Sensory Play – How to Practice Safely and Sexily

Sensory play is an alluring aspect of BDSM that involves the stimulation and restriction of certain senses.

By engaging touch, sight, smell, taste, and sound, sensory play can deepen connections, heighten arousal, and lead to intense pleasure. This blog will delve into what sensory play is, how to practice it safely, the different types, and how to build your confidence for your next BDSM session!

What is Sensory Play?

Described perfectly by mashable.com, ‘Sensory play = play that engages the senses’. 

To put a little more detail into the definition, sensory play in BDSM involves manipulating sensory inputs to create varied experiences for both the dominant and submissive partners. 

Sensory play in BDSM involves a partner (the dominant) manipulating the stimulation given to the other partner’s (the submissive) senses. This can include; limiting sight with a blindfold, building anticipation with a tickler, temperature play, and much more.

The goal is to explore the boundaries of sensory perception, using various tools and techniques to evoke physical and emotional responses. This form of play can enhance intimacy, trust, and communication between partners, making it a popular practice in BDSM.

How to Practice Sensory Play

Practising sensory play requires careful planning and open communication to ensure all play is safe and consensual. 

Here are some essential steps for preparation:

1. Communication: Before engaging in sensory play, discuss your interests, boundaries, and safe words. Ensure both partners are comfortable and enthusiastic about the experience.
2. Consent: Obtain explicit consent for all activities. Consent is crucial in BDSM and should be clear, informed, and ongoing.
3. Preparation: Gather the necessary tools and props, such as blindfolds, feathers, ice cubes, candles, and massage oils. Ensure that all items are safe for use and that you have a plan for clean-up and aftercare.
4. Setting the Scene: Create a comfortable and safe environment. Dim the lights, play soft music, and ensure privacy to enhance the sensory experience.
5. Start Slowly: Begin with light, gentle touches and gradually increase the intensity. Pay attention to your partner’s reactions and adjust accordingly.

Types of Sensory Play

There are numerous ways to engage in sensory play, each offering unique sensations:

1. Temperature Play: Using hot and cold objects, such as ice cubes or glass sex toys, to create contrasting sensations on the skin. Trust us, it can be incredibly arousing to watch an ice cube melt on your partner’s skin!
2. Impact Play: Employing tools like floggers, paddles, or hands to deliver varying degrees of impact. The sensation of impact can range from light taps to more intense strikes. If you’re planning on trying impact play, we recommend starting slow and gentle and building up impact to find your partner’s preferred intensity.
3. Texture Play: Exploring different textures, such as silk, leather, or fur, against the skin to create diverse tactile experiences.
4. Blindfolding: Depriving the sense of sight to heighten other senses using a blindfold or other eye covering. This can increase anticipation and make other sensations more intense.
5. Sound Play: Using music, whispered words, or specific sounds to influence mood and arousal. Try whispering dirty talk and breathing heavily in your partner’s ear.

How to Use Candles for Sensory Play

Like any BDSM activity, candle use (better known as ‘wax play’) is often used as a tool in power play…

‘For the person on the receiving end, there is a slight burning sensation from when wax hits the skin. The other person in the scenario, who is applying the wax, might enjoy a sense of power play.’ – Cosmopolitan

Candle play is a popular form of sensory play that involves dripping warm wax onto the skin. Here’s how to do it safely:

1. Choose the Right Candle: Use candles specifically designed for wax play, often made from soy or paraffin wax with a low melting point to prevent burns.
2. Test the Wax: Before starting, test the wax on your skin to gauge the temperature and sensation before trying it on your partner. This helps to ensure it is a safe and comfortable temperature for use.
3. Distance Matters: Drip the wax from a height of 12-18 inches. This allows the wax to cool slightly before it touches the skin, reducing the risk of burns.
4. Start Small: Begin with a small amount of wax to allow your partner to acclimate to the sensation. Gradually increase the amount and area covered as desired.
5. Monitor Reactions: Continuously check in with your partner to ensure they are comfortable and enjoying the experience. Be prepared to stop immediately if they express discomfort or use the safe word.

Aftercare

Aftercare is a vital component of sensory play, providing emotional and physical support to ensure both partners feel safe and cared for. Here are some aftercare steps:

1. Check-In: After the session, discuss the experience with your partner. Share what you enjoyed and any concerns you might have.
2. Physical Care: Offer water, snacks, and a warm blanket. Address any physical needs, such as cleaning off wax or applying soothing lotion to areas that experience intense sensations.
3. Emotional Support: Provide reassurance, cuddles, and gentle conversation to help your partner transition back to a relaxed state.
4. Rest: Allow time for rest and recovery. Sensory play can be both physically and emotionally draining, so ensure both partners have time to relax and recuperate.

Incorporating sensory play into your BDSM practice can lead to profound and exciting experiences. By understanding the principles, communicating openly, and prioritizing safety and aftercare, you can explore the rich and varied world of sensory play with confidence and creativity.

This blog was created with the assistance of the AI language model: ChatGPT.