's (or your own) acceptance of the increasing pressure. Do not leave the any genital bindings on too long and certainly not overnight - a good rule of thumb is to remove them every 20 or 30 minutes and allow the circulation to return to normal for a while. See the Cock Torture briefing for more on the dangers of circulation blockage in cock and ball play. Much more potentially hazardous is any bondage in which the balls are tied to something else, such as another part of the body or a hook on wall or floor, and might be yanked by a sudden movement: for instance, if you tie a rope or attach a chain between his ankles and his scrotum so that if he tries to move his legs he pulls on his balls. Don't combine this kind of bondage with any other strong stimulation that might cause him to yank on his balls involuntarily, in reaction to pain elsewhere, unless he's otherwise so tightly restrained he cannot move enough to put pressure on them. And never tie someone by the balls to a wall, post, etc. in a standing position without additional support: he could lose his balance or feint and put his whole bodyweight on them. The most common injuries to the balls during genitorture are abrasions (usually from rough-surfaced bindings, such as rawhide or scratchy rope), bruises (usually from slapping or whipping the balls), and tiny cuts (which might happen in any rough play when the scrotum is pulled tight over the balls, or during a shaving), minor injuries best treated with sensible first aid such as cleaning with antiseptic. Bruises generally heal by themselves, though an ice pack can limit swelling. Medical intervention is not usually necessary unless the bruising doesn't fade normally or you suspect an infection. More serious is a hematoma, which occurs when an injury ruptures larger, deeper blood vessels and a pool or pocket of blood forms between layers of tissue, such as between the scrotum and the balls. The pocket of blood will generally clot in a short time and form a hard mass. Externally, it will appear as a firm, bulging, or swollen area. A small hematoma will usually be reabsorbed without lasting damage. One that is large or keeps growing (because fresh blood keeps accumulating) can "squeeze" adjacent structures, including nerves and blood vessels, reducing circulation to the area and impairing sensation and other functions. If the pressure of a large hematoma is not relieved, permanent damage can result. Prompt medical attention is indicated. In men who are predisposed to them, minor injuries to the balls can precipitate subsequent swellings, called hydroceles or spermatoceles, in which fluids other than blood build up in the space around the testicles. They can be corrected at one's convenience unless they become infected, in which case prompt treatment is required. Another problem to watch out for is an epididymal cyst; this is not typically caused by trauma but if you notice any unexplained swelling or mass in your partner's scrotum, or your own, do not engage in such play until you know it is harmless or have it corrected. Also, avoid ball bondage entirely with anyone who has a scrotal hernia. Probably the most serious damage that might occur to the balls during erotic genitorture -- which is not to say that it's likely -- is rupture of a testicle. This is when the outer covering of the ball splits and allows the contents to spill out into the scrotal sac. Besides causing extreme pain, often accompanied by nausea, a ruptured testicle will make the scrotum swell rapidly, and internal bleeding will nearly always create a large hematoma. The ballsac will appear black and blue and be massively enlarged. If this happens, go to an emergency room immediately! The most likely causes are suddenly yanking on the balls or hitting them with a heavy, blunt instrument. Symptoms similar to rupture occur in cases of testicular torsion, which is when the spermatic cords and vessels that suspend the testicle within the scrotum become twisted or kinked, interrupting the normal flow of blood, etc. There will be intense pain, and the scrotum will swell rapidly and be extremely tender to the touch. Surgery must be done within six hours of the onset of pain or the testicle will be lost. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Health and Safety advice consists of edited extracts from the "Bond-Aid" column in Bound & Gagged magazine, Issues 30 and 31 by David Stein with Richard Sommers MD; © copyright 1992 David Stein. Used by permission of the author. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ the deviants' dictionary Briefing Updated 15 July 1997Suspension by SlakkerINTRO | FRAMES | INDEX ENTRIES: A-D E-I J-M N-Q R-T U-Z CONTRIBUTORS | BOOKLIST | LINKS | HELP Contents: •Introduction •What's the Thrill? •Ways to Play •Suspension Cuffs •Building a Framework •Tethering •Hoists, Blocks and Tackles •Health and Safety •Links and References ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Suspension is a specialized kind of bondage in which the whole body is lifted off the floor and hangs free in space. Needless to say it should be carried out with great care and using reliable equipement in order to avoid accidents. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ What's the Thrill? Suspension can be an incredibly beautiful and artistic way to practice bondage. For the bottom the feeling of total helplessness is combined with the free-floating sensation, and when combined with sensory deprivation, a disorientation that many find thrilling. Some forms of suspension are actually relaxing and therapeutic: hanging upside down for limited periods, for example, is said to be good for the spine, allowing it to stretch out completely. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ways to Play There are many different ways to suspend someone, and there are usually three stages to the process in each case. Each step should be mastered before you proceed to the next. Mastering the art of suspension takes practice and you should proceed slowly, only moving on if you have total confidence in what you are doing, because of the dangers involved in the unusual stresses you may be placing on the bottom's body and the possibility that they might fall. Before you start, you need to have a secure point or two in the ceiling from which to suspend the bottom, or some form of secure scaffolding, grid or framework that provides an anchor point high enough to enable you to hoist them off the ground. A few hints on creating a secure hook in the ceiling of an ordinary dwelling are given under Room Modifications in the Bondage Reference. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Suspension Cuffs The most basic way to suspend someone is to simply hang them from suspension cuffs (a type of wrist restraint specifically designed for the purpose). You should be able to find them at your local leather shop, or by looking around on the net. Be prepared to pay for a well-designed, comfortable and reliable product. If you are using suspension cuffs, the duration of your suspension scene will be somewhat limited. Hanging by one's arms is very stressful on the arms and shoulders. If you take care not to overstrain the body, however, it can be quite enjoyable. You won't need to read the next section, which focuses on a more complex (but more interesting) technique, but you should read the sections on tethering and hoists, blocks and tackles regardless of the technique you use. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Building a Framework First, you must build a framework around the subject's body which is capable of supporting his or her weight safely. If you have a sleepsack with preattached support rings, you're already on your way, and can skip to the next section, Hoists, Blocks and Tackles. If not, you can build a web or rope harness instead. The framework must do two things. First, it must provide an adequate number of supporting attachment points, and second, it must do so without constricting blood flow in the subject's body. Because a web does both of these things, it is well suited to suspension. In order to suspend someone in a rope harness, you must first master the basics of rope bondage, and you must know how to build a basic web. Once you have decided to suspend someone, however, the rope harness must meet additional criteria in order to be considered safe. I recommend that the rope used be at least 15mm (0.5") diameter or larger, to avoid cutting or excessively abrading the skin. At each attachment point, the harness must have a self contained support point. This can be created by firmly securing the rope to the point with a non-sliding loop (a Bowline, for example), then creating a loop (which will be used to suspend), then securing the rope back down to the same point once again. The loop can be formed with a Jug Sling Hitch or a similar knot. In this fashion, when the subject's weight is rested on the loop, the harness will not shift around excessively, creating unpredictable pressure on the body and risking a loss of blood flow. The weight of the subject's body will be held primarily upon the support points, with the web framework helping out as required. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tethering Use a rope which is at least 500kg (1000 lbs) test. Even though your subject weighs far less than that, allowance must be made for the additional stresses placed on the rope by his or her struggling or swinging. Falling to the floor is not a pleasurable experience even for most masochists, so err on the side of caution. When suspended within a harness, the body should be in a horizontal position. There are a few esoteric positions which could be mentioned as exceptions to this rule, including the 'hanged man' which those of you who read the Tarot will be able to guess at, but they are exceptions. As with most SM techniques, master the basics before attempting advanced activities. The body must be supported equally across its mass, not its volume. This means that the body must not be supported only at the ends, the wrists and ankles, nor by the arms and legs. Primary support must be affixed to the torso and hips of the subject. The importance of this rule increases with the duration of the suspension, as the stress put upon the body by the suspension will only grow with time. And, since suspension is a lot of work if you don't plan to enjoy the results for some time, and since it takes some time to get out of, it's better to play it safe even if you intend the scene to be short. And, of course, it's always better to learn it the right way, and not to develop bad habits. Points which are suitable for tethering include: •Torso The subject's body must be well supported in the torso. To provide adequate support, I recommend a thorough, well tied rope harness as a starting point. If you have a sleepsack, by all means use it. Tether to the harness in multiple points, being sure to tether the shoulders, chest, stomach, and hips securely. These tethers should hold approximately 80% of the body's weight. •Wrists and Ankles The wrists and ankles are easy to attach to because of their natural anatomy. They must be secured in order to prevent undesireable thrashing around, especially if your bottom is prone to such behavior. However, they cannot support a great deal of weight, nor can they support any significant amount of weight for a long period of time. While it is entirely appropriate to suspend the wrists, do not use them as the primary support point, as many novices tend to do. Not only does this restrict circulation, but it can strain tendons and ligaments, and if used for an extended period of time, has been known to cause dislocation of the shoulders. If the bottom is wearing boots, then attach tethers to the boots if possible. If there are no attachment points on the boots themselves, attach to the ankles. The presence of the boots will help prevent the loss of circulation due to the rope by spreading the pressure over a wider surface area. •Arms and Legs The arms and legs are not appropriate tether points for most suspension, the reasons being those cited for wrists and ankles. It is safer and more secure to tie the arms and legs against the body or against themselves, to proscribe their movement without risking circulation problems. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hoists, Blocks and Tackles Once the subject is tethered, you need a way to lift him or her from the ground to a suspended position. If you are lucky enough to have a crew to help, you can simply have them hold the subject in position while you attach the tethers. Most of the time, however, you will find yourself with insufficient help to use this method. Or, you could place the subject on a table while tethering, then remove the support. A more elegant and efficient method is to use the block and tackle. A block is a structure made of a frame which holds one or more pulleys (also called sheaves). A tackle is an assembly of blocks and ropes which multiplies pulling force. To construct a tackle, the blocks are laid out and the rope is reeved (threaded) through the blocks. Every tackle system contains a fixed block attached to some solid support (a standing block) and may have a travelling block attached to the load. The single rope leaving the tackle system is called the fall line. The pulling force is applied to the fall line, which may be led through a leading block. This is an additional block used to change the direction of pull. A simple tackle system uses one rope and one or more blocks. To determine the mechanical advantage of a simple system, count the number of lines supporting the load. In counting, the fall line is included if it leads out of a traveling block. In a simple tackle system, the mechanical advantage will always be the same as the number of lines supporting the load. So, a system with four lines supporting the load has a mechanical advantage of 4, or 4:1. This means that if you apply 50kg (100lbs) of pull to the fall line, you will be able to actually lift around 200kg (400lbs). Of course, in practice it doesn't work out exactly because some of the pull is lost to friction. Still, it allows even a small man to lift much larger weights than otherwise possible. Since I weigh only 60kg (135lbs), the use of the block and tackle is not optional for me. Without them, I cannot lift most men, but with a tackle system, I can lift even the largest bear with ease all by myself. A block and tackle might be more work than many of you want to get into. Take my word for it, however, it is worth the initial effort. Whoever said SM was easy? Rig your tackle ahead of time, and I guarantee your bottom will be impressed. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Health and Safety Follow the same rules as with any heavy bondage: see under Safety in the Bondage Practical. Watch for circulation problems as with rope. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Links and References •. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Slightly adapted and expanded from a piece that appeared on Slakker's original ABC of BDSM. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ the deviants' dictionary Briefing Updated 17 May 1997Breath Control by DirkINTRO | FRAMES | INDEX ENTRIES: A-D E-I J-M N-Q R-T U-Z CONTRIBUTORS | BOOKLIST | LINKS | HELP Contents: •Introduction •What's the Thrill? •Ways to Play: •Restricting breath intake Hands - Queening - Airtight masks and hoods •Rebreathing or Suffocation •Strangulation and Carotid Restriction •Hanging •The Ultimate Breath Control? •Risk and Safety: a discussion of the issues •Links and References ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Breath control is used to include any game involving control or restriction of oxygen to the brain, whether by interfering with the breath directly or through pressure on the carotid arteries supplying oxygenated blood to the brain. The sexual interest in this has been named asphyxiaphilia and when carried out as a solo scene it is labelled auto-erotic asphyxiation. Obviously one of the most potentially dangerous SM activities, requiring responsibility, trust and scrupulous safety practise. Please read the general notes on risks and safety before you even consider proceeding. The greatest danger is from playing alone: oxygen restriction can rapidly lead to loss of consciousness and if you pass out with your breathing still restricted brain damage and death will rapidly follow with you unable to do anything about it. Unless you have a 100% reliable failsafe system that will remove the restriction should you pass out, always play only with a totally trustworthy partner. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ What's the Thrill? Breath control is the one activity most BDSMers would unhesitatingly place in the otherwise controversial category of 'edge play'. And with good reason: a constant supply of fresh oxygen and the ability to dispose of carbon dioxide are both vital to the functioning of the body. Deprive the brain of oxygen for as little as twelve minutes and you have a human vegetable on your hands, not to mention the irreparable damage to brain and heart that will already have been done. So those who play with breath are literally only minutes away from playing with death. And that, of course, is part of the thrill for many people. You don't have to know consciously that what you're doing is dangerous, because all your body's reflexes are screaming it at you. Put the back of a crooked forefinger over your windpipe, in the middle of the angle where your neck joins your chin, and push up and back very gently. It takes hardly any pressure to feel very uncomfortable indeed. Do it to someone else and they will certainly try to move your hand away without even thinking about it. There are all kinds of things people might get out of breath control. You may find there is a sensual pleasure in just the fact of having their breathing restricted, or enjoy the way it underlines the sense of enclosure when using a mask or hood. And it is the ultimate trust game, with the bottom literally putting their life in their top's hands. Breath control may be used in moderation to introduce an element of vulnerability or danger into the scene. However some people pursue it to the point of near or actual unconsciousness, and enjoy the resulting psychological 'altered state'. Some people assume, having heard that male victims of hanging ejaculate spontaneously in their final moments, that there is a direct connection between breath restriction and sexual response. The assumption is mistaken, however: modern judicial hanging causes death not by strangulation but by snapping the spinal cord, and it is the resulting trauma to the nerves that produces the ejaculation. Nonetheless, the command to a bottom that they will not get their oxygen supply back until they come is often remarkably efficacious in producing a rapid orgasm. