Impact Play in BDSM: Everything You Need to Know - Oxy-shop

11-21-2023 - Written by Jett Oxy - Follow on medium 


Impact Play in BDSM: All You Need to Know

BDSM, referring to Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism in kink sex represents a broad spectrum of erotic practices that involve power dynamics, physical restraint, and often, the administration of pain for pleasure.


One of the most common practices under the BDSM umbrella is impact play. This article teaches everything you need to know about impact play BDSM.


Impact Play in BDSM: Everything You Need to Know


WHAT IS IMPACT PLAY?

Impact play is a broad category of BDSM activities that involve striking or hitting the body with a variety of implements. Some of the most common implements used in impact play include floggers, whips, canes, paddles, and hands, but there are many other types of toys and tools that can be used as well. If you are looking for a highly erotic and exciting way to explore power dynamics, push boundaries, and achieve intense physical sensations, then impact play is your best bet!


THE PSYCHOLOGY OF IMPACT PLAY

If you are not into BDSM, you might wonder, 'Why'd I let anyone hit me?!' People who are unfamiliar with BDSM wonder why anyone would derive pleasure from being hit or hitting someone else. For a lot of people, the act of giving or receiving pain can be cathartic, liberating, or even meditative.


Some people engage in impact play for the endorphin rush. When the body experiences pain or intense sensations, it releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. These chemicals can produce a euphoria similar to the "runner's high" some people experience after exercise.


Also, the need to explore power dynamics is one reason people engage in impact play. Impact play BDSM often involves a dominant partner and a submissive partner. The act of striking and being struck is a way of manifesting the power dynamics in a kinky relationship.


For some others, impact play is a way to process emotions, release stress, or even confront past traumas in a controlled environment.


Ariellllllll on Reddit speaks on how impact play makes them feel;


"Impact play brings me into my own body so viscerally, which allows me to access some of those bodily feelings. It's similar to when I get a massage or dry needling - I'm so focused on bodily sensations that after, I feel very tender and vulnerable and can release some things I didn't even know I was holding onto because my mind can't as easily get in the way. I agree about it being closer to someone - for me, that's often a very vulnerable space I access when doing impact, depending on how much I do. The aftercare and drop, in particular, bring me closer to the person I did impact with, them being there for me and caring for me when I am in such a vulnerable, open space".


STIGMA AND MISCONCEPTIONS OF IMPACT PLAY 

Due to societal misconceptions, there is a stigma attached to BDSM and, by extension, impact play. Many people misconstrue it to be abusive. Others believe that participants must have some form of past trauma. However, research has shown that most BDSM practitioners often have stable mental health, and only engage in these activities as a form of expressive play, exploration, and intimacy with their partners.


TOOLS FOR IMPACT PLAY 

There are many different types of toys and tools that can be used for impact play. Each tool provides a unique sensation. Here are a few of the most common:

A flogger is a tool made of a handle with several tails or strands attached to it. The tails can be made of a variety of materials, including leather, rubber, and silicone. Floggers are often used for sensual or teasing impact play, as well as more intense impact scenes. Floggers generally produce a thuddy sensation, but the intensity can vary based on the weight and material.

A paddle is a flat piece of material used for striking the body. Paddles can be used for a range of impact play scenes, from light and playful to more intense and punishing. These can be made from various materials such as wood, leather, or plastic. Depending on their design and material, paddles can produce a thuddy or stingy sensation. 


E-stim enthusiast? You would love this Modern Electro Paddle.

3. CANES

A cane is a long, thin implement made of materials such as bamboo, rattan, or fiberglass. Canes can be used for both sensual and more intense impact scenes, and are often associated with BDSM roleplay scenarios such as school discipline. They deliver a sharp, stingy sensation. They require skill and precision, as they can easily break the skin if not used correctly.

A whip is a tool made of a long, flexible material, such as leather or rubber, with a handle on one end. Whips can be used for a variety of impact play scenes, including sensual teasing and more intense "punishment" scenes. They vary in length and require considerable skill to use safely. They produce a sharp sting and can be potentially dangerous if misused.

5. HANDS

Probably the most accessible tool, a hand can provide a broad range of sensations from a soft pat to a stinging slap. Using your own hands to spank or strike your partner can be a simple and intimate form of impact play. However, confirm the amount of force your partner is comfortable with and act accordingly.

These are just some of the variety of tools for impact play. 


Check out some other great gears for impact play that should absolutely make their way to your collection. 



TECHNIQUES FOR IMPACT PLAY

Take a look at a few popular techniques for impact play;


 - Sensual teasing: This involves using lighter implements, such as floggers or hands, to lightly stroke and tickle the body in a teasing, sensual way.


 - Impact building: This involves gradually increasing the intensity of impact play over time, starting with lighter implements and working up to more intense ones.


 - Thuddy impact: Thuddy impact involves using heavier or thicker implements, such as paddles or canes, to create a deeper, more intense sensation.


 - Stingy impact: Stingy impact involves using lighter or thinner implements, such as whips or thin canes, to create a sharper, more stinging sensation.


SAFETY MEASURES 

As with any BDSM activity, you're not doing it right if you're not taking safety precautions. Here are a few key safety measures to keep in mind;


- Communication: It is important to have clear and ongoing communication with your partner before, during, and after impact play BDSM scenes. Make sure you both understand each other's limits, desires, fears, potential triggers, and comfort levels and be willing to pause or stop the scene at any time if needed. Regular check-ins during the session can also help keep things enjoyable and safe for everyone involved.


 - Consent: Both (or all) participants must give informed, willing, and continuous consent throughout the play session. Consent should be ongoing and can be withdrawn at any time.


 - Safe words:Choose a safe word or signal to use if either partner needs to stop the scene immediately. Make sure both partners understand and agree on the safe word before starting the scene. This ensures that both partners can communicate their boundaries effectively.


 - Body awareness: It's important for both partners to be aware of each other's bodies and to avoid striking vulnerable areas, such as the neck, spine, or kidneys. Be especially cautious when using heavier implements or striking harder.


 - Warm-up and aftercare: Before starting a scene, ensure to warm up the body and prepare the skin and muscles for impact. Before getting into intense strikes, we recommend starting with lighter hits to prepare the body and mind. After an impact play BDSM scene, make sure to provide plenty of aftercare, which could include soothing and comforting the body, cuddling, talking, applying first aid if necessary, and providing emotional support to help both partners come down from the intensity of the scene. Aftercare ensures both partners are emotionally and physically okay.


 - Avoiding Danger Zones:Some parts of the body are unsafe to strike, such as the kidneys, spine, and neck. Avoid any sort of impact on these parts.


CONCLUSION

Impact play, like other forms of BDSM, is a multifaceted practice that appeals to a broad range of individuals for various reasons. As with any kink or fetish, the key elements are consent, communication, and safety. When practiced responsibly, impact play can be a deeply satisfying and connecting experience for those involved.



FAQS 

HOW OFTEN CAN I ENGAGE IN IMPACT PLAY?

This depends on where you are hitting, what you are hitting with, the intensity, and your physical ability to heal. For instance, flogging/whipping/caning on raw or almost broken skin every day might lead to bad injuries.


Article Written by Jett Oxy for oxy-shop.com. 

Jett is the owner of Oxy-shop.com, a BDSM insider, a sex educator and writer. 

"I always try to explore the confines of the BDSM world and bring valuable insights for new comers joining our adventure" 

Phd in related field, father and business owner, Jett Oxy brings you stories and advices  for educational and entertainment purposes. 


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