Breath Play or erotic asphyxiation is a fairly well-known practice in the BDSM community. Yet it is controversial even within it. And for good reason: it involves significant risks.
Since the release of novels like 50 shades of Grey, BDSM (in its soft formula) has gained more and more followers in the general public. We could therefore quite naturally be tempted to draw on some of these practices to integrate them into our own sexual life. If it is quite possible in most cases, some of them require more precautions. This is the case, for example, of “Breath play” or erotic asphyxiation. This practice involves the intentional restriction of oxygen rising to the brain for the purpose of sexual arousal.
This practice appeals to some people because when the pressure is released and oxygen is once again free to flow, an intense release of dopamine, serotonin and adrenaline is released into the body. Generally Breath Play is used to multiply the sensations during sex, or to be able to reach a more intense orgasm. But this is not without risk! Accidents can happen quickly. For example, cardiac arrest can occur within seconds of oxygen deprivation. When practiced often, erotic asphyxia can also lead to brain damage, especially in the hippocampus (memory, navigation in space, etc.) and the brainstem (regulation of breathing, heart rate , etc).
A practice to avoid, but feasible under certain conditions
If you want to practice Breath Play (although not recommended) There are a few recommendations to follow to do so in the safest possible conditions:
- not never go as far as loss of consciousness
- Do not mix Breth Play and other BDSM practices such as bondage, in order to remain attentive to the sensations of the asphyxiated person.
- not never practice under the influence of alcohol or any other substance.
- A safeword might not be enough, the person unable to speak. Consider implementing an alternative gesture or way to communicate boundaries.
Remember that BDSM practices, whatever they may be must be very supervised, so as not to risk injury. Before incorporating it into your sex life, make sure you have read the right gestures for the practice that interests you. Like any other sexual practice, BDSM requires the full consent of the partners throughout the act.