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ways to Play Restricting breath intake On a restrained subject this can easily be achieved using hands to pinch shut the nostrils and block off the mouth, the latter either by placing a palm all the way across the mouth. If the hand doesn't cover the mouth completely when the bottom gapes, you will have to try holding the jaw shut by pushing upwards, but don't put too much pressure on. Alternatively you can use other means to block off either mouth or nostrils: pegs (clothespins), gags, tape and so on. The advantage of using hands directly is that they are responsive and the obstruction can be moved immediatly. Other parts of the body can be used. One activity that combines more direct physical eroticism with breath control is queening, where a female top kneels over the bottom's head, gripping the head with her legs and blocking off the nose and mouth with her cunt. It is slightly more difficult, though achievable, to do this with the area of the arsehole. Airtight masks and hoods with some form of air inlet that can be controlled can be a thrill just to wear. Using hands over the inlet will allow subtle gradations of restriction and also give easy and safe release. Gas masks are ideal since they are usually reliably made with a large, easy-to-locate inlet; anaesthetists' masks can also be employed. Leather/fetish suppliers make a wide range of purpose-built hoods, usually from rubber, but be very careful to check their integrity before playing, especially ones with a very restrictive inlet, and think carefully about how easy they are to get off. Keep a pair of big blunt-ended scissors handy as an emergency measure. Tanith Tyrr (1996) advises that all such restrictions should be able to be removed in a second or less, and that the full blockages should not be of no more than ten seconds duration. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rebreathing Rebreathing or suffocation involves breathing into an airtight reservoir so that the amount of oxygen in the air gradually decreases. Simplest form is a polythene bag held over the head - easily removed and giving the odd sensation of being able to see the surroundings almost as normal while the oxygen runs out. Purpose made fetish devices include breathing tubes linked to valved rebreathe bladders as used in anasthaesia. Or simply hold your noses and breathe in and out of each others' mouths for a while. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Strangulation and Carotid Pressure Obstructing the trachea (windpipe) by pressing on it from the outside is highly dangerous and could result in all kinds of inadvertant damage; it really is something to be attempted only by those fully aware of the anatomy and of what they are doing. Most techniques involving pressure on the neck do not block the breathing but instead work on the carotid arteries, the main conduits of oxygenated blood to the brain. This is the secret of the unconsciousness-producing choke holds in judo and other forms of self-defence. The procedure for finding the carotid artery is explained in every first aid manual, because it is one of the easiest sites for taking a pulse. 'With the head tilted back, feel for the Adam's apple with two fingers. Slide your fingers back towards you into the gap between the Adam's apple and the strap muscle [the easily identifiable muscle running up the side of the neck from the shoulder blade to the hinge of the jaw] and feel for the carotid pulse' (St John Ambulance et al 1992:29). A surprisingly gentle amount of pressure on here can rapidly produce unconsciousness and permanent damage will result if it is maintained. As well as using the hands, some people use blood-pressure tourniquets around the neck, but very gently. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hanging Hanging is an object of fascination for some people but is very dangerous to achieve 'safely' in an SM context. Though in modern 'humane' hanging, death is supposedly instantaneous, resulting from the spinal cord snapping when the bodyweight suddenly jerks at the end of the rope, strangulation played a part in the past: for example, those sentenced to be hung, drawn and quartered would be taken down while still alive. The difficulty of controlling the amount of compression and the strain on other delicate structures was not so much of a problem for mediaeval executioners whose victims were intended to die as painfully as possible anyway, but in a non-fatal SM context makes this a very dangerous game indeed, especially in solo play -- the authorities regularly record cases of death by auto-erotic asphyxiation involving hanging, and it's likely quite a few supposed suicides are attributable to this cause too. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Ultimate Breath Control? The drug curare, an extract from a plant native to the Amazon region and traditionally used there as a coating on blowpipe darts, is a powerful paralysing agent that prevents the lungs from working. Synthetic versions of the drug are used in surgery to keep the patient still on the operating table, and while the drug is active the function of the lungs is taken over by an external ventilation pump. The patient is usually unconscious while the drug is active but there is no reason in principle why this should be the case. Obviously medical staff train for years in order to accomplish this sort of thing safely and no-one in their right mind would suggest incorporating it into an SM scene, but it could provide food for thought for those into fantasing about such things. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Breath Control, Risk and Safety Some writers have argued that it's impossible to do any sort of BC safely. Jay Wiseman, author of the SM101 reference book, has stoked controversy with his claims that all forms of BC put the bottom 'at imminent, unpredictable risk of dying'. And when Checkmate published a piece on the subject by an enthusiast (Williamson 1994), they felt obliged to include an accompanying piece from their medical consultant warning not to do it (Tattoodoc 1994). So what is the truth? Physiologically speaking, the body needs oxygen for the chemical reactions that power our cells, and it also needs a way of getting rid of carbon dioxide, a product of those reactions. Normally both needs are satisfied by breathing: oxygen from the air is drawn into the lungs where it dissolves into the blood, while carbon dioxide is released to be exhaled. Obstructing either of these processes results in the rapid build-up of acid in the blood, with damaging consequences. It will also trigger a number of the body's 'emergency procedures', and these can cause problems of their own. When the heart gets short on oxygen, it starts to fire off cells that cause extra contractions. According to Wiseman, as long as the oxygen is restricted there is a chance that one of these will occur at the wrong phase of the cycle, potentially causing a heart attack. The lower the oxygen gets, the greater the risk. Unfortunately there is no reliable way of telling when the extra contractions start even with a cardiac monitor. Wiseman's critics claim his argument is based on untested hypotheses, though anyone with an elementery knowledge of physiology would have to admit that depriving the heart of oxygen, or hypoxia, places this vital organ under unusual stress. However it seems reasonable to assume that the heart can cope with at least some hypoxia without taking panic measures. Exercise puts pressure on the oxygen supply, and undersea swimmers can develop the ability to hold their breath for minutes with no apparent ill effects. Like everything else, general health will have an impact too. Those with heart and respiratory conditions are almost certainly best advised to avoid breath play. Another result of hypoxia is fainting, which rapidly follows from a drop in oxygen to the brain. Such a drop can happen naturally when inactive for a long time so that blood pools in the lower body: by shutting down consciousness, the body is likely to fall into a horizontal position, making it easier to pump blood to the brain. Most people into BC probably don't go as far as loss of consciousness, but for some it's the ultimate thrill. The risk of unconsciousness in all BC play is the main reason for the best known safety rule: if you do play, don't play alone. The vast majority of BC-related deaths -- estimated at least 1 per year per million of population or 250 in the US, 60 in the UK -- are due to solo play. The warnings that a faint is about to occur, such as ringing in the ears and tunnel vision, come only seconds beforehand, which may not be enough time to escape. If you must play alone, do it with blocking an air source with your hand in such a way that if you faint the hand will fall away and leave the airway unrestricted. Bondage and BC in a solo scene are a lethal combination. You can cause a faint without restricting the airway at all, by placing pressure on the carotid artery. Some BC fans claim carotid pressure is the safest way to produce unconsciousness since it avoids any pressure on the vulnerable throat and windpipe. Details of how to deal with a faint can be found under First Aid. Though victims of a faint are confused and distressed when they first come round (a fact those planning such a scene should bear in mind), recovery is usually rapid and complete, and an occasional faint in everyday life is regarded as medically insignificant. The biggest danger is striking the head while falling, easily avoided in a planned scene. Provided a normal air supply is immediately restored (which of course it should be), the loss of consciousness is temporary. According to medical sources, the brain can withstand three minutes of oxygen deprivation before serious damage occurs, but opponents of BC argue that cumulative brain damage can result from repeated forced unconsciousness. It's well known that low level or repeated oxygen deprivation (from, say, high altitudes or in certain medical syndromes where patients' breathing ceases intermittently during sleep) can cause brain damage. Hypoxia destroys neurones (brain cells), which in adults are the only cells in the body that can't be replaced. Wiseman has cited the case of a judo instructor who may have been brain-damaged by frequent sessions as a demonstration model for the carotid strangulation techniques traditional in his sport. Checkmate's consultant Tattoodoc points out that the cerebral cortex is the most demanding of oxygen, so hypoxia 'affects the highest centres of the brain first'. To get this in perspective, we have many billions of neurones and the brain can work with much fewer than its natural endowment. They are destroyed all the time by ageing, alcohol and other drugs, blows to the head and so on. It might be rational to decide to 'spend' some of our generous but finite supply on activities we enjoy, but spend carefully. Like anything else in SM, sensible play requires a calculation of risks against pleasures, and the minimising of whatever risks you can. For example, some BC enthusiasts report that a second attempt at causing unconsciousness during a session requires a much longer period of oxygen deprivation, which increases the danger time for neurones, and is also not so satisfying. Rationing the amount of this sort of play to special occasions with substantial gaps in between might be advisable both in terms of brain conservation and pleasure! And given the dangers, it's worth asking yourself how far you actually need to go, and if you would be satisfied with Tanith Tyrr's advice (1996) to 'play it out as a fantasy or fetish, talk up the verbal aspects a lot, and go light on the actual doing of the deed.' The idea of breath control is scary enough and a little may go a long way in the context of a well-played mindgame. If you play heavier, treat the practical safety aspects with extra-deadly seriousness, and seriously consider a course in first aid and CPR, which if anything does go wrong may increase your chances at least slightly. Even Wiseman doesn't demand people stop playing with BC, just that they be aware of what he sees as the neglected dangers. The fact remains that for some people asphyxiation is a compelling fascination and they are going to experiment anyway. Squicked hysteria and blanket bans stifle the discussion, and increase the chances of some poor lonely pervert enjoying a rather-too-ultimate orgasm. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Links and References •Usenet posts by Tanith Tyrr and Jay Wiseman cited above, along with an excellent post by an experienced practitioner, Ol' Sarge, are archived at Magenta. Wiseman's post has been reworked into an appendix for the new edition of his SM 101: A Realistic Introduction. •For further reading see the two Checkmate articles by Williamson and Tattoodoc (1994), and Money et al 1991. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sections of this briefing first appeared as 'Suffocated by Love: The Breath Control Controversy' in Leather Online 2, March 1997. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ the deviants' dictionary Briefing Updated 17 May 1997Catheter Play by Tom A GordonINTRO | FRAMES | INDEX Contents: •Introduction •What's the Thrill? •What to Use •The Catheter Construction of the Foley Catheter - Sterility - Sizes •Other Equipment for Catheterisation •Catheterisation Procedure •Insertion •While the Catheter is in •Removal •Health and Safety Problems Incorrect Insertion - Valve or Balloon Failure - Infection •Links and References ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The term catheter (cath) can refer medically to any tube which is inserted into the body to give access to an internal organ from outside. But in SM the term is most likely to refer to a tube inserted into the urethra to access the bladder. This sort of catheter is usually made of rubber, occasionally of plastic, and frequently has some form of device to hold it in place. Regretfully, so far this briefing only covers male catheterisation. Women's catheters are shorter, for the shorter urethra, and have their own difficulties of insertion, since the urethral opening is harder to find -- indeed there may be multiple ones. Women are also even more prone to infection. Some of this briefing may be of relevance and interest to women, but the technical aspects are largely inapplicable. A word of caution: This kind of play is not something you should engage in with someone who is inexperienced or who does not understand all the necessary precautions. Carelessness can result in infection, injury, or other traumatic problems. You should be introduced to this kind of play in the right setting by an experienced, careful person who cares enough about you to exercise all the cautions set forth herein. Even an experienced person should get an extra catheter and practice all of the steps below before trying to insert a cath -- especially the steps involving inflation and deflation of the balloon. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ What's the Thrill? One aspect of catheter play is the physical sensation and psychological effect of having an object inserted into the urethra, which is strangely sensitive. Catheter games can also involve medical imagery, piss play and the peculiar penetrative vulnerability of having an object inserted deep inside the body, into what is in actual fact an internal organ. The biggest thrill for most people, though, is most likely control. Catheterized people have no control over their urinary function: if the catheter is left open, the bladder will drain completely and continue to drain as more urine is produced. If the tube is clamped off, they cannot piss, even if they wish and need to. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ What to Use The Catheter There are several kinds of catheters, usually named after their inventor or on the basis of the kind of tip they employ. The best catheters are made of latex rubber coated with teflon, which makes them very smooth when lubricated. Some catheters are made of plastic which becomes very flexible at body temperature; these are usually little more than simple tubes with a slight 'funnel' at one end. By far the most common type for use in sexplay, and the type to be preferred, is the Foley catheter. This has a balloon device that allows it to be left securely in place for a significant length of time; others will slip out. Construction of the Foley Catheter The Foley catheter has a rounded tip, one or two 'eyes' (holes through which the urine enters the main tube), and a tiny balloon that can be inflated once the catheter is in place. Before insertion the balloon is evident as just a slightly raised area near the tip of the catheter. The 'outside' end has two branches. One is the main tube, connected directly to the eyes, through which urine flows. The other, which has a small valve on the end, runs inside the main tube and is connected to the inflatable balloon at the tip. The valve is important: there are three types. One is operated by a hypodermic syringe without a needle. The other type is essentially a plug of soft rubber and requires a hypodermic syringe and a large-gauge needle (a gauge 18 would be fine). A third type has a bulb already filled with sterile water for inflating the balloon, and a clamp to enable the water to flow. Sterility Only factory-sterilized catheters should be used. They are packed in sterile, sealed paper/plastic peel-open sleeves. Avoid the temptation to try to sterilize a used catheter. Sterility is essential! New factory-sterilized catheters cost about GBP2.50 (US$4) through medical supply sources, and although non-sterile catheters are also sold, you probably do not have the equipment to sterilize them properly and maintain sterility until use. Some states require a prescription for catheter purchase. Sizes Most catheters are the same length -- about 430mm (16"). But there are two size variables: the diameter of the catheter and the size of the balloon. In buying a Foley catheter, you must describe it by both of these dimensions. Like some other medical items, catheters are sized in the French system. One French unit (Fr) is 0.33mm (0.012"). Thus, an instrument which is 20Fr is 20 x 0.3 = 6mm (0.24") in diameter. How big a catheter do you want? Most adult males can easily handle a 14Fr, and 16Fr or 18Fr is very common. If the opening of your penis is fairly small, opt for a 14Fr; if it's average, try a 16Fr; if it's a bit larger, try an 18Fr. The urethra can also be enlarged over time by the use of sounds The balloon of a Foley cath is sized in ml (cc). Typical sizes are 5, 10, and 30ml. I recommend 30ml for reasons which will be made clear below. So if you are an average sort of guy, you might want a 16Fr/30ml Foley catheter, sterile. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Other Equipment for Catheterization As well as the catheter, you will need: •A sterile hypodermic syringe (luer tip is good), of about 10-12ml capacity. •A sterile hypodermic needle, around 18 gauge, 25 or 40mm (1" or 1.5") long, if required for valve. •If you intend to take total control of the bladder, a sterile catheter syringe. This is essentially a very large hypodermic syringe (60ml or more) with a large plastic tip which fits into the outflow tube of the catheter. This must be sterile, sealed in a factory-sterilized package. Otherwise you will need a spigot or clamp to prevent the bladder emptying unwantedly. •Latex gloves •Sterile lubricant. Some brands are stabilized with a preservative which can burn slightly when it is in contact with sensitive tissues. KY and H&R brands seem to be the best since they are minimally irritating. Do not use lubricant which contains nonoxynol-9: it is quite irritating to the urethral tissues. •A sterile --or at least clean -- towel •Washcloth, soap, and water. All the specialist items should be available via medical suppliers. See the Resources section of the Play Piercing factsheet. