BDSM is one of those things that you think you know a lot about, but when it comes down to it, there is so much more for you to explore. BDSM stands for Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, and Sadism and Masochism. So many different meanings to one small acronym! Under the umbrella of BDSM, there are many different ways of having sex and incorporating types of BDSM into bedroom play that you might not have known, so let's dive into them.
Domination and Submission
The main attraction of BDSM: Dominance and Submission. The words are right in the acronym, so it only makes sense for dominance and submission to what people think about when BDSM comes to mind. So what exactly is dominance and submission?
In a relationship in which a person acts as the dominant and another acts as a submissive, there is simply a power dynamic between the two. The dominant or dom has power over the submissive or sub. These roles can be in place in any situation, from sex to lifestyle choices.
The main takeaway from this branch of BDSM is the power dynamic between two people. The dom makes the rules and sets guidelines for the sub to follow. These can be intense or relatively simple, but either way, the power dynamic is what makes up a dominant and submissive lifestyle.
Sensation Play
Sensation play can be a pretty common type of BDSM, as the senses are such a vital aspect of sex. You use your touch, taste, smell, hearing, and sight to process what is happening around you. Sensation play uses the senses to create a more intimate experience with your partner. Here are some examples of different types of sensation play:
Temperature Play
Temperature play typically involves heat and cold, different temperatures! Different temperatures against the body create new sensations that are relatively easy to experiment with. The easiest way to experiment with temperature play is to buy warming and cooling lubricants. These are applied to the body, creating a cooling or warming sensation that may even induce tingling effects.
Toys are also used often during temperature play in a variety of ways. Ice cubes and the warmth of another person work well together to create contrasting feelings on the skin. Metal and glass toys can be warmed up or thrown in the fridge for use during sex as well. Specific toys also create a warming sensation at the push of a button. These are perfect for both solo and partner temperature play.
Feathers
While light, soft touches are a part of the sensory experience; you can step it up a notch using feathers. They are lightweight, airy, and perfect for running over the body to make the most of your senses.
Wax Play
Similar to temperature play, wax play uses heat to stimulate the senses. You might be thinking, Wouldn't that be hot? The answer is no. Wax is explicitly meant for sensation play burns at a lower temperature so that you won't injure yourself or cause severe burns. Various shapes,colors, and textures of wax (and even sometimes lotions and oils) work to form the perfect experience.
Flavored Lubes/Oils
To appeal to your sense of taste, flavored lubricants, and massage oils are the way to go. Food can also be used, but things can get messy as well. Flavored lubricants can be applied to body parts and licked off for a fun new flavor experience.
Lingerie
Lingerie might seem like there are better choices for sensory play, but different textures and feelings create new experiences. Lacy lingerie gets you in the mood and can brush against the skin for a light and soft feel.
Sensory Deprivation
Sensory deprivation is the opposite of sensory play, in which instead of using the sense to your advantage, you take away from them. With one sense taken away, other senses heighten, and that's the idea behind sensory deprivation. Blindfolds, cuffs, and headphones are all great options for starting a sensory deprivation experience. Blindfolds take away sight and can make the feeling of things on your body much more sensitive. Cuffs take your hands away from touching and feeling things, making seeing what's happening next more exciting. Headphones take away sound in the same way to enhance other senses. A combination of different methods of sensory deprivation also makes for an even more thrilling experience!
Impact Play
As the name implies, impact play involves striking your partner with anything. This is one of the types of BDSM that is more popular and better known, especially in movