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What is Shibari?For those who are interested in spicing up their sex life in both an emotional and physical way, you might want...

Rebecca Daniels | July 15 2020

What is Shibari?

You’ve probably heard a thing or two about BDSM (at the very least, you’ve watched Fifty Shades of Grey and thought about converting your S.O.’s video game room into a red room). The term stands for bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadochism and machocism.

Maybe you’ve dabbled in it a bit, maybe you haven’t. But for those who are interested in spicing up their sex life in both an emotional and physical way, you might want to learn about shibari—BDSM’s sort-of, kind-of cousin.

If you’ve already binged Netflix’s new dating show Too Hot to Handle, you probably saw the contestants practice shibari in one of the challenges and thought: Wait, what the hell is happening? And while I personally loved seeing Harry getting tied up, I’m pretty sure the show isn’t the best place for understanding and learning what shibari is (lol)—but thankfully, this article is.

Not only can shibari be enjoyed by all genders, body types, and sexual orientations, it’s also a great means to bring healthy communication, trust, and spice into your sex life. With the help of four experts, here’s everything you need to know about the rope bondage about to change your sex life.


Okay, so what is Shibari?

“Shibari is a contemporary form of rope bondage that originated in Japan. Sometimes, it’s called kinbaku, but it’s most simply referred to as Japanese bondage,” says sexologist Midori, author of Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage. And yes, while shibari can be used as a means for sexual pleasure, historically, it’s been used as a form of meditation, relaxation, and trust-building practice between two partners, says sexpert Gabi Levi.

(Fun fact to impress your friends on trivia night with: The word shibari actually means “tying” and kinbaku means “tight binding,” says Jonathan Ryan, an international rope artist based in Seattle.)


How is it different than regular bondage?

Bondage, in general, can use any kind of restriction—handcuffs, tape, ties, scarves, etc.—but shibari refers exclusively to the practice of using rope, or rope-like material, to bind yourself or partner, says sex educator Rev. Rucifer. “Shibari is often not just about the sensation of restriction but also about the intimate connection between the rigger and receiver.”

And while rope bondage is used commonly in BDSM practices anyway, “Shibari stands out for its striking visual aesthetic and emphasis on the emotional and psychological connection between the participants,” says Ryan.


How should you and your partner start if you're interested in trying shibari? 

Like engaging in any new sexual experience, communicating your boundaries and hard limits prior to beginning is a must. “Because rope bondage involves restraint and power dynamics, the person being tied may not express boundaries clearly,” says Ryan. “For that reason, be sure to have a clear discussion beforehand about what you both want out of the experience, what is on and off the table, and how you’ll communicate if there is an issue,” he continues.

It’s worth developing a safe word (like “pineapple” or “red”) that could relay to your partner the scene is going too far or there’s a boundary being crossed. Here are some questions you should ask and answer with your partner beforehand: 

- What do you look and sound like when things feel good to you? 

- How will I know if you’re having fun?

- How will I know when I need to change course?

- What kind of mood or feelings do we want to have while we play (rough, tender, naughty, cared for, etc.)?


Once you have boundaries established, you should get familiar with the basics. Here are some things you’ll need to know in order to get started:

- Learn how to tie a “single-column tie” (like a Somerville Bowline) because that’s the foundation of the practice, suggests Ryan. 

- Start with a floor tie rather than going straight into suspension, says Rucifer. This ensures that you practice the proper methods before jumping into in-air suspension.

- Have safety sheers on hand…for obvious reasons.

- Make sure you have a safe and comfortable space to play. It should be familiar to both parties.

- The preferred material of rope is jute because it’s a strong natural fiber, but hemp and cotton will work too.

Lastly, educate yourself with videos, resources, books, and anything else you can find on the subject to ensure healthy and safe practices.


Why should my partner and I try shibari instead of regular bondage? 

All BDSM practices require high levels of trust and communication, but for shibari, there’s sometimes a more intimate and emotionally-binding (pun intended) component to it. “The sensation of being tied up is not the sensation of being ‘trapped’ but rather lends itself to the idea of completely letting go of the physical bounds and allowing for that deep, emotional catharsis to take place,” says Levi.