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Catheterisation Procedure Inserting the Catheter Before beginning, fill the hypodermic syringe with sterile water. Wash your hands carefully with soap and water. Place the bottom on his back in a comfortable position, legs slightly spread. Wash his penis with soap and warm water, carefully, and rinse with plain water, to reduce the surface bacterial count. Anti-bacterial soap may be efficacious. Ideally this would be a sterile procedure, but even in hospitals it cannot be done with full sterility. Some people advocate washing the penis with Betadine , but I do not believe this helps a lot, and it is both a mess and highly staining. A wipe with a Betadine swab is slightly less so. Put on the latex gloves. Be careful what you touch after this point. Unfold the sterile towel and put it on his belly. Put the unopened catheter on the towel. Open only the valve-end of the catheter package. Attach the sterile catheter syringe to the large opening. Determine whether the valve requires the needle or not. If so, fit the needle to the 12ml syringe now but do not attach it to the catheter. Put a small blob of lubricant right on the tip of the penis, at the urethral opening. Carefully remove the catheter from its package, setting the syringe end on the towel. Generously lubricate only the first 75mm (3") of the catheter and insert it gently into the penis. Continue to insert slowly, twisting the cath slightly to be sure its passage is fully lubricated. As you insert more of the cath, lubricate it in 75mm sections. (It is too slippery to handle if you lubricate it all at once.) Depending on the length of the person's penis, you will probably be able to insert about 25cm (10") of the cath. At some point you will feel slight resistance, and the bottom will report feeling a 'pinch; in a place he cannot describe. You have reached the bladder sphincter muscle, which keeps the bladder closed. Ask the bottom to relax and try to piss a bit -- the catheter should slip into the bladder. When you have inserted about 35-38cm (13"-14") of the catheter, stop. If the bottom has a short penis, stop sooner. We must now check to be sure the catheter is properly placed in the bladder. We do this by gently trying to withdraw some urine into the catheter syringe. If you do have urine flow, you are in the bladder. If not, you need to insert the catheter farther. Do not go on to the next step until there is evidence of urine in the catheter syringe. The bottom should feel no real pain. If you do not use a catheter syringe, the point where the bladder is reached is obvious, since there is a gush of urine from the catheter. You should clamp the end of the cath or block it with a spigot, then push a further 75cm (3") or so into the bladder to be on the safe side. When the cath is in the bladder, attach the hypodermic syringe to the valve and slowly inflate the balloon with water by pressing the plunger of the syringe. It should not be more than the rated capacity of the balloon. I usually use a 30ml balloon and inflate it to 12-15ml, or about half its stated capacity. If the balloon breaks, you could have a problem. If the bottom feels any pain at this point, stop. You probably do not have the balloon in the bladder. After the balloon is inflated, note how much water you have put in, then remove the hypodermic syringe from the valve; the balloon will stay inflated. Keep the catheter syringe in place. Alternatively if you are using a ready-filled catheter release the clamp that holds the water out of the balloon. If all has gone well, the balloon is in the bladder. Slowly pull out on the catheter; you will feel resistance, at which point you should stop. The balloon is now at the 'neck' of the bladder, and everything is under control. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ While the Catheter is in You can now withdraw some urine with the catheter syringe, or you can return the urine to his bladder by the same mechanism. If you remove the catheter syringe from the cath, your bottom will piss until he is empty. Even after he is empty, he will have the sensation that he is pissing. Do not disconnect the catheter syringe and then try to reconnect it and refill him. You will get air in the bladder, and you don't want to do that. You may clamp off the catheter to prevent leakage or to prevent him from pissing when he thinks he needs to. (He will probably have some confused feelings.) I did one scene in which the bottom was blindfolded, and reacted very eagerly when some of his own piss was dripped on his lips from the syringe. Some people also like to play elaborate piss recycling games by connecting a catheter to a leg-bag (as supplied for incontinent patients), and the outlet of the bag into a drinking tube or gag. Be gentle with the penis once the cath is in place, and avoid disturbing it too much. Resist any urge to masturbate: this will irritate the urethra and if done vigorously it could injure the bladder or sphincter muscles or nerves A Foley cath may be kept in place for awhile, but certainly not with the tube clamped off; you don't want to keep it shut off for so long that urine backs up toward the kidneys. If he really needs to piss, unclamp the tube and let him. Although caths are often kept in place for days in a hospital, I recommend that you do not leave it in place for longer than one to two hours while you play. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Removing the Catheter First, deflate the balloon. Re-attach the hypodermic syringe as you did before, and the pressure from the balloon may cause the syringe to refill. Exert a bit of suction with the syringe: be sure you have taken out as much water as you put in; the balloon must be deflated. Now slowly withdraw the catheter. The bottom may feel slight discomfort, as the balloon has been slightly deformed and it may not be as perfectly smooth as it was before insertion. Wash off any excess lubricant which may emerge from the tip of the penis. The first two or three times the bottom urinates, he may feel a slight burning sensation. This is normal and is caused by irritation of the urethra; it should go away within 12-24 hours. Urge the bottom to drink a lot of fluids so that he pisses a lot: this will give him the chance to flush out any germs before they multiply. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Health and Safety Problems Incorrect Insertion It is very important to put the catheter in carefully since there is always a chance it can go astray in the urethra and cause real damage. Go slowly and with great care. Though the bottom will feel strange and uncomfortable, particularly if this is a new experience, there should be no real pain. If there is, something is going wrong. It is also a good idea to make sure the bottom hasn't pissed for half an hour or so before the insertion, so there will be some urine in the bladder to help confirm the cath is in place. When in doubt, withdraw the catheter (as carefully as you put it in) and try again another day with a fresh cath. Do not attempt to re-use a cath once withdrawn. Valve or Balloon Failure There is a small possibility that the valve will malfunction and you won't be able to deflate the balloon. If this happens, don't panic. Simply cut off the valve with scissors; the water will gush out. Now try to attach the syringe to suck out more. The rubber-plug valves (used with a needle) are less prone to failure than the force-fit valves which do not use a needle. There is a smaller possibility that the balloon will break inside the bottom. By underinflating it, you reduce this risk even further. And by using sterile water you ensure that anything that might be introduced into the bladder this way is harmless. Withdraw the catheter very carefully and inspect the balloon to be sure there are no missing pieces left inside (highly unlikely). Then let the bottom piss to rid himself of the water from the balloon. Infection Bacterial infection in the urethra or bladder is the most common danger of catheterisation. The risk of this can never be eliminated totally -- even in hospitals, where caths are inserted in the best of conditions, infections still occasionally occur. The risk can be minimised, however, by following the procedures carefully, using only sterile catheters, and encouraging copious pissing after removal. If infection does occur, it can be unpleasant, but is rarely a problem if medical help is sought and normally responds well to antibiotics. The symptoms, normally developing within a couple of days of catheterisation, include discomfort in the bladder, a constant urge to piss, cloudy urine and maybe feverishness or a feeling of being under the weather. Visit a doctor or a genito-urinary/STD clinic, swallow your embarassment and tell them what the most likely cause is. Don't put off going: infections can cause serious problems if allowed to take hold. Make sure you're fully recovered before indulging in catheter play again, and indeed any other sort of piss play, especially involving drinking it. Viral infection involving blood-borne viruses like HIV and Hepatitis is highly unlikely in this sort of play. Urine is normally sterile and will not contain these viruses. However, any game involving exchange of urine via catheters is probably ill-advised, since blood traces sometimes get into urine, and the likelihood of this is increased because of possible minor abrasions and injuries during the insertion. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Links and References •. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This article was first circulated on the Internet in 1996 under the title 'About Catheters'. This version has been revised and expanded slightly by Dirk, and is used here by permission. © Copyright Tom A. Gordon 1996, 1997. All rights reserved. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ the deviants' dictionary Briefing Updated 17 May 1997 Clips, Clamps and Pegs Contents: •Introduction •What's the Thrill? •What to Use •Clothespegs (Clothespins) •Ways to Play •Health and Safety •Links and References What's the Thrill? What to Use Clothespegs (Clothespins) Clothespegs are the ultimate bargain-basement SM 'pervertible'; 50 of these miniature clamps cost less than GBP2 (US$3/DM4,50) in any supermarket! They are firm enough to stay on and cause a sensation but you'd have to be very violent with them to even break the skin, let alone cause serious damage. The wooden variety usually bite harder and have a more rugged look, but they can be very cheaply made so watch out for splinters and sand them down if necessary. The plastic variety are usually lighter and smoother. Not everyone likes the jolly colours but traditionalists may be able to find black ones and the different colours can be used in mindgames ("Now, how many green ones have I put on? Oh, dear, you must have lost count. Well, we'll just have to add another one then..."). Some enterprising types have taken to dying the wooden ones black, dipping the ends in latex and selling at a premium. You can also vary the pressure of a clothespeg by wrapping it with elastic bands: on the biting side of the spring to increase and on the other side to decrease. Put them on nipples, scrotums, dicks, cunts and the skin round sensitive places like the genitals or on the sides, in lines around the breasts or male pectorals and down the upper arms. Once on, the body adjusts to the sensation after a short while but you'll know about it when they come off and the blood rushes back to the pinched site (Do bear in mind, though, that leaving anything like a peg on for an excessive length of time or overnight is inadvisable). You can also stimulate the pegged area by rubbing the adjacent skin with hand pressure to shake the pegs. One clothespeg trick is to make a line of pegs along the back or chest with a length of string passed through the recess behind the clamping surface of each peg. Then, after leaving for about 15 minutes or so, lift all the pegs in one sudden sweeping movement by lifting the string, causing a big hit of sensation. Of course, you can also use them to hang up clothes to dry. In the aftermath of the Spanner case, the police raided someone's home and confiscated the pegs in their bedroom but left the ones in the kitchen! Ways to Play Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Health and Safety Back to the Top the deviants' dictionary Briefing Updated 17 May 1997 Cock Torture Contents: •Introduction •What's the Thrill? •Ways to Play •Parts of the Penis and How to be Cruel to them Shaft - Foreskin - Glans - Urethral opening •Special Techniques (including cock bondage) •Health and Safety •Circulation Blockage •Retrograde Ejaculation •Other problems •Links and References ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cock Torture (CT) in the SM context means causing intense stimulation, discomfort or pain to the penis, usually including the foreskin, if present, using hands and any number of improvised or purpose-made devices. This is not so horrific as it might sound to some men: the penis is often regarded as a particularly delicate and sensitive part of the anatomy but although there are specific health and safety issues to consider the organ is sturdier than you might think, and can take a good deal of punishment without serious risk (think of what it endures during energetic fucking). Cock torture often takes place in conjuction with Ball Torture, as recognised by the abbreviation CBT. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ What's the Thrill? Obviously the cock is the organ of the male body most effectively wired for pleasurable sensation and there are huge stretches of the pleasure/pain boundary to be explored in its vicinity. But arguably more important is the psychological angle: for many men, cocks are the centre of sexuality and a symbol of sexual potency and when someone helplessly undergoes abuse of his most precious appendage the psychological charge is immense. A site normally associated with indulgent pleasure is being transformed into a vulnerable target for punishment and pain. There are also clear links between CT and interests in sexual control and chastity, and in castration fantasies. Ways to Play Parts of the Penis and How to be Cruel to Them Shaft A structure of several layers, the core layer being spongy tissues (the corpora cavernosa) that engorge with blood during erection and the arteries that supply them. Wihin this and a little closer to the underside is the urethra (the duct that carries piss and spunk) and around it muscle fibre, nerves and minor blood vessels covered in a loose layer of skin. The shaft is the least sensitive part of the cock, though the sensitivity of the skin that covers it increases greatly when stretched during erection -- appropriately, because an erect cock, being under pressure, is far more fragile than a flaccid cock. The flaccid shaft can be struck with the palm of the hand, knuckles or objects like small 'cock-whips', rulers and beaters (though avoid excessive force - see below); squeezed with hands or otherwise pressurised with bindings; scratched and abraded with fingernails and rough-textured objects like stiff brushes; subjected to extremes of hot and cold (temperature play); pinched on the surface skin with fingers or clothespegs (pins) and clamps. When erect similar treatments could be applied but much more gently. In both cases avoid too much pressure on the underside, where the urethra is closest to the surface. Foreskin The fold of skin that covers the glans when flaccid and should roll back to expose it on erection is basically skin with nerves and blood vessels, and a little more sensitive than the shaft, particularly on the inside. Even when it has been removed by circumcision for religious, health or cosmetic reasons, a remnant usually remains, particularly of the frenum, a web-like structure that attaches it under the glans and can be a very sensitive site for pinching and pegs. The foreskin as a whole can be squeezed, stretched and twisted fairly firmly to no real ill effect. Glans (head) Primarily spongy tissue (the corpus spongiosum, erectile but less so than the shaft) covered in a thin, tight and highly sensitive skin layer. The most sensitive part of the dick, even more so in many circumcised men, and particularly so at the ridge at its base, the corona. Little effort is needed to produce results, and some men find even gentle stroking difficult to bear. Can be struck like the shaft, squeezed, pinched, subjected to temperature play, rubbed and abraded (somebody once went for the author's with the hard-edged buttons of a video remote control unit!), gently bitten and so on. Sometimes a little water-based lubricant helps things along (though careful you don't gum up your video controls). Urethral opening or meatus Also known as the piss-slit or pisshole. Often very sensitive and tender, particularly just inside, which in many people is an unexplored territory, and can be carefully teased with fingers or other objects such as cotton buds, lubricated if less discomfort is desired, and also stimulated by pulling and twisting on a healed Prince Albert piercing. However the urethra is sterile inside and any objects to be inserted more than a centimetre (0.5") or so should be sterile too. See also catheter, sound, urethral play. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Special Techniques Much enjoyment can be gained by exploiting the cock's propensity to increase and decrease in size somewhat independently of the conscious control of its owner by various forms of cock bondage. One of the commonest pieces of male SM wear is undoubtedly the cock ring, a metal or rubber ring (the latter are usually vacuum cleaner drive belts repackaged by fetish shops at a vast premium) through which first balls (one by one) then cock are slipped when flaccid and which can give a pleasantly constricted feeling when erect. With some men, unfortunately, the difference in size between tumescense and detumesence is so large that it's impossible to find a size that stays on all the time but isn't dangerously tight and uncomfortable on erection. As David Stein recounts: 'I once made the mistake of putting on a metal ring at home before going out. At the bar, when I lost my erection in a moment of distraction, the ring came off, slid down the leg of my jeans, hit the floor with a clang, and rolled away. Not the way to make a good impression.' A variation on a ring is a simple cock strap that goes round the same site, often made of leather or neoprene and adjustable to size. During a scene, the snugness of the bindings could be increased so that erections are deliberately made uncomfortable or painful (there are some hazards to this -- see below): with some people this can result in a particularly vicious circle with the discomfort itself exciting further erection. This can be achieved with cords, laces or thongs, for example tightly connecting loops around the glans with loops anchored round the base of cock and balls. A variety of purpose made cock straps is also available for the purpose, such as the 'anti-erect'. There are obvious links here to chastity techniques. In addition, cocks are often the focus of some of the specialist techniques dealt with elsewhere: see particularly clothespegs, electricity, piercing (both temporary and permanent), pumping, temperature play. