Self-bondage

Self-bondage is the practice of sexual bondage without a partner; that is to say, tying or otherwise restraining oneself for the purpose of sexual pleasure. Because self-bondage is performed alone, it has several distinctive features not present in conventional bondage, including an increased element of risk; a need for reliable release mechanisms (after a delay); and special techniques for applying complex bondage to oneself even while movement becomes increasingly restricted. Self-bondage is also characterised by experimentation and ingenuity, and the opportunity to devise novel schemes and variations — in or out of fictional stories — is part of the appeal, and part of the increased danger.

Strict versus sensual

A distinction can be made between strict and sensual self-bondage http://www.altsex.org/bdsm/self-bd-1.html. In sensual self-bondage, escape from restraints is simple and available immediately, if desired. For example, the keys might be within reach or the knots loosely tied. The chief aim is the sensation of immobility and of constrained movement.

Related Topics:
Key - Knot

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Strict self-bondage, by contrast, requires that the means of escape is unavailable for a period of time and the person must remain in bondage until the release mechanism is activated, regardless of whether or not they would voluntarily continue the scene further if they had the choice. Although strict self-bondage is potentially more hazardous, some practice it for the greater feeling of helplessness.

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There is an alternative approach sometimes recommended which takes the middle ground, and achieves a compromise between safety and strictness. The method is to use a backup release mechanism that is available immediately, but carries with it some penalty or cost with its use. For example, keys could be placed in a bucket of paint. The person in self-bondage can escape quickly if necessary, such as a fire breaking out, or excessive numbness of limbs. However, the annoyance of cleaning up the paint afterwards would coerce the person into waiting for the main release mechanism to come into effect, even if they were merely bored or uncomfortable.

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