Suspension bondage can be one of those exceptionally fun things to try out. Of course, it’s not something everybody can do. In order for someone to do it, they must have the right preparation and must be certain about what they are doing; after all, you wouldn’t want any accidents ruining your fun, right? Wink*
To begin with, you should never suspend anybody completely in the air. And well, you should neither tie them up around their necks, but you already knew that, right? And since we are talking about dangerous things, you shouldn’t hang anyone completely upside down, like by the feet, for example. The circulatory system was build to function in an uptight position, so, mmm, if you do it the other way around, it doesn’t work. You can maybe get away with it for a while, but soon, the blood will start to accumulate in the head and chest, resulting in a very dizzy sub. Just the same, when a person is upside down, their weight falls on the bindings and that can also interrupt circulation or in the breathing muscles. Not to mention bruises and rope burn (ouch).
If you really want to suspend your sub or lover or anyone willing, wink*, hang them with the appropriate harness designed for this purpose only. Moral? Don’t ever try suspension using ropes because this takes a lot of specialized techniques (if you do have this knowledge, what’s stopping you? Wink* but, otherwise, use a harness)
And that brings me to another common fantasy, hanging someone by the breasts or testicles. And to that, I have to tell you, don’t do it (sorry to be a party pooper). The thing is, hanging them by this precious areas might cause damage to said areas and I’m sure you want them to function properly wink*.
If you plant to suspend someone letting them rest their toes on the floor or just by having them tied with their hands up, you will have to make sure the system is installed properly and can handle about 5 times the person’s body. You will also have to double check the rope and other gear; remember, if something breaks under the tension the person being tied up can not cushion the fall. Oh! And don’t ever leave someone tied up with their hands up for a long time, even if they are standing up.
Now, I have to warn you about the possible dangers of bondage. Yes, it may sound boring but you will have to read it before the fun begins (All play and no work makes Jack a dull boy, wink*). You should always make sure your darling sub is breathing properly and if they are comfortable during the process. Asphyxia is probably the most common danger of BDSM bondage and that is why you should follow these guidelines:
- Never put any kind of pressure around the neck (not even with your hands!) And make sure never to leave any restraints or ropes putting accidental pressure on it.
- That includes tying something around the neck. The only thing meant to be around a neck is a lovely collar, wink*.
- Putting pressure on the neck will not only construct breathing, but also circulation. And as you know, both are of out most importance for a person. Any damages to any of the above can cause brain damage and you know, death. So, don’t =)
-
If you are using a gag, make sure that it does not restrict breathing. If you want to cover your lover’s nose or mouth, do it with a gag. Never with your hands, my friend. If some air can get in, the air can get out, allowing breaths to happen and everybody will be happy.
- Since we are talking gags, don’t ever use clothes inside the mouth as a gag. They can become dangerous if you swallow a part of it (in this case, swallowing = no bueno wink*) or they can induce vomit and that can cause choking.
- Asphyxia can also occur when the breathing muscles become tired or are forced to work. It can happen when someone is tied up for long periods of time with their hands over their head or if they are spread wide. It can also happen if the bindings around the belly or chest are too tight, and the same goes with putting too much pressure on the belly via resting the weight on it.
In order to assure maximum safety, make sure the rope diameter is between 6-10mm. Thinner ropes may cause too much pressure or leave marks and bruises on the skin, wider ones may be hard to tie on an knot. On the other hand, rope burns are produced when you tie or untie the rope. The submissive should be still when you are untying them and you should never slide the rope across the skin. Also, keep in mind hemp and other hard materials can be quite abrasive on the skin; if you want to go for something softer, go with nylon or cotton. Safe suspending, captain.