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Health and Safety Circulation Blockage This is probably the biggest danger in cock play, as pain may not be a reliable indicator. Tissue that's deprived of blood eventually stops hurting -- which doesn't mean it's okay! It may be irreversibly damaged. Any binding is too tight if it cuts into the skin and causes bleeding. Any binding is on too long if it causes the cock or ballsac to become cold or numb, but the third typical sign of circulation problems in limbs that are bound -- loss of color -- is less reliable in this case. The cock and ballsac normally become engorged with blood during sexual arousal, turning reddish or purplish as a result, and up to a point genital bondage just helps that process along. Circulation could be dangerously impaired by tight bindings before there's much loss of color. A better sign of impaired circulation is edema, or visible swelling, of soft tissue in the cock or scrotum below or around a binding. While such swelling isn't dangerous in itself (it will normally go down on its own after circulation resumes), whenever it occurs the bonds causing it should be loosened or removed as soon as possible in order to prevent damage. Avoid genital bindings that can't be removed easily even when there's swelling. Tie with a bowknot or some other knot that will release easily if you pull on the ends -- and be sure to leave the ends long enough to get at. Keep blunt-tipped emergency medical technician's shears (scissors) available to cut bindings in an emergency. Don't use a metal cock ring that's tight when the cock you put it on is soft. It's going to be a lot tighter when that cock gets hard, and you won't be able to take it off until the cock softens again -- which might be a long wait if the ring has caused severe edema. To sum up: A good rule of thumb is to loosen tight genital bindings enough to restore full circulation every 20 to 30 minutes even without any signs of a problem. And in no case should anything tighter than a comfortable ring or harness be left in place overnight or throughout an extended scene. Retrograde ejaculation If a man is forced to come while tightly bound around the genitals, the semen may be forced back down the urethra and reabsorbed into the body. Deliberate retrograde ejaculation is a practice of Tantric yoga, and although possibly uncomfortable, there doesn't seem to be any direct medical research on whether it is harmful. Evidence from vascetomies suggests frequent retrograde ejaculations might at worst lower sperm counts or generate antibodies to semen. An isolated incident should be nothing to worry about. Other Problems Foreskins can be torn, and if circulation in them is cut off for very long, the tissue won't retract normally and could even die and slough off. Be gentle with genital piercings: if you rip a ring out, you'll need medical help to repair the damage and avoid a nasty scar, infection, or worse. If a ring does tear out, use an ice pack and local pressure to stop the bleeding (see the First Aid Manual) until you can get to a doctor. A fracture, when an erect penis is struck hard and "breaks" with a loud cracking noise, is an unlikely but potentially serious problem, a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment by a physician. As first aid on the way to the hospital, use ice packs to control bleeding. But if you avoid hard blows to a hard cock, you won't risk the problem in the first place. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Links and References •. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The section on Health and Safety is an edited excerpt from Black Cross: A Handbook of Health and Safety for S/M by David Stein (unpublished). © Copyright 1990, 1996 David Stein. All rights reserved. Used by permission of the author. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ the deviants' dictionary Briefing Updated 3 July 1997 Mummification Contents: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mummification is a specialized kind of bondage in which the whole body is secured under layers of restraining fabric, latex, leather, tape, or even saran wrap (clingfilm). The aim is to completely immobilize the subject, or mummee. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ What's the Thrill? Mummification has always been a favorite activity of mine. I was mummified at a friend's party, and I loved it. And bondage isn't even my thing (at least not being bound). It isn't really like most other types of bondage. It provides the immobility and feeling of submission that other bondage techniques do, but there are added physical and emotional elements that are hard to duplicate any other way. While mummified, you will experience sensory deprivation, as you would in a sensory deprivation tank, although on a somewhat lower level. You feel not restrained, but taken completely out of your body, as though you are floating in some astral plane free from weight, feeling, sight, and sound. Only your essence remains, and you become intensely focussed on the few small sensations that still remain -- your heartbeat, your breathing, your thoughts. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ What to Use Mummification can be performed many ways, but the principle is the same. Instead of saran wrap, you can use cloth or latex bandages or even leather strips, or even pieces of cloth secured with duct (gaffa) tape or other tapes. You can also get something of the same effect by using sleepsacks and hoods. But since anyone can obtain saran wrap inexpensively, I will describe that technique here. You'll want to have plenty of wrap available, because it takes more than you might think. It works out to somewhere around 75-100m (yards), which is three or four regular sized rolls of wrap. You may have to experiment to find an appropriate brand. I find that of all the varieties available in the US, only the genuine branded Saran Wrap sticks to itself well enough to hold without any other binding agents like duct tape. Placing a blindfold first will ensure complete darkness under the wrap, and will prevent the eyes from opening. If you don't have a blindfold, place a few cotton balls on top of each closed eye, and secure with a little medical tape if you wish. Remember throughout that absolute comfort is important in creating the headspace which is required to maximize the experience. If you are looking for a sexually oriented adventure this probably won't do it for you. As part of a scene, however, it can be extremely effective, so don't rule it out until you've experimented. A bottom's headspace is not quite the same after being released from a good mummification as it was going in, and a good top will use this fact to his or her advantage -- and of course to create an intense experience for the bottom. You must also have at least one helper, who could be another top or a bottom. The assistant will be responsible for maintaining the bottom in an upright position while you work with the wrapping material. The assistant must also maintain close communication with the bottom, to make sure the experience remains an enjoyable one for all concerned. The emotional high that this form of bondage produces can become scary if the environment is not comforting and safe. Another good reason not to attempt mummification alone is that you may need the assistant to help steady the bottom. One very basic (but still very real) danger is that the bottom will fall over. The process of wrapping will cause disorientation, and the loss of all sense of direction; they will often attempt to push themselves over, wrongly thinking that they are already falling, so you must be prepared to hold them upright, especially if the bottom is not experienced in this area. In order to minimize the danger of this happening, make sure the bottom understands the potential for this phenomenon, and will trust you enough to allow the falsely detected fall to happen -- which ironically will prevent a real fall from happening. You must also provide ahead of time for safety precautions in case of emergency - whether it is physical danger or emotional overload. Surgical (bandage) scissors are ideal for cutting off the wrap quickly, since they are rounded on the bottom so they will not cut the skin. If you want to wrap the head too, you will need to have a system to facilitate breathing. One useful piece of apparatus is a piss gag, either with a firmly attached tube at least 25mm (1") wide that extends out in front or with a hole to which you can attach such a tube. The tubing will extend beyond the mummifying layers, allowing complete bondage while maintaining safety. Most people also prefer to wrap the head in muslin or some other form of light cloth before adding the saran wrap. If you are experienced in the technique required, you might also consider catheterizing the bottom first, since there will be nowhere to piss once he or she is wrapped. Ways to Play The bottom should stand in a location that allows plenty of room for free movement all around. Start applying the wrap by wrapping the arms. The bottom should hold them perpendicular to the body in order to allow this. Wrap from the armpit all the way down to the hand, and allow the wrap to extend beyond the ends of the fingers. This will be neatened up later, so just lay the wrap on liberally. When the arms are well wrapped, wrap the chest. Do not simply wrap around the chest itself, but rather, crisscross the chest and shoulders. Wrap over one shoulder, down across the chest and under the armpit, straight across the back and under the other armpit, up across the chest, over the other shoulder, etc. Occasionally you should overlap the wrappings that were previously laid around the arms. There should be no gaps. Continue until you have laid several complete layers. Proceed to wrap the rest of the body in the same manner. Wrap the legs separately before binding them together. As the wrappings go on, the subject will begin to look very much like an Egyptian mummy, hence the term mummification. Holes can be left (or cut) in the wrapping at strategic points -- you figure them out. How long should you leave the bottom in mummification? It is a very intense experience so with a novice as short a time as 10-15 minutes may be enough. Some experienced players like to be left for hours on end but remember anyone so heavily restrained must be supervised at all times. In any case the subjective passing of time for the bottom will be very different from normal. Health and Safety Follow the same rules as with any heavy bondage: see under Safety in the Bondage Practical. Watch for circulation problems as with rope, but be especially careful to keep all bonding materials away from the subject's face unless you have arranged a breathing mechanism . Materials such as saran wrap can easily cause suffocation if not used with extreme caution. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Slightly adapted and expanded from a piece that appeared on Slakker's original ABC of BDSM. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ the deviants' dictionary Briefing Updated 15 July 1997 Spanking Contents: •Introduction •What's the Thrill? •Ways to Play •Positioning and Posture •Some Specific Positions Over the lap - Over the knee - Hands on ankles - Hands on knees - Over the desk on tiptoes - Over a barstool or horse - Laying on bed - Kneeling in chair •Tactics •Health and Safety •Links and References ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Spanking usually means hitting someone with the flat of the palm, typically on the buttocks. It is a form of corporal punishment that can be adapted into sexgames as a fairly mild form of SM: as well as the sensation there is evocation of images of childhood. A similar physical effect can be achieved by using a paddle but here we concentrate mainly on manual spanking -- beating using implements of various kinds is dealt with in depth under flagellation. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ What's the Thrill? Spanking is much more personal and intimate than other forms of discipline. There is nothing quite like the feel of your boy bent over your knee, bare ass arched upwards, quivering with a combination of fear and anticipation. For the bottom, too, it provides a very unique feeling -- both physically and mentally. Spanking evokes memories of corporal punishment many of us experience in childhood. For this reason, many spankees look for tops who fit the roles of Daddy, coach, a big brother, or other authority figures. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ways to Play Position and Posture One of the factors that sets spanking apart from other forms of discipline is the deliberate and sometimes ceremonial positioning of the participants. While some spankings are haphazard, I prefer spankings that include the ritual of positioning. Both the spankee and spanker adopt positions that facilitate and enhance the spanking. These positions generally work to the advantage of the spanker and the disadvantage of the spankee. The spanker enjoys the following advantages from their position: Comfort Whether standing or sitting, the spanker is positioned to be comfortable throughout the spanking. They are able to swing their arm at a natural angle and able to sustain a lengthy spanking with ease because of their position. Strength Because they are able to wind up and freely swing their arm at a natural angle, the spanker is able to apply swats to the intended target with force. While standing, the spanker cannot only swing their arm but rotate their body to deliver maximum energy to an anxiously awaiting, clenching derriere. Full Access The spankee's position is designed to fully expose their bottom and the spanker's relative position is designed to put that bottom at a convenient angle and height. Therefore, the spanker is able to view, tweak, pat and spank it. Safety Because the spanker is in the position to easily spank the rear-end at the correct angle, it is much less likely that a blow will fall too high or too low. Control The spanker's position gives them the upper hand and allows them to easily control the spankee. They sit or stand higher than the spankee and are easily able to restrain and situate the spankee. The spankee realizes the following effects from their position: Relative comfort Except for the notable exception of their backside, I think it's important that the spankee be relatively comfortable so they can focus on the sensations being inflicted upon their posterior. Anticipation Bending over and getting into position to get your bottom blistered signals the beginning of the spanking and builds anticipation. Increased sensation A properly positioned bottom will tend to be spanked harder and more completely on the sensitive 'sit spot'. Humiliation Being put over the knee is a childish, humiliating posture. Having to 'assume the position' is humiliating in its submission and rubs in the fact that they are being spanked. Exposure A properly positioned bottom is fully exposed. The cheeks are fully presented and split, their undersides turned up. In the case of men, the anus and back of scrotum show. Women are even more exposed, their rectums and vulvas fully visible. Emphasis on their bottom Spanking positions place the center of attention on the bottom of the person being spanked, a fact not lost on said person. The bottom is emphasized by its exposure and upturned position relative to the spanker. Presentation of their bottom Not only is the bottom exposed and emphasized but the spankee feels they are willingly 'sticking it out' and presenting it for its punishment in the same way that the condemned man must place his head on the chopping block. The spankee knows their bottom cannot evade or escape the swats. Submission Cooperatively getting into position to be spanked is the primary act of submission in spanking. Safety Although it may be of little solace, the spankee can take comfort in the fact that their position affords safety from injury. Of course, this can be disconcerting if they know they will be spanked with even more abandon. Loss of control Once positioned, the spankee has relinquished control and may not easily regain it until the spanking is done. They may have difficulty removing their rear from the line of fire if they try. Inability to clench When standing, one can clench their cheeks together, mitigating the sting of a swat and the exposure. When properly positioned, it is more difficult to clench cheeks and the spanking will be applied to a relaxed, bouncing bottom. Excellent visual presentation Speaking from the point of view of an admitted bottom fancier, there are few times that someone looks more adorable and beautiful than when he or she is positioned to be spanked. Not only is the bottom emphasized, but it is formed to a flattering shape and sexily perked out. Spanking positions would be sexy even to people not into spanking. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Specific Positions Following are descriptions of various positions that I find erotic, their distinguishing characteristics, tactics that can be used to enhance them, and precautions to take. All descriptions assume a right-handed spanker. Over the lap The spanker sits with good posture in an armless chair, knees together. The person being spanked must lay face down across the spanker's lap, with their head to the left and their feet to the right. They must be over the lap far enough so their bottom is conveniently located directly over the spanker's right thigh. In order to preserve modesty, the person being spanked may be tempted to lie flat with their head up and legs straight out behind; however, if they are concerned for their modesty, they shouldn't have gotten themselves spanked in the first place. The spankee's head and shoulders should be angled down and their knees tucked down out of the way so that their bottom is well turned up. A palm pressed against the back of the head and swats to the thighs are helpful in positioning the spankee. Knees should be at least six inches apart and the lower back should be 'arched' or dipped to further turn up their rear. For a woman, this will result in her vulva being fully exposed and presented. Depending on size, toes will either be resting against the floor or hoisted off a few inches. The full weight of the spankee should be resting on the lap. Hands can either be on the floor or grasping the legs of the chair. If the right hand flies back during spanking, it should be pinned to the lower back by the spanker's left hand. Prior to starting to spank, the spanker should firmly grasp the spankee's waist above the right hip with the left hand to prevent squirming off the lap. Then the left elbow should be planted between the shoulder blades to keep the head and shoulders from bobbing up. The spanker should raise their right knee slightly, turning up the bottom further. In the case of a woman or man spanking a boy, she should make sure his penis is pressed firmly against her right thigh and aimed to the left. By turning their upper body to the right, the spanker can get a fuller swing and more comfortably apply a stronger swat. By combining all of these tactics -- the raised knee, the elbow in the back, the hand in the small of the back -- the spanker can effectively pin the spankee down and spank the daylights out of them. Over the knee Similar to over-the-lap except the spankee is bent over the left knee with their legs restrained by the spanker's right leg. Hands on ankles This is the classic school-style paddling position. The student must stand well clear of obstacles with feet shoulder width apart. Leaving knees straight and back straight, the student must bend over and grasp their ankles with both hands. The spanker may want to observe the student's hands throughout the paddling to ensure they do not leave the ankles and earn extra swats. The spanker stands facing the left side of the student. They should stand far enough away so the paddle barely overlaps past the right cheek. They should adjust fore and aft to ensure that both cheeks are struck at the same time (assuming a paddle is being used. Canes and straps warrant slightly forward positioning). It is not possible to more fully expose and present a rear end than when in this