“The play between the power dynamics and the release of control from the bottom to the top creates an intimate dance of trust and connection between partners. This often creates deep emotional connection, sometimes experienced as crying, euphoria or simply a feeling of a deeper connection,” says Rucifer.


Any tips, tricks or benefits of trying shibari? 

Blindfolds will make everything significantly more fun. “These take the pressure off the new adventurer and enhance the sensation for the person bottoming,” says Midori.

Keep things simple and sexy. No need to overcomplicate the ties.

Relish in the untying part too—don’t just focus on the aesthetics of tying your partner. “Take your time to savor that—it’s often when the skin and body is really awake to sensuality,” says Midori.


Source: cosmopolitan.com

Have you tried shibari, or are you curious to try it? Share with us below in the comments!

Comments

  • SicklySweetCumSl

    29 Nov 2020

    The patience and commitment devoted to some of the intricate and detailed suspension shabari pieces are like real life art.

  • Addled

    20 Aug 2020

    💚 mmmmmm green rope

  • Utopia_Girl

    08 Aug 2020

    Love the thought of this in a safe secure environment with a select few to play 😜🤗

  • dazhan07

    03 Aug 2020

    Omg I so love this!

  • Sensual_play

    31 Jul 2020

    I love playing in the world of shibari, whether intimate, casual or helping others learn it.

  • Napalm_Jems

    29 Jul 2020

    If wanting the details for the nerve workshop I'm happy to provide details.

  • Haven33

    27 Jul 2020

    We run a monthly social rope workshop for those interested. No experience necessary, just come in, grab a coffee and relax. Get involved or just have a look.

  • sweeet

    25 Jul 2020

    Love it. So sensual

  • Attica

    24 Jul 2020

    Thank you for explaining what it is. I would enjoy trying with an experienced person.

  • TheKinkCollege

    23 Jul 2020

    There is an online workshop coming up which focuses on practical nerve anatomy for rope bondage. Where the nerves travel, where are they most susceptible to injury, and how to prevent, detect, and manage injuries. It is being run by a kink-friendly practicing physician who works in primary care with an emphasis on musculoskeletal medicine, endocrinology, and women's health, and she has been personally involved in the world of bondage for over 20 years. Aug 2nd. If anyone would like details PM us here or on our private account @Napalm_Jems

  • TheKinkCollege

    22 Jul 2020

    In every state and city of Australia there are peer rope groups, who are willing to share and teach, offering courses and tuition. If you are going to get into the art of Shibari don't just dive in as you can be hurt or hurt someone. There are many nerves in the body that can suffer permanent damage. Rope placement and Rope tension is paramount. If someone asks to tie you, don't just go all giggly, and say yes, vet them first, please be careful and everyone play safe.

  • Naughtydouble

    20 Jul 2020

    Didn’t know there was a name but have been practicing that for quite some time just put it down as intimate bondage

  • Stupidcupid

    18 Jul 2020

    MrRESpecter is right. Shibari is an art & a life time practice. A 500 word article on the joys of shibari paraphrasing to suit, is just as dangerous as learning from a book or online. A school with a 20 hour course is better than nothing but still reckless. Practicing Shibari without dedicating time to it is like running with scissors. Educate yourselves & talk to the people who know. Genuinely know, not pretend to know.

  • MEGA_Bangin

    17 Jul 2020

    We are just starting to explore this magic space and looking forward to our tutorials from our naughty rope master. 😈😈

  • kitekite

    17 Jul 2020

    Love to try this 💜

  • Aceservice

    16 Jul 2020

    Yes a great exhilarating

  • Newcruiser

    15 Jul 2020

    Yes plz sounds like fun when n where

  • luvtoplaywithyou

    15 Jul 2020

    Look at my profile pic. My man was a specialist. Loved everytime he worked his magic on my body. Very special.

  • MrRESpecter

    15 Jul 2020

    Shibari is great, but can cause permanent nerve damage if you don’t know what you’re doing or if you don’t apply good safety principles to play. Do some study first. Or find a good teacher, or peer rope group to learn from. Be careful and have fun.

  • h20oo

    15 Jul 2020

    Yes please 🥰

  • XxxSmurf

    15 Jul 2020

    If only i went to boy scouts i would have been prepared! Make sure you also have a camera ready for some very sexy shots