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BDSM Education Rope Series

Rope Positions and Techniques

Rope Positions 

There are three main ways that you can do rope; on the ground, partially suspended and fully suspended. From these locations any variation can be achieved with the only limits being flexibility, creativity and of course safety.

Rope can be used to restrict movement, to grant access to sensitive body parts, or for aesthetic reasons. Objects can also be used with bondage to attach a device, to affix a bottom to a surface, or to suspend in mid air. Common objects that are used as an addition to rope are bamboo, chopsticks, chain, bottle caps and so much more. Anything can be added to rope to change or add sensations.

Depending on your objective, you can choose to focus on the lower body, upper body, or the full body to achieve a specific position. 

Lower body ties could be crotch ropes which can be worn in a variety of settings and allow for movement while adding tactile manipulation to sensitive body parts. 

Lower body harnesses can also be used with objects like vibrators, dildos and strapons. As well, leg ties can be used as ways of preventing legs from opening or closing. This helps as well to restrict movement. 

Upper body ties typically focus on the chest and arms but can include head harnesses or even incorporate long hair. Breast bondage is a popular use for chest harnesses, and restricting arm movement can be easily achieved. A benefit to focusing on the upper body is that the bottom is still able to be fairly mobile leaving their legs free and can assume a variety of positions. 

Full body ties apply pressure to the whole body, which can be worn comfortably, can be used to contort the body and can provide anchor points for suspension bondage. Full body harnesses can have a calming effect applying pressure evenly to different parts of the body. 

Restricting positions like hog tying can cause strain to multiple parts of the body causing muscle strain, and can cause breathing difficulty as well. Spreading tie points to multiple parts of the body allows for suspension play to be done safely without relying on one portion of rope or the body to hold weight.

Mistress says..

  • Nerve damage is the most common injury due to improper placement.
  • Always have safety sheers or a seat belt cutter on hand when practicing rope play and test it first.
  • Watch for signs of circulation restriction in changes with skin color and feeling, using a number scale (1-5) can be really helpful in communicating changes to sensations.
  • Be aware of your / your partner’s physical limitations and past injuries when considering different positions.

Rope Techniques

Symmetry

Symmetry – proportions and manipulation are artistic ways of creating balance. Whether it is focusing on one specific area of the body, or many different areas, the knots and wraps have the ability to provide a heightened focus into one area of the body or spread across multiple areas. The brain is trained to scan visually for symmetry within one fifth of a second, which when patterns emerge is continuously pleasing, and when an imbalance exists, is similarly conflicting producing an asymmetrical stimulation. Choose your design based on the mood you wish to achieve.

Comfort

Comfort – the position your body will be in during play is important to how

you will process and respond mentally to a potentially restrictive situation.

Some choose to embrace full constriction of movement, while others prefer a softer caress. Starting in the position most desired will help in your overall comfort as rope play is unpredictable from a time commitment perspective. As well, choosing a scene that puts you in a position you will want to keep yourself in for an extended period of time increases your chances of slipping into ropespace.

Tension

Tension – with safety considerations as a priority, choose a level of torsion with which you are comfortable feelings against your body. Thinner ropes

don’t have as much surface to spread impact around and can sink deeper

into the skin. Tighter knots can restrict movement, if you want to spend longer periods of time restrained then looser is a safer way to proceed.

Mistress says…

  • Be realistic with your rope/rigger capabilities. If you don’t know the basics well then risk using rope bondage during a scene.
  • Practice makes perfect sense; you will never be a capable rigger or bunny without practice.
Contributors: This article was researched and written by Umlindi, edited by Mistress Michelle and published by Umlindi.

These educational topics wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication from our Dom(me)sLife contributors – Thank you MM

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