position. When one is told to bend over and grab their ankles, one is, in effect, being told, 'we intend to thoroughly paddle your bottom. So not only will you present your rear-end but you will stretch and endeavor to stick it up and out as far as you absolutely positively can. And throughout the paddling, you will continue to strain to stick it out for the paddle.' Since the angle between the legs and the upper body is well under 90 degrees, this position spreads the cheeks and exposes the rectum and genitals more than any other position. This is a great fantasy position, but I think it only works safely in reality for spankees with flexible bodies (especially when a thick paddle is used). Inflexible people can't reach their ankles without bending their knees. Men run the risk of getting their testicles whacked. Non-fleshy butts get pulled tightly across the pelvic bones and don't provide enough padding when a heavy paddle is used. Hands on knees This is a safer, more workable position than hands-on-ankles. The bottom is presented in a plumper, more paddle-friendly shape but visually, the position is still very school-like. Depending on the person, I think this position can be more visually appealing because the back can be arched a bit which perks up the bottom. In fact, the further up the legs the hands are placed, the more the spankee can arch their back and stick out their rump. Again, feet should be shoulder width apart and hand positioning enforced. Because the back can be arched and bottom upturned, it should be required, both prior and during the paddling. A technique which tends to arch the back correctly is to require the student to look forward at a spot high on the wall. That way, they are required to pull their head up and arch their back. Over the desk on tiptoes Another school-like position. The student must bend over a desk with nose or chest pressed to the desk. Hands and arms should be placed on the desk over their head to further arch the back. To further elevate their bottoms to be spanked, they must raise up onto their toes. Penalty swats can be awarded for every incidence of a heel touching the floor (hint: watch after the "last" swat before the student is told they may relax). Over a barstool or horse This is probably the best position for paddling because the bottom is presented in a plump and relaxed manner. The person to be punished must lay their full weight across the stool, their feet hanging and hands grasping the legs of the stool at a level such that there is a little support for their upper body. This is a relaxed, comfortable position which works well for lengthy spankings. Laying on bed Another comfortable position for lengthy spankings and ensuing diversions. The spankee must lay face-down on a bed. Their face should be pressed to the mattress while their hips and bottom are elevated on pillows. Since pillows are compressible, it may take three or four to achieve the proper elevation. Kneeling in chair One of my favorite positions for spankees with great butts because, properly executed, it presents the rear in its most flattering light. The trick is in the execution. The spankee must kneel in the seat of a padded chair (save those knees for later) facing the back with the thighs vertical and upper body forward over the back. Again, the spankee should be required to arch the back well. Two things conspire to shape his or her bottom. First, the back of the chair prevents him or her from bending so far as to preclude a good back arch. Second, just as high heels shape calves fully by angling the foot to shorten and bulge the calf muscle, kneeling with the calves at right angles to the thighs seems to allow the buttocks to bulge fully. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tactics I've found the following tactics can be used to enhance and focus on positioning: Adjustment & readjustment I think it's important to deliberately position and adjust the spankee prior to the first swat. Emphasis should be placed on positioning and presenting the bottom fully. Throughout the spanking, the spankee should be readjusted as their position begins to fail. Verbal instruction I think it's best to require the spankee to willfully maintain their own position without the physical assistance of the spanker, especially in the case of stand-up paddlings. Therefore, verbal communication is necessary throughout the spanking to encourage the spankee to continue to assume the correct position. Pickiness One of the disciplinary aspects of spanking is that no matter how perfect the spankee is positioned, they can always improve, stick their bottom out a little further, etc. The spanker should not feel guilty that their exacting demands regarding position are perhaps a little too picky and unrealistic. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Health and Safety Spanking safety is largely the same as for other forms of flagellation: see under Safety in the Flagellation Practical. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Links and References •Bobby Watson's Corner Time -- a red-cheeked site from a spanking enthusiast. •Uncle Jan's M/M Spanking Site -- Dutch based gay male site, run by an individual and with personal ads. •POWERotics has a good spanking page with practical details and safety. Back to the Top ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This bulk of this briefing is taken from an anonymous Usenet posting that appeared on Slakker's original ABC of BDSM. If anyone has any information about the source, please get in touch. ENEMAS Enema Information Page Index to Enema Information Pages 1.Why Take Enemas? 2.How to Take Enemas 3.Enema Erotica? A Contradiction in Terms? 4.Dominance & Submission Games with Water Excerpted From Enemas: Fact, Fiction & Fantasy In Colon Care Chapter 2 -- How To Take Enemas? By WaterLuv@etzine.com. © AMTI, 1995, 1997, All rights reserved. Up to Index Here's what to do to explore this thrilling health initiative. Go to the drugstore and check for enema/douche syringes in the feminine hygiene section. There are several practical options, and some others to avoid. You can opt for the combination water bottle/syringe or the classical open mouth variety. The open mouth is a bit easier to fill and use, but it only serves the one purpose as a syringe. The combination style is more complicated to fill, but it is dual purpose and it also is safer to use in bed since, if it falls from its hanger, it won't spill. The choice is yours. I have one of each because I do like to occasionally use one in bed. Steer clear of the travel style that folds into a small carrying pouch. They are made from very thin rubber, and do not last long. When they fail, it is usually due to the hanger eyelet tearing loose from the bag. Murphy's law # 13. This NEVER happens at a desirable time or place. They are OK for their intended use, but not regular service. Also avoid the squeeze-bulb douche syringe. It's messy to use and holds so little fluid that a good enema requires multiple fillings and insertions. The Shy douche syringe is an interesting variant, but difficult to use and impossibly leaky when taken outside a bathtub. If possible, get a kit that has barb fittings instead of the screw in type. The screw in fittings are often poorly made and must be sealed with a medical grade of RTV sealant to prevent leakage. Before purchasing, inspect the quality of the fittings. Are the outlet holes in the douche nozzle (the 6" long one with four flutes on the business end) cleanly drilled and free from burrs or sharp edges? Walgreens tends to carry lousy quality bags. Skip them. . Oh, and you might want to take a few valium before you launch into the informed consumer act. I n a crowded store, opening enema syringes and inspecting the holes in the douche nozzle can draw stares. While you're in the drug store, pick up either some petroleum jelly lubricant or some pure vitamin E oil. Water based lubricants such as KY Jelly may be used, but tend to leach away in the water you're injecting. By the end of the process, if the lubricant has washed away, withdrawing the nozzle may be needlessly uncomfortable. With equipment in hand you are ready to proceed. You need to select the nozzle you'll use. The instructions recommend the short one for enemas, but the douche pipe is the favorite of every enemaniac I know. Assemble the syringe with the selected nozzle as shown in the instructions. Be sure to slide the shut-off clamp onto the hose before fitting the hose to the nozzle and bag. Best is to position the shut-off clamp a few inches from the nozzle with the end you press facing toward the nozzle. For a solution, use cool to warm water, just a bit above body temperature. Temperature can be varied to produce specific results. Warmer solutions relax the colon muscles, making retention easier, but sometimes rendering expulsion a bit of a challenge. Cool enemas stimulate the peristaltic motion of the bowel muscles, and tend to produce more cramping. Therefore, warm enemas are best for treating nervous conditions, and cool ones are in order to cleanse the colon of old, hardened wastes. Cool enemas are also useful in reducing fevers. Do not use water that is hot. Your inner parts, with their meager supply of nerve endings, will not sense the heat. You can easily fill yourself with water hot enough to put you at risk of heat prostration. Sometimes masochists use cold enemas of ice water to induce heavy cramping. You should exercise common sense in this area as well. Excessive use of ice-water enemas can dangerously depress the core temperature of your body, sending you into shock. Play hard, if you will, but do play safe. Some people add a tablespoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of salt per quart. The soda and salt bring the enema solution close to your own electrolyte level, so that osmosis through the intestinal membranes is minimized. If you find that you feel a bit light- headed after the process due to a rapid change in blood electrolyte balance, then the salt and soda are in order. I find that plain water works fine for me. A mild soap such as ivory or pure castille may be added to boost the cleaning power of the enema. The soap offers a double whammy, since it irritates the colon walls and causes a strong urge to purge. Some theorists have questioned the efficacy of soap, pointing out that there is no research proving that it aids the cleansing action of an enema. With all the science behind the use of surfactants, I don't think an experiment is needed to establish their effectiveness in cleaning. Surfactant is a five dollar word for the the main ingredient in the detergents that we use in our dishwashers, shampoos, laundries, car washes and the list goes on. It is the surfactant (From: surface active agent, a material that breaks down the surface tension of water) in soap that lets it clean greasy hands that plain water won't touch. Water, the closest thing we have to a universal solvent, does the actual cleaning. The wetting agent just breaks the surface tension of the water so it can penetrate to clean. Thus, surfactants are particularly effective on greasy or waxy deposits where plain water would tend to bead up. Some folks experiment with all sorts of exotic solutions. Curiosity is certainly part of human nature. Remember, though, that curiosity killed the cat, and that, unlike felines, you don't have nine lives. Of particular concern is the use of alcoholic beverages as enemas. The colon is extremely efficient at extracting alcohol from its contents, and transferring it to the blood stream. Your bowels will hold enough alcohol to kill you many times over. If you want to kill yourself, be kind to the poor souls who will have to clean up after you and do it some other way. To be safe, you should divide the amount of alcohol you would feel safe drinking in half, and use no more than that rectally. Mineral oil or olive oil is also occasionally used. This is not a good idea, since these oils can deplete the body's supply of certain oil-based vitamins. Herbal enemas can be of benefit in treating disease, tonifying the body, or making the entire experience more pleasant. See the separate chapter on herbs for a more complete discussion. Whatever the solution, two quarts is sufficient to fill the colon of most people. To cleanse the entire intestinal tract, multiple four quart fillings and a good deal of iron-clad willpower are required. The four quart procedure, called the high enema, is done till most of the water returns clear. It is virtually impossible to get so clean that the last little bit is clear, so don't be misguided by books that ask for that. While you are still at the sink, place the bag on a towel rack, hold the nozzle over the sink, and briefly open the clamp to expel all air bubbles from the hose. If some air remains, it won't hurt you, but it does make retention more difficult, and it can also generate some shameful sounds during your expulsion. After the bag is filled and primed, grease the nozzle liberally with the lubricant of your choice. Some people find it difficult to accept and retain a large enema. Volume is useful both for the cleansing and erogenous benefits of the enema, so it is worthwhile to figure out how to hold your own with the real enema pros. One trick is to take a 16 ounce glass of water with a tablespoon of Epsom salts dissolved in it. This should be taken about two hours before going to bed. For the next hour, drink as much water as you can. Stop the treatment 1 hour before retiring, and get a good 8 hours of restful sleep. This treatment will purge your system of all that might stand in the way of the water. The rest is essential, though. The treatment may not work if done during the day of the enema series. At the very least, if you plan to do a high-enema series, take a 2 quart enema of tepid water first to clear all the large fecal waste from the colon. This will take some of the edge off the four quart behemoths. Now you need to decide the position you'd like to use. Various medicos pontificate about this and that position, but there appears to be virtually no research to support any of the verbiage, so I'd let comfort and pleasure be my guide. You can lie on a bed with a towel under you to catch leaks. If you're a big-time leaker, you'll want to put a rubber sheet under the towel. If you choose to lie down, there is a bit of information about anatomy that is worth the knowing. Your descending colon proceeds upward from your anus along the left side of your abdominal cavity to a point just below your rib cage. From there, it makes a sharp bend and runs across the top of your stomach to your right side, around the spot where the appendix is located. This section is called the transverse colon. It then bends again and drops down your right side to a point near the groin. From there, it connects with the long, thin tube called the small intestine. Now, knowing this, you can select a reclining position that will ease the filling of each third of the colon. Start out lying on your left side. Massage upward along the left side of your abdomen from groin to ribcage to help the water fill this first third of the colon. When that part feels full, roll over on your back to allow the transverse colon to fill. Extend your massage from the beginning of the descending and along the full length of the transverse colon. Finally, when the transverse section is full, roll onto your right side to let the ascending section get the maximum water pressure. Simultaneously, you can extend your massage to follow the full route of the colon, starting at the entry end and pushing the water ever deeper into the bowels. Believe it or not, with a little practice, you can feel each section as it fills. You can stand in the shower if the reclining position doesn't suit you. I find I can hold more standing than in any other position. Lots of female enema fans I know love to get up on the bed on their knees with their face down on the sheets. They enjoy the submissiveness of this pose and the powerful visual effect it has on their significant other. Experiment a bit and see what tickles your fancy. If you have to do this anyway, you might as well derive the maximum of erotic enjoyment from it. Most books recommend the bag be placed about 2 feet above the hips. This does provide sufficient force to get 2 quarts into you. The bag will need to be hung a bit higher for a four quart high- enema. Enema myth number 2. Some books warn of excessive pressure, but the truth is that your anal sphincter will generally not hold more than you can safely take. However, learn your limits. A high enema should hurt so good. You will feel incredibly full. Your belly will bulge out as if you're three months pregnant. But the process should never really, seriously hurt. If it feels like you're going to burst, stop and expel before you do. Once you are in your selected position with the bag hung securely at a correct distance above you, lubricate yourself well, ease the nozzle a few inches into your rectum and open the clamp. If you begin to feel too full or cramping sets in, briefly shut the flow off until the feeling subsides. Then you may restart the flow. Another piece of anatomy news that's important to male enjoyment of enemas. Just inside the body, positioned between the rectum and the urethra, lies the prostate gland. It is responsible for generating most of the fluid contained in male ejaculate. It is a sensitive little gland. Stimulation of it alone can trigger an orgasm. This is why so many enema loving men prefer the douche nozzle and hang the bag 3 feet or more above the hips. The spray from the side outlets figures strongly in male enema appreciation. By twisting the douche nozzle and positioning it just right, it is possible to direct the spray from two sets of the outlet holes directly against the prostate, and this feels wonderful! Both males and females will find that the muscles around the anal ring are tightly linked to the muscles of the pubic floor. That is the muscle that spasms so delightfully during an orgasm. Stimulation back there, provided it is not brutal and painful, will echo in the frontal zone with truly spine tingling results. After you are filled you should try to retain the water for as long as possible. At least five minutes, and preferably fifteen, will give the water time to soften and remove hardened fecal matter clinging to the walls of and clogging the folds in the colon. Most folks who find the process erotically stimulating notice that playing with themselves a little helps keep their mind off any cramping that occurs while they fill up and as they wait for the water to do its work. Try to just climb the mountain of delight, but not go over the lover's leap into the oblivion below. The release of the sexual tension often hastens the release of the pressure building in your belly, and cuts short the water's cleansing work. Why spoil a good thing? Save all the tension till the last filling. If and when you do plan to hit that final crescendo, be aware that that muscle that spasms when you orgasm also controls your anal sphincter. As it does its dance of delight, it will probably release little bursts of the pressing flood in your innards. Consequently, unless you are hankering to do an impression of a Super Soaker 2000, you want to be aware of your position relative to the plumbing as the time draws nigh. When you must release the water, sit on the toilet and let it run out. Do the same full-colon massage you did while taking the water in, but reverse the direction now, working from your right groin up the ascending colon, from right to left along the transverse colon, then