First let’s define – suspension bondage is considered a form of sexual bondage. Generally a “bottom” will be bound by a “top” – rigger; and the bound person is hung from a suspension point or points. There are two main types; partial and full and generally accepted three main positions; vertical, horizontal, inverted.
That being said suspension bondage is very sensual to not only the person bound yet also to the rigger and viewers. The idea behind suspension bondage is to create a heightened stimulation of vulnerability, inescapability to not only the bound person made to feel their physical senses heighten by this yet also is their mental senses. Since being bound in open areas; dungeons, nightclubs, fetish events, or performances, creates a feeling of objectification similar to Forniphilia. Also enhances submissiveness and eroticism for bound subject and also to observing viewers. And to a degree to a rigger in their capabilities.
Partial suspension is when a bound person will have a body part and part of body weight held by suspension while balancing self with a foot, hand(s) or back. Full suspension is a bound person completely supported by ropes, cables, chains and they have no contact with ground. They are only limited to their own ability to endure and very importantly the skill of a rigger.
Vertical suspension is when a person is lifted from ground by wrist, by rope, utilizing suspension cuffs, since if not a concern comes into play for a bound person by just rope in suspension for their circulation, wrist tissues and also period of time suspended needs to be reduced. A harness is also very effective for this type of suspension also.
Horizontal suspension is when a person is bound in such a way their body is in a horizontal position to the ground and may be either face down or face up. There are various ways of binding a person this way with various items in use, from spreader bars, to hogties, and use of nipple clamps may be employed if face down, additionally weights to clamps may be used to heighten stimulation.
Inverted suspension is suspending a person upside down and is a very difficult position to perform due to blood flow to the head. Also a very dangerous position in that the head becomes the focal point of impact if something goes amiss. In this position a person genital areas may cause excited stimulation due in part to easy accessibility.
Suspension bondage as in any play does come with risk and may even be more so, since other factors come into play. A person breath control, blood flow, body temperature, risk of falling, mental aspect; nerve compression, circulation concerns, fainting while in suspension are all factors that need to be considered. Thus it is important to study not only how to from a rigger stand point, or investigate, vet riggers about their experience from a bondage person perspective, yet also have necessary equipment on hand. Examine equipment being used, have a spotter on hand to watch person bound for signs of healthiness, rigger for any possible errors. These spotters can also help get a person down quickly in an emergency. Thus should also have necessary knowledge on how to undo properly, safely, quickly and having correct equipment on hand for use. i.e. safety cutters
And do not ever forget about good mats being employed! Make sure the mats do not move around as a rigger is employing their craft. Make sure mats are always in good condition so a rigger does not trip doing their art form. Also in a partial suspension are mats too soft to maintain a good balance of foot, hand.
Coming out of suspension is as important as doing the suspension rigging properly with care. For it is very likely the bottom or suspended person when coming down out of suspension may feel exhilarated yet suddenly pass out for seconds. Thus a rigger should know how to bring a person down and release. The chest should remain bound slightly and attached to a ring, hook, etc. for a minute or more so the bottom may get their internal compass focused and able to stand on their own. Additionally the bottom should not be left alone immediately after release, for they may feel loopy, thus aftercare should be discussed in advance. The spotter or someone should stay close by the person for a period of time and not let them climb ladders, drive immediately, etc. until determined able.
Is a very creative form of art and thrilling, exhilarating for all parties involved from the person being bound, to the rigger, to viewers. Is very sensually stimulating to many senses of the bound person yet also to the rigger and viewers. Thus this art form may excite multiple people all at the same time!