down the descending colon from ribs to groin on your left abdomen. Use a firm stroke of the heel of your palm and force the water back out of your system. If you selected vitamin E oil as a lubricant, dab some on the tummy to make this process more pleasant. This massage helps clear the water quickly and is useful in loosening caked on and hardened wastes. You may not be able to expel the last little bit of water, sit and strain as you may. A sure fire way to resolve this is to clean yourself and get up. The more encumbered you become with activities that would make a return to the toilet inconvenient, the better this strategy seems to work. Most of the folks who have discovered the pleasure of this practice stumbled upon it in the course of medical procedures given by professional health-care persons, parents or self inflicted. So, if this has a health benefit and is sexually arousing, a natural question to ask is, "How often can I safely do it." Again, the medical literature is thin and what little there is simple opinion and prejudice, about as helpful as the justifications for bleeding patients of centuries past. Enema myth number 3. Beware of them, they're addictive. The truth from my own experience is that enemas can be somewhat addictive. After a daily dose for a number of days, the colon takes a few days to recover normal function. During this recovery, you can get pretty bloated and uncomfortable. However, I have spent several years taking them daily and been able to easily end the cycle with a couple of small ones to get me through the withdrawal. The biggest problem with needing one every day is that there will be days when travel or time commitments make an enema bloody inconvenient at best. Expulsion is noisy and smelly. Unless yours is very different from mine, you might not feel comfortable taking an enema while staying over at your mother-in-law's house. If you are staying for a week and can't go without the bag, the resultant constipation can put a cramp in more than just your style. Another curiosity that arises after you discover the pleasure of enemas is the linkage between pain and pleasure. Some enema enthusiaasts, myself included, find that very large, painful and rather humiliating enemas are the ultimate enema turn-on. So, if you disciover that cramps hurt so good, how can you produce them? Here is a suggestion from another enemaholic. jmelson@artsci.wustl.edu (Jonathan M. Elson) I think some of your questions have already been answered, but I will try, too. Maybe you can't experience *real* cramps with less than a quart. So, you'll have to get a "good cleaning out" first, and then try to get a little more fluid in. I might recommend a warm, soapy enema first. Make it warmer than body temperature, about 104 F (39 - 40 C), since the water cools off in the bag and tube before flowing into you. The warmth helps relax the bowels so you can accept a little more water. Take it slowly, lying on your back, with the bag no more than 1 or 2 feet above you. When you feel the pressure build, clamp the hose and massage your tummy where you feel the pressure, until you feel that area relax. Then take a little more water. As for the soap, use either Ivory bar soap or castille soap sparingly for your first irrigation. With ivory, just hold the bar in the stream of water filling the bag. The slower the water flows over the soap, the stronger the mixture. For castille soap, there is liquid and bar. Kirk's hardwater castille (bar) soap dissolves very fast, so don't hold it in the water for the full time the bag fills. Liquid castille soap is very strong, so just use a little bit. The castille is a little more irritating to (at least my ) bowel. Now, after you get cleaned out is when the fun can begin! With a clean bowel, you can get a lot more fluid in, and if cramps are what you want, you can most certainly get bigger cramps with a bigger colon! I would recommend a warm enema with strong castille soap for a good cramp. And, as long as the soap is not too strong, I don't thinkyou need to worry about harm. After all, castille soap enemas have been given in hospitals for at least 100 years. --------->> Of course, if you want *real* cramps, you can mix air and water. This WILL give you cramps - I mean real excruciating pain! I don't know if this is what you are looking for, but I know that on the few occasions when I had some problem with my equipment and injected air into my colon with an enema, it really hurt. If you want to try this, you might take an enema, and then have your "mistress" take the hose apart at the bag end, and blow into it. You'll hear the air bubbles rumble into you, and pretty soon you will feel real cramps. I warn you, however, that expelling an air/water enema is much more difficult than any water enema you have had. You may have to lay in the tub on your back to get it to come out, and you may have to work on it for an hour or more to get the air and water out and the cramps to subside. If you're using enemas for preparation for anal intercourse, I'd recommend giving your partner several. Start with one to two quarts, then build up to the point comfort defines. Give several, till the returns are mostly clean till the very end. This way, there won't be any sludge in the way. Enemas are a subtle erotic stimulation, and it often takes several before you really begin to feel the sexiness. They're nothing at all like beating off or fucking, which are anything but subtle. One caution. A series of large enemas can be physically as well as rectally draining. You might want to match your partner 1 for 1. Do each other, with lots of playful stroking, kissing, licking and so on throughout. That way, nobody feels used and abused, and you each have a clear indication of how worn out you're getting. Enjoy. I hope that this little primer helps you discover the health benefits and erotic secrets locked up in one of modern America's darkest closets. Remember that, with limited exceptions such as elephants, strawberries, sperm-whales and milk, only enema erotics routinely cum in quarts! The E-SIG is a Special-Interest Group for lovers of enema erotica. We're here to offer you support, information, and things you're sure to find sexy and exciting. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ © 1995 by ET! Cyberzine Last Rev. February 23, 1997 All rights reserved. E-SIG members are granted the right to download a single copy of this page for archival on electronic media and/or conversion into a single printed copy. This material may not otherwise be reprinted or recopied, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher. Send your comments to: E-SIG AMTI PO Box 64307 Virginia Beach, VA 23467-4307 USA FAX (757) 495-2564 Problems with this page? E-mail to: WaterLuv@etzine.com and include the URL of this page and the nature of the trouble. Web Site Design By ET!Productions. See us for your WWW needs. MUMIFICATION by Gil Kessler used by permission This article was originally printed in Newslink (Winter 1992-93) Basic mummification is fun, easy and inexpensive. It places the bottom in a situation of powerlessness and sensory deprivation which allows him to float off, forget his problems, and offer his complete trust to the Top. The Top derives enjoyment and satisfaction from his sense of total control, from the pleasure he is giving the bottom, and from activity he may initiate after the mummification is complete. Here we will outline two simple ways to do a body mummification. The head can easily be wrapped in a variety of ways as well, but this will add considerably to the time because several precautions must be taken including making big holes (small holes might tend to close up) for the nostrils and mouth. These techniques will be left for a future article. Preliminaries The most common method of mummifying is with Saran Wrap. You'll need about 75 feet of this (avoid thinner brands that keep tearing as you work) and a few yards of duct tape (silver is OK, but red and black are flashier). A head mask, two small balls of cotton, and an ace bandage are optional. A second Top (or more, if they are in abundance) is very handy for keeping the bottom from falling. This is the bottom's greatest fear, and he must be reassured verbally as well as physically that this will not happen. If you are the only Top present, you have two choices: (1) wrap the bottom down to his thighs, then lie him on a couch (properly positioned nearby) to finish the legs OR (2) use a rope (attached to the ceiling) under each armpit to keep him vertically supported near a wall or column. Wrap him, affix him securely to the wall or column, then *carefully* slide the ropes out. That pressure under the arms cannot be sustained. Precautions Most "rules" have exceptions if the Top is knowledgeable and experienced. In this basic article, we will not discuss advanced elements such as using gags, catheters, or breathing tubes during a mummification. The following precautions can be violated only if you are very experienced with measures necessary to ensure the safety of the bottom. 1.Have "safety scissors" on hand in case you must quickly cut the bottom out; note that this is not a quick operation. [Safety scissors, which have one blunt end, are also known as surgical scissors, and can be obtained at surgical supply stores.] 2.Leave both nasal *and* mouth passages open to assure no breathing problems. Since he can't move, check often to be sure he does not begin to choke. 3.Be sure the bottom has urinated if the scene will be long. 4.Put some type of padding (such as cotton) between the bottom's knees and ankles if they touch when his legs are together (e.g. if he is not wearing boots). Otherwise the tight bindings will eventually cause unwanted discomfort. 5.For longer scenes, offer water to the bottom periodically to prevent his dehydration due to excessive sweating. Have towels ready when you unwrap him. 6.If he begins to panic, especially when in a head mask, comfort and reassure him as you quickly uncover his eyes and remove the mask. Having him count *slowly* from 10 to 1 out loud may restore calmer breathing. Wrapping We will put a head mask on the bottom and let him wear his boots. While he holds his arms away from his body, lay the Saran Wrap from his back diagonally over the near shoulder, across the far tit, under the armpit and completely around the back to the front again, across the other tit, and diagonally over the other shoulder. BUT as you start to cover each tit, put a cotton ball there (optional), held in place by the wrap! (More about the cotton ball below.) Now, wrap each leg and arm separately, working downward; this is done so that skin never touches skin when finished. The wrap should be tight enough so as not to slip, with lots of overlapping. Note that it is easier to tun the roll if the Saran Wrap going on is between the body and the roll itself. Next put his arms at his sides and his legs together (remember the padding if needed). Starting near the shoulders, wrap round and round, gradually descending. Having the bottom inhale and hold his breath while you wrap his chest allows for breathing room while he is bound. Leave the genitals exposed by twisting the wrap as you pass just above and just below them. Continue the wrap down to the boots (those into more elaborate scenes can even wrap each toe!). To secure the wrap further, encircle his body with several (separate) strips of duct tape. Generally we use strips above and below the tits, above and below the genitals (across the fingertips), above the knees, and above the boots or ankles. Using another color, you might make beautiful diagonal "X"'s across the chest and lower. Be sure no tape touches skin directly. Do not rush your mummification. Wrapping is a major event, not just a preliminary to a scene. It can easily take 30 minutes, and longer if you like, especially if accompanied by verbal commentary. (On the other hand, if this is part of a Contest Fantasy, the wrapping record is under 5 minutes!) Now to expose the tits. Those cotton balls make it easy to break through the wrap. Press a paper clip into the cotton, rip off a circle of wrap, then pull the cotton out! You can attach favorite toys to tits and genitals, or wrap the latter in an ace bandage. Instead of duct tape, you might do an upper body "overwrap" (with front twists) using colored wrap. You could also add rope decorations or make a rope harness. Use your ingenuity. You can attach him (securely!) to a column, play with him, or lie him down (perhaps with headphones) so he can float off while you go and cook a meat loaf. But keep checking on him for safety. An hour or two takes all his troubles away! Another rather impressive way to wrap your mummy is in cloth. Horse supply stores often carry "Standing Bandages," which look much like ace bandages. A package of 4 rolls, each 12 feet long, costs less than $20 (you'll need 2 packages). Get the 5.5-inch width if possible. Black is especially stunning. You'll have to remove some velcro fastenings, unfortunately. If you have a black Spandex hood for the bottom, it will look extremely good here. Wrapping the shoulders is the hardest part. Put the center part of a strip across his tits, go under the armpits, cross in back and come up over the shoulders; now go under the nearest armpit, and over the nearest shoulder (closer to the neck), cross the chest and tuck the ends of the strip into the front (or back) wrapping. Next wrap the legs downward (start high). Wrap the arms, but not too tight. Finally, wrap arms with body, and down the legs, as was done with the Saran Wrap (tuck the end of each strip into previous wrapping, and eliminate the twists that were done with the Saran Wrap near the genitals). Don't use any duct tape, naturally, but red or white rope decoration makes a great topper. Emergence Be sure to maintain support when you unwrap him (or cut him out of the Saran Wrap with safety scissors), unless he is lying down. Unwrap slowly; too often the ending of a scene is not given the attention it deserves and requires. Remove his mask, but have him keep his eyes closed. Have towelling to dry him, as he might be sweating profusely. Hold him, hug him, gently talk him back to earth. If he wants you to rewrap him, tell him you'd have to iron the Saran Wrap. He'll just have to come back another time. Back to: [ BDSM | AltSex ] FIRE & WAX flogging by Pat McCarty Fire and Ice. We refer to the Fire as molten wax from candles, and the Ice as just plain old ice. Both of these can be applied to breasts, butts, tummies, arms, legs, genitalia, and so on. Timing is of the utmost importance here, along with knowing what it feels like yourself. Blindfolding your partner and using these two tools can be lots of fun, and if done correctly the Ice can feel much like hot wax. Knowing what it feels like is the best way for you to start your play. Starting from a safe distance, drip one or two drops of hot candle wax onto your arm. Testing on oneself will help you judge the correct distance to hold the candle from your partner's skin. You should also test, on yourself, the different parts of the human anatomy. I have always felt that it is best when you know what your partner is feeling. Bees wax and paraffin are the two basic types of wax that should be used. Of the two, bees wax will burn at a much higher temperature than paraffin, so of the two paraffin is much better and safer to use. Candles have more than just wax in them. Coloring, hardeners, and different types of scents will raise the temperature of the wax. I recommend that you never use a scented candle. Sabbath candles and emergency candles are the easiest to come by. Both contain no additives and are a very good size to handle and cheap to purchase. You can usually find Sabbath candles in any grocery store which caters to the Jewish community, and emergency candles can be found in just about any hardware store. Starting several feet from your partner's skin, slowly bring the wax closer. Start with a less sensitive area such as the chest or back. It also helps to retest every once in a while on your own arm while playing. This will help you know what your partner is feeling, and stop you from burning him. This will also help your partner prepare for the more sensitive areas that you will be working on later. Anticipation, for your partner, can be quite intense; a little anxiety can be very useful. Adding ice to the scene will mess with your partner's mind quite a bit. It can feel just like hot wax to a blindfolded partner. Combining the two by using the wax first then taking a wet ice cube and passing it over the hot wax, adds a new dimension to your sub's mind while playing. Using ice inside the body is a different story, and by now I'm sure your minds have wandered to that area anyway. There are molds that you can buy in the shape of a penis or you can just use a condom full of water and place it in the freezer for several days before you use it. Using an ice penis in the vaginal cavity can be a little tricky as you don't want to lose it. I personally like using a condom which has been frozen and has been run under some water to wet the outside before use. I never insert the ice dildo all the way. I would hate to lose it and my partner would not be at all happy knowing that part of their inside could be damaged, it being too cold. Using ice inside the anal area can also cause serious cramping. Never insert too much ice. I also recommend that you not use an ice dildo in the anal cavity as it's just too damn cold and can cause serious damage to the anal walls. Both fire and ice play should be taken very seriously. Don't assume that they can't hurt and cause serious damage. Make sure that you know what you are doing and what it feels like before you start on your partner. Keep your room temperature just a little bit warmer than normal when playing with ice; this will help you make sure your partner's shivers are properly motivated. What may be comfortable for you may not be comfortable for your exposed sub or partner. It's always nice to keep them in mind while playing. Before closing, I would like to dedicate this article to Philip Miller who passed away this month. I use his book, Screw the Roses, Send me the Thorns, quite often. He will be sadly missed by those who knew him. He also gave of himself by giving us his knowledge and teaching us how to play safely. Hey leatherfolk, have an interesting experience you want to share? Wondering about some aspect of the leather community, but you don't know whom to ask? Send your questions, comments or ideas for future columns to Pat McCarty c/o eclipse home | impact | show me | new orleans | mardi gras | search | index | guest book Serving Lesbian - Gay New Orleans and the Gulf South 2118 Burgundy Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116 1.504.94.IMPACT - Out of state 1.888.94.IMPACT email GayMail@impactnews.com Site Design by sottek Copyright © 1996 Impact, Inc. All Rights Reserved ® Establish Trust and Break the Ice With Hot Wax? Written by: Dianna Vesta ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Here's something that is fun to try and safe for beginners. Trust is extremely important among lovers. It's important to never violate your lover's trust, even if you are just kidding around. When exploring unknown erotic territory you must be sensitive to fears and the images that might arise from the past. Fear can create an insurmountable wall if it's not considered right from the beginning. You shouldn't be in a hurry to begin this new journey. Remember that it's going to take time. How much time depends on your approach and the trust you allow to form between the two of you. First prepare the room. Unplug the phone and make sure the kids won't be coming home or rushing in! Play some soft music in the background. Try to stay away from music that might be distracting or remind you of another time. There are some wonderful selections that are excellent for fantasy play. Try "Enigma", "Dark Side of The Moon" or something that relaxes you. I think we have a list on the BBS. I'll try to make this available on the Web Site for you. Create an environment that lends itself to eroticism. Light candles, burn incense or oils, make the room temperature just right. You'll need these things ready: 1. A feather duster : NEW PLEASE! 2. A blindfold or soft scarf to tie around eyes. 3. A soft nail brush 4. A 3 foot soft rope. 3/4 inch or 1/2 inch. 5. A small ice bucket with ice or bowl of ice 6. A small votive candle 7. A nylon paint brush (that you'll never use again!) 8. Latex gloves (you can get these in a box at the drug store) 9. A bottle of lubricant. (KY sucks! Get a slippery LUBE Note: Check TFN Toys) Ok now you're ready for action! You have your toys close at hand. Under or on the coffee table or some place where they don't get in the way, but are easy to reach. You've prepared ahead for this special night. You've showered, brushed your teeth, and you're smelling like a rose! (naturally, not literally) It's extremely important that with ALL sexual acts or touching that your nails are cleaned and groomed. Clean them with a nail brush and file down any rough edges. A small hang nail can cause a lot pain in the most uncomfortable places! Wear loose silky clothes. If you're into fetish, wear your fetish stuff but remember this is NOT about YOUR fetish it's about building the TRUST between the two of you. It's no time for selfish fetish exploration. Secure the ground work first and then introduce your styles. Tonight is about exploring sensation and trust. Lay a blanket or comforter on the floor in the living room or wherever you have your ambiance set up. Sit down in front of each other, facing one another. Hold hands and exchange some warm loving kisses or comments about how much you love and appreciate each other. Just try to relax for a few minutes. I love to have a pot of peppermint tea with a little honey close by. Sipping on herbal teas is very sexy to the soul. It also makes kissing and tasting nice. Now, deciding on who goes first is the question. One of you hold up the blindfold and you'll soon know who is ready to take the plunge and go first. Remember that it doesn't matter who is dominant or submissive at this time. You are two people in love who are establishing trust. You're trying something very new and it's important that you both understand what that is and take responsibility on how it will affect your relationship. Tie the blindfold around your partner's eyes. Be careful that you don't tie hair and make it pull, yet tie it tightly enough so it doesn't fall and create a distraction right in the middle of something. It's best to just ask after it's in place. "Does this feel all right?" Again, remember you're not using any role-play here, your simply exploring. Please don't use any aggression in this now. Begin by touching the mate who is blindfolded. Lightly run your hands over their skin. Don't grab their breast or sex organs! Just touch to comfort, lovingly, tenderly and erotically. If you're not too shy try whispering "I love you" or "Your beautiful" at this time while touching. The goal is to slowly introduce sensation. Most people think SM is JUST about pain, but it's not. It's about sensation. Each person requires a different level of sensation. You are about to learn about what your lover's level of sensation is. Go slow. The votive candles should already be lit at this time. A small puddle of wax is welling around the wick. Now ask or motion your lover to stand. This movement with loss of vision is scary yet erotic. Help them to stand with their legs slightly spread apart, yet comfortable. Take their hands and place them in front of them in a praying position. Keep your bondage simple at this time. We want the feet free and the hands lightly bound in front. They will be able to experience the pleasure of bondage, yet there's something about their hands in front that seems less fearful. Don't modify this at this time, please. Double the rope, wrap it around the wrist bringing the free end through the loop and then pull but make sure it's not too tight. Take this loose end you've just pulled through and wrap it around several times. To finish it off tuck it under the rope you've just wrapped. This is good enough for today. This is not a lesson on bondage, OK? Remember to ask.."Is this OK?" You don't want your lover to feel discomfort and unable to really enjoy the sensations you're about to give them. Now, take the feather duster. Start at the top of their head and then slowly glide it down with an ever so light pressure. You will most definitely invoke a response from this! You may even see goose bumps rise up on their flesh as the feathers caress their arms, back, neck, breast, thighs, calves; pay close attention to every detail. Do this for about 5 min or longer, or until it seems that your lover's flesh is craving more. The sensation if done correctly will create an hunger. This hunger must climb in a slow level to be effective. Once you feel the body begin to response to the light touches of the feather begin with small light nibbles from your teeth. Nothing heavy here, just light nibbles on the back of the neck especially, on the arms, on the thighs, between the thighs, but NOT *there*, yet! Meter your nibbles by the response you get. Everyone is different. You're here to learn that now, so test the water a bit, but don't scare your lover and give them a reason not to trust you! I love to stop long before, always leaving them hungry. I love to tease until my lover almost begs for more. I assure you that they will. Maybe not now, but in time if you focus on your trust first. You can now use light sweeps of the soft nail brush. Softly, over the body. This action will help to warm the skin and increase sensation. You can then take your paint brush, dip it in the wax and paint light warm strokes of hot wax over their flesh. Remember to tease. Always start away from the target areas and move into them delivering the most sensation. You can even paint this on the nipples. The brush paints the heat on slowly instead of the direct drip that can get messy and HOT, unless you've practiced and know what you're doing. Your lover at this time might even ask for more heat or more sensation. This is a GOOD thing. You can talk to each other and communicate the things that you enjoy and the things that you're not crazy about. If your lover asks for the direct drip of hot wax on her/his nipples, then DRIP a drop at a time. Tease them! Make them want more! You can drip the cold water that falls from ice cubes on their heated flesh or swap it between each other's mouths. By this time, with all the panting, I'm sure your lover would appreciate the drink! You can even hold the cube and run it ever so lightly down the flesh for another type of sensation. Take the latex glove. Put it on your dominant hand and apply a small amount of lubricant. Use the other hand to continue the touching and offering stimulation to the flesh while you take the gloved hand and gently stroke your lover's genitals. If you're touching a woman pay close attention to the folds. Don't grab or jab! Just touch and tease, lightly while you nibble a nipple or kiss. You might want to ask what feels good. Don't make them think by having to tell you exactly what. Just ask if it's OK, does it feel good. Remember that their hands are still tied in the front and chances are if you didn't tie it to tightly they are already directing your hand! Learning how to masturbate your lover can be a wonderful experience for both of you especially as you travel down the road of eroticism. Take the time to learn what feels good. In time you can assume roles, switch or stay where you both feel the most comfortable. Don't play mind games or listen to people tell you what a dominant is SUPPOSED to be or do. You are two people in love who have chose alternatives as a way to express the love you have even better! The two of you make the rules. Listen to ideas from others, but remember that this is your journey. Learn more ideas by joining one of our online magazines. Your purchases and subcriptions help support this work. Help us help you! | Online Magazines|| Fetish Shopping Mall | Call Services | Free Newsletter | Events | | Free Web Classifieds | Links & Listings | About Us | Contact Us | TFN HOME | | Guest Book | Report any problems with this web to webmistress@tfnbbs.com TORTURES Anatomy Skin covers all parts of the male genitals. The more this skin is stretched the more sensitive it becomes, as nerve endings are forced closer to the surface; thus the skin is more sensitive on an erect penis than on a flaccid one. The skin of the scrotal sac is thicker and is capable of great stretching and becomes even more sensitive when stretched. The skin of the cockhead, or glans, is very thin, tightly attached to the underlying tissues, and is extremely sensitive. For SM play it should not even be thought of as skin but as an integral part of the cockhead. The PENIS consists of four components: First, the skin, is discussed above. Second is a pair of spongy tissue reservoirs called the corpora cavernosa. These run the length of the penis, beginning under the pubic bone well inside the body, and extending to the base of the glans. These are the main hydraulic system of the penis. When these are empty the penis is soft and flaccid. When filled with blood, these cause the cock to grow longer and more rigid. The third important component is the cockhead, or glans. This is the tip of the penis and consists primarily of spongy tissue, the corpus spongiosum, which is also erectile. The surface of the glans is covered with very thin, very sensitive skin. The ridge at the base of the glans is the corona, and it is the most sensitive part of the cockhead in most men. At the tip of the glans is the urinary meatus, the opening from the urethra. The urethra is the fourth component of the penis. It is the duct that empties both urine and semen to the exterior. It runs along the underside of the shaft, surrounded by a tube of the same corpus spongiosum as in the glans. The main contents of the SCROTAL SAC are the testicles. These are a pair if bean shaped capsules of glandular tissue. The outer covering of each testis is a very tough fibrous capsule. The interior is a soft glandular material in which sperm are produced. They are very well equipped with pressure sensing nerves - nerves which interpret pressure on the balls, any squeezing or pressing or striking, as extreme pain. If you feel each testicle carefully you will be able to detect a much softer, fleshy ridge along one side of each ball and extending up to form a lump on the top of each testicle. This is the epididymis and consists of the tubules that drain the sperm from the testicle. Each testicle hangs at the end of a spermatic cord that attaches to the epididymis at the top of each testicle. The spermatic cord is largely dense, elastic connective tissue that draws the testes up close to the body as a response to cold or fear and suspends them well away from the body when warm (because normal human body temperature is high enough to kill developing sperm.) CBT Lesson 2 Emasculation Emasculation The "fate worst than death" for a man, supposedly, is to rob him of his manhood. Castration - the removal of the testicles, and emasculation - the removal of both penis and scrotum are the ultimate punishments and beyond the bounds of safe, SANE, consensual SM. But threats of removal of, or permanent damage to, the genitals can be important components of an SM scene. Shaving of the pubic hair is regarded by many as the first stage of this emasculation. Thus, a slave is kept shaved as a badge of his status as "less than a man." Another way to simulate emasculation is through genital isolation. Imagine a slave restrained to a wall (facing it) with his penis and balls forced through a hole in the wall and locked in place with a sliding panel. He can not be seen from the opposite side of the wall, but his genitals are there to be examined and played with. If he doesn't like what is done to them, that is tough, there is nothing he can do about it. Imagine what could be done to the genitals if you had a ball stretcher, weights, a tube on Bengay, clothespins, a miniature whip and a pair of pliers...... Mmmmmm. Other techniques of genital isolation include the genitals restrained in a genital pillory, through a chain link fence and padlocked in place, through the bars of a cage, through a mesh hammock to which the slave is bound face down. I wonder, should the slave be blindfolded or not? Is it better for him to be able to see what is coming or is it better for it to be a total surprise until he feels it?? For a safe, sane and consensual version of these scenes, the victims hips should be tied solidly against the obstruction so he does not damage himself by jerking back too violently, or by passing out and hanging from his point of attachment. A fairly common method of genital isolation is to mummify a man in saran wrap, duct tape, a bondage suit, wax covered gauze, or some other media and leave his genitals exposed for his pain and pleasure. CBT Lesson 3 Genital Bondage Genital Bondage There are many devices for genital bondage... cock rings, cock and ball harnesses, sheaths, stretchers, separators, pouches, parachutes, etc. Many of these can be created with rope, chain, leather thongs, string, saran wrap, tape, elastic bandages, strips of cloth, etc. etc. Genital bondage serves one or more purposes in SM play..... Confinement...is to confine the genitals either for the sensation of the restriction, for restriction of access, or both. The confinement may be to prevent masturbation, prevent an erection, or in other ways serve as a chastity devise. Attachment...is to attach the cock and/or balls to something else. This may be to Mistress' hand via a leash, to an immovable object, or to a torture device such as a weight. A cock and ball pillory is a small, usually wooden stock, similar to those used in Puritan days for the ankles or heads and hands. This one is sized to accept the cock and balls alone, and usually has numerous rings so that it can be tied in place. The genital isolations discussed in lesson 2 are other forms of attachment. Torment...for its own sake is another reason for genital bondage. This is when the bondage itself is pain producing. Usually this is caused by stretching and/or squeezing various parts of the genitals. Various techniques of chord bondage include wrapping the cock ring area, behind the cock and balls, to pull both cock and scrotum away from the body; wrapping the top of the scrotal sack to pull the testicles down or out and away from the cock and body; and wrapping the scrotum in such a way that the two testicles are pulled away from each other. These techniques used individually or in various combinations put pressure on testicles, stretch the skin (increasing its sensitivity), and put a pulling sensation on the spermatic cords. Another variation is wrapping to push the cock and balls together or the scrotum by itself. You can do this using saran wrap, tape or elastic bandages. Release from bondage can also be painful due partially from the reawakening of pinched nerves. For Explicit Pictures Click Here One of my favorite genital bondage techniques is the windmill. I wrap a cock with repeated wraps of a single strand, taking care to layer it on so that when I am done I can pull on the free end and the chord will rapidly unwind sending the bound member flying round and round as it does. CBT Lesson 4 Surface Sensations Surface Sensations Torturing the skin covering the genital organs is very different from torturing the organs themselves. Many of the usual types of CBT, are actually tortures of the skin... abrasion, light whipping, clothespins and other small clamps, ice, hot wax, bengay/vicks/tiger balm/etc. and most temporary piercings. As I said in lesson 1, the more this skin is stretched the more sensitive it becomes. Thus the skin of an erect cock, or bound cock and balls, is more sensitive therefore more susceptible to these types of tortures. I like to keep my slaves in suspense by providing a variety of stimulations to these sensitive nerve endings...... feathers, soft bristled brushes, abrasives (use emory boards or other disposable abrasives so that body fluids are not transferred,) Mentholatum/Icy Hot/Bengay/etc., dragging the tip of a straight pin over the sensitized skin. Be creative, make him jump or gasp. Heat and cold can also provide torture for genital skin, especially when applied in rapid succession..... alternately dipping the scrotum in ice water and hot (but not scalding) water, or alternately dripping hot wax from a candle and cold water from a melting ice cube. When using candle wax remember the greater the distance from which the wax is dripped, the cooler it is on contact. Pinching the skin is a common torture (sometimes inflicted unintentionally by hurriedly applied bondage.) Pinching can come from fingers, clothespins or other clamps which grip a bit of skin. The smaller and sharper the bite of the clamp, the greater the pain it will cause. The application of clamps is painful, especially as the skin becomes tighter as you apply more and more clamps. Leaving them on, while frequently manipulating them, can cause agony. But, the real torture with clamps comes upon their removal, caused by pinched nerves waking up and regaining life. For Explicit Pictures Click Here Light whipping can also sting genital skin. Good cock whips are made of light leather thongs, horsehair, soft rubber, and similar materials that will sting the surface but not transfer pressure to the interior of the organ (that will be covered in the next lesson.) Lesson 5 Female Genitorture Female Genitorture Here are some tips for those of you who enjoy torturing female genitalia. Many of the tortures described in the CBT lessons can be adapted for females... clothespins on their pussy lips, light whipping on their outer labia, or even their clitoris. Sometimes body piercings can be used for bondage; labia piercings can hold a pussy open very delightfully, or clit hood piercings can be tied up out of the way with thread, leaving the clit naked and exposed. Some women like soft fur on their pussy; others like to be alternately soothed and tormented until they can stand no more. There are all sorts of things that can be used for surface sensation on female genitals: bamboo skewers, candles, cheese graters, clips, fly swatter, ice cubes, latex squares, leather thongs, rabbit fur, ropes, scalp scrubber, silk, spoons, towels, weights, and whips. Be careful that you don't do real damage, these are very tender areas you are playing with. Things to keep in mind for safe, sane, consensual play.... NEVER blow into the vagina, whatever else you do. Don't leave clamps on very long until you know how much your partner enjoys (and how it will feel to her the next day when the scene is over). Too much of one kind of sensation can become irritating quickly; change the stimulation, keep your bottom aroused and surprised. Communication is paramount in female genital play; women's pussies vary as much as any other part of womens' bodies (or more), and responses will vary equally dramatically. Dildoes are wonderful when used during scene play, but can cause problems if forced to be worn over long periods of time. The constant sexual arousal is supposed to maintain the submissive status and keep the Master always in mind. But this does not work well in reality. Some submissives have complied with this for days or weeks before being stopped by discomfort of infection. The vagina needs to rest, breathe freely, and have the juices flow unhampered. Keeping toys in the vagina for prolonged periods interrupts the natural cleansing process. One final tidbit: apparently, for many women a common pre-orgasmic response is for the clit to retreat into its hood. If you are giving your partner some very delicious sensation (possibly combined with some just-right pain) and her clit disappears, DON'T STOP! (Unless you want to avoid her orgasm... don't push this too far, unless your bottom's feet are tied down--she may kick.) And know your limits; if your bottom really wants an orgasm to end the scene, giving her one may make her EXTREMELY grateful to you, and waiting too long may burn you both out. Abrasion: Rubbing you the right way While the world at large thinks of "abrasion" as a wearing or grinding away by friction or as an irritation, we who are s/m-aware know that abrasion is an erotic stimulation of the skin by rubbing, scratching, or pricking. Abrasives are referred to in the Bible and are depicted in Egyptian drawings and Roman statuary. During the 13th century, the Chinese made a crude kind of sandpaper from crushed sea shells, natural gum, and parchment. But none of these historical examples illustrated the "delightfully agonizing" experiences of the participants in a recent GMSMA workshop on erotic abrasion. The men in attendance spent an afternoon discovering how a few ordinary objects can rub you the right way. In his booklet Oh, the Pleasure of the Pain: An Ode to Abrasion, GMSMA member David S. states that anything that generates friction can be used for an abrasion scene, since it is the skin's resistance to what is rubbed against it that creates the sensation. Common instruments used in this "frisky friction" scene include all sorts of brushes, textured gloves, emery boards, sandpaper, and coarse cloth. Described as "exquisitely excruciating" by the late Bob Buckley, one of the foremost practitioners in this area, erotic abrasion is a cumulative effect scene. It is a very subtle scene and demands complete concentration and observation from the Top. While abrasion may not be very dramatic in presentation (at least, not at first), it is an intense scene, and the Top may choose not to allow any letup in the intensity, although the level of sensation is best varied throughout the scene. Pacing is key; the rise in intensity can be paced slowly or quickly. From the bottom's perspective, abrasion doesn't begin as a painful scene; it's merely a pleasantly rough rubbing on the skin. It's only when the bottom is moaning in ecstasy from the stimulation that he realizes that pleasure and pain have become so intertwined as to be indistinguishable. It just feels damn good! David S. noted that "if [abrasion] is done well, the bottom will eventually reach a condition where the slightest additional touch -- with anything! -- sets off explosions of sensation." Why does it work? The stimulation sends messages to the brain so quickly that the brain is unable to cope and sends out signals for the release of endorphins into the system. A natural "high" occurs. Eliminate the bottom's distractions for the best reaction. Blindfold the bottom, since knowing what implements are being used can ruin the stimulation. Restrain the bottom, since he will tend to move around quite a bit to both escape the abrasion and to bring his body forward for increased sensitivity. Some tops will plug the bottom's ears to reduce aural input; others will, however, use music with heavy percussion to add to the overall experience. Almost all parts of the body can be the focus of erotic abrasion, but avoid areas where the bone is close to the skin. Usually, one concentrates on the areas between the neck and the calves, but virtually any fleshy part of the skin, including the feet, can be abraded in an s/m scene. The nipples are obvious choice spots; but they can bleed, so abrade them, leave them, return to them, and so on. The back is a wonderful place for abrading, with the shoulders and the spinal column being particularly effective. While enticing, the cock and balls require special care since blood is quite close to the surface and the area is easily pricked (no pun intended). The ass cheeks are prime targets, as are the legs. But, if you work on the legs for an extended period of time, the bottom can begin kicking violently. Hence the need for strong restraints! Sometimes abrading the feet is used to "break" a slave. Pointed instruments tend to be the most effective on the feet, but don't overdo this area-the guy does have to walk on them afterward. Torment the feet; don't puncture them. In doing the actual abrasion, use a variety of long and short strokes; drag the instruments across the skin; use quick taps with pointed implements. Use a light touch in sensitive areas of the skin, firmer on the more muscled areas. Take your time; the pleasure/pain should build very slowly, without a sudden burst of pain. Abrasion can be a light or a heavy scene, or anywhere in between. As David points out in his Oh, The Pleasure..., "there is no necessity for drawing blood, and virtually all the potential health problems associated with the scene vanish if one keeps within that limit although even a bloody abrasion scene is not especially dangerous if your equipment is clean to begin with, if you keep the blood away from your own mucous membranes, and if you never reuse an instrument you've drawn blood with on any other person." But abrasion isn't a "blood sport;" it is actually quite difficult to draw blood on the flexible muscled areas of the skin, even with repeated strokes on the same area. But if you want to draw blood, use disposable latex gloves; thoroughly disinfect the equipment; seal the equipment in a plastic bag for disposal or for reuse on the same bottom; seal the rubbish (used gloves, paper towels, etc.) in a strong plastic bag for disposal. Beyond the fundamental safety issues, there are no hard and fast rules for an abrasion scene. Experiment on yourself; learn the wonderful pleasure of this "delightful agony." You'll never look at scrub brushes in the same light again! -- Rich W. Click the GMSMA logo button to return to the NewsLink Page. Quite a lot of people experiment with ways, to make the female sex organ more sensitive or even physically hot. There are safe and very unsafe ways to do that. Below are the safe ways. All other methods are unsafe or at least risky. In all cases: the vaginal flora is sensitive and important and internal use of the substances described here is to be avoided at all times. Rubbing the clitoris, hood and outer labia with the substances described will make the area sensitive or "set the place on fire" for a longer period of time. It is fun to do, but be aware that it may cause allergic reactions sometimes. Here is a list of safe methods and the effects it will have. Effects of course may be different to different persons. Menthol oil (or eucalyptus oil or a combination of both) - Rubbing the area described with menthol oil (do use a pure one and not an alcohol based one) will make the clitoris extremely sensitive and "hot", the effect lasting for 30 to 60 minutes. The effects of menthol oil are usually considered mild but effective. Vicks Vaporub is a product used to treat colds. It will have the same effect as menthol oil when used on the clit in small amounts. Peppered olive oil - Squeeze some liquid out of a chili pepper and mix it with olive oil (1 teaspoon of pepper liquid to 2 teaspoons of olive oil). Alternatively add two teaspoons of crushed cayenne pepper to two teaspoons of olive oil. Use this when massaging the clitoris in small amounts. It will "burn" and last for approximately an hour. An even more "spicy" effect is obtained from the use of Tiger Balm, an oriental substance normally used to comfort painful muscles. Apply in very small amounts and rub gently and long, preferable when the area is dry. Be aware of the fact that Tiger Balm has a very penetrating and distinctive smell that is not easy to get rid off. Chili pepper - you can scrape some of the peel of a chili pepper (the more hot the pepper, the greater the effect) and rub the pepper directly in the clit. Be aware that this causes a very intense "burn" that may last for several hours and that there is no escape from it (washing or other ways to try and "put the fire out" will usually not help). Once applied your sub will have to "sit it out". Tabasco sauce has the effect of Chili pepper when applied on the clitoris in small amounts and the same goes for Indonesian pepper sauce (sambal oelek). There are all sorts of different sambal variants. Oelek is the best one. Really, really mean, long lasting and burning furiously is green sambal sauce, made from the little rawit peppers. Oils, Lotions and Gels You need not spend a fortune on these items. Most ingredients can be found in your local supermarket or pharmacy. A topical solution is one that is applied directly to the skin. There are many different types that will produce different sensations or even block sensation if you prefer. As with any new form of play, you should discuss the possible implications of anything you plan to use. A person who tolerates red hot chili powder may not tolerate something as mild as whipping cream. Even if your sub does not have very sensitive skin, allergy is a real possibility that must be taken into consideration. You may want to do a skin test before applying anything new. Apply the substance to a small area on the inside forearm just above the wrist. Wait for at least one hour to see if any reaction occurs, such as redness, itching or swelling. Always have an antagonist for or a way to remove any substance you use. It is possible for your sub not to be bothered by a substance the first time it is used...but then to have a full blown reaction the next time. For oil based topicals, liquid based soaps, witch hazel or other astringent will work well. Different areas of the skin will be more sensitive than others. In general, the skin that is exposed to the air regularly will be tougher and able to withstand stronger solutions. Mucous membranes (genital, rectal and the inside of the mouth and nose) are the most sensitive and should be treated carefully. Most of the solutions mentioned here can be safely applied in the rectum or vagina, but always remember, each person is an individual and may react differently. The following information should be considered a guideline and adapted to each person and his or her tolerance. Chile Peppers When you visit your supermarket, you will notice there are several different kinds of peppers available in the produce section. The mildest are sweet green peppers and probably the hottest are Habenero peppers. The sweet peppers will probably give no sensation at all, while the Habenero peppers will almost certainly result in painful blisters and are best avoided. Jalapeno peppers are medium in their intensity and generally work well. To apply, cut the peppers into whatever shape you wish and lay on the skin, or you can use only the juice if you prefer. (hint: try keeping the pepper in the refrigerator until just before use. When you put it on, the slow warm up is always a surprise). Other Food Items Citrus juices such as orange, lemon and lime will produce an intense burning on skin that is already abraded, as will vinegar. If you want to have some real fun, try a soda and vinegar volcano. Blindfold your sub and have her lie on her back. Coat the intended area liberally with baking soda, then spray on some white vinegar with a spray bottle. The resulting sizzling sound and feeling is sure to get a reaction. Freshly ground spices will irritate the skin in different ways.....some with heat....others with an itching sensation. Ground ginger or cloves sprinkled on the genital and/or rectal area will produce an intense itching. Take your sub out to a fashionable restaurant after applying one of these and just see how still she can be. For an even more intense experience, dip glycerin suppositories in the ground spices. If you want a very gentle effect, use ground cinnamon. Essential Oils are pure and concentrated oils that must be diluted with a base oil such as one of the common massage oils commonly available in adult stores. You may wish to try the stimulant oils such as peppermint, citrus, and cinnamon. Cinnamon may be too intense when applied directly to the skin. You may wish to buy a synthetic cinnamon oil at your favorite toy store. Liniments are creams, ointments and sometimes gels, that are made from heat producing substances such as camphor, wintergreen or capsaicin, the substance in chili peppers. They are usually used to relieve joint or muscle pain. A new form is a saturated pad that can be cut and applied to the desired area. It is self adhesive and will not fall off during movement and can be cut to any desired shape or size. Try rubbing a liniment onto a freshly spanked bottom. At first your sub will think you are rubbing in a nice soothing cream...until the heat begins to set in. The heat of a liniment will usually last 30 minutes to an hour. If you need to remove it quickly, soap and water will usually do the trick. Sometimes just the scent of a certain liniment will set your sub to worrying. Try just opening a bottle of wintergreen and giving your sub a sniff......right after a thorough flogging. Applying Ben-Gay, Icy-Hot or other over the counter liniments to your subs genitals will provide a sensation that builds to a peak quickly and then fades away. For quick removal, soap and water, followed by witch hazel works well. For a milder effect, try toothpaste. The gel type work best. "Closeup" comes highly recomended. Anesthetics are sprayed or rubbed on the skin to relieve pain by numbing the nerve endings close to the skin surface. Commonly found in your drugstore or supermarket are Solarcaine, Lanacaine, Xylocaine, Ambesol and Dermaplast. Although these agents can be used after a scene to relieve skin pain, another idea is to use it before and during a scene, especially if your sub is on the masochistic side. Deprive her of the feeling of the warm wax dropping on the inside of her thighs. Let her watch it drop. Frustration??? Just watch. The POWERotics Member area has an entire section - The Kitchen - dedicated to the combination of food, drinks and erotic power exchange play. To preview the POWERotics Private Dungeon and join, click here Pages designed by The POWER Foundation CBT Lesson 5 Deeper Tortures Cock Torture Basically, anything goes if the cock shaft is flaccid... However, the rigid cock is very delicate. Tie the flaccid cock down and flog away, or let it dangle down (with the balls tied out of the way) and hit it with your hand or a stick or paddle, squeeze it, twist it, jerk on it, use a test tube clamp or other large clamps on it. All of this can be done to a flaccid cock, but these tortures should NEVER be used on a hard cock. The cock is like a balloon, empty it will take a lot of squeezing, stretching and hitting. Filled with blood, the corpus cavernosa can easily rupture. Such a rupture is serious and is difficult, if not impossible, to repair. The corpus spongiosum, in the glans or cockhead, is much tougher. It never becomes quite as firm as the shaft. The erect cockhead can safely take a great deal more punishment than the cock shaft. However, it is a small target and you must be precise. Clamps on the cockhead or corona can be quite painful. When clamping or beating the penis, it is best to avoid putting great pressure on the underside of the shaft. The urethra runs along this; it's lining is tender and could be bruised by blows or a biting clamp or finger. There is unlikely to be serious damage, but why cause any when it is so easily avoidable. Testicle Torture Aside from piercing and electrotorture, most forms of testicle torture are variations on the application of pressure.... pressure from striking, pressure from squeezing, pressure from stretching. The nervous system's ability to interpret pressure on the testicles as pure, unmitigated, gut wrenching pain makes a man's testicles ideal for torture. Your hand is a wonderful testicle torture tool - just grab them and squeeze. But what usually happens is that one of the testicles jumps out of your squeezing grip, shrieking in special pain as it does. This is an oops!! and should not happen. To prevent this, first situate the nuts in the bottom of the ball sack, then twist the bag around 180 to a full 360 degrees. Squeeze!! Now the nuts are trapped and much less likely to escape your torturing hands. Even better, apply a ball stretcher or a winding of cord to trap the balls in the base of the sac before beginning to squeeze. Pressure can be applied in a continuous fashion, as with a clamp, or in jolts, as from a fist, or in combination. Testicle beating can range from a fist or knee to the crotch, to the maddening tapping of tightly bound testicles with a pencil. One heavy blow can provide debilitating agony that lasts a long time. Repeated light blows can provide a constant level of pain with the anticipation of its increase. I love using clamps on the balls. The testicles are somewhat plastic and will accomodate pressure from one direction by bulging out in another direction, thus lessening the pain of the pressure. There are several ways to minimize this accomodation and keep the pain level intense.... frequently increase the pressure, use spring loaded clamps, moving the clamps around, tap the clamps with a stick. or jerk on them. If the source of pressure is stretching (usually by dangling weights), the pressure can be varied by swinging the weights, tapping them with a stick or otherwise making them vibrate, or by bouncing them. How much weight do you use?? That depends on the individual's endurance level... some can take incredible amounts. I would avoid very heavy weights applied with a jerk.... but gradual application is fine. Then there is pressure from ball crushers. The are many varieties of ball crushers. The main problem with most designs are keeping the balls correctly positioned between the crusher plates, providing uniform pressure and positioning the contraption on the body. Balls can be tortured more efficiently if they are first wrapped in an elastic bandage. Start by wrapping the neck of the scrotum to form something of a ball stretcher, then wrap the balls themselves. This pressure is coming from all sides so there is no accomodation and it is unrelenting. Once wrapped.... squeeze them, punch with a fist, beat with a stick or paddle, or clamp with any variety of crushers. The bandage keeps everything in a neat and compact package ideal for torture. For Explicit Pictures Click Here SAFETY: The fibrous capsule encasing the testicles is very tough, but it can be ruptured. This is a very serious injury and usually results in the loss of the testicle. Ruptures are generally caused by sharp blows which trap the striking force against a hard surface..... knee to the crotch catching the testicle between the knee and the owner's pubic bone, laying them on a bondage board and hitting them with a truncheon, or by tightening a crusher too tightly, etc. Swelling is a common after effect of testicle torture and should not cause great concern. But, I would caution that this should not happen too often or there could be permanent damage or cause a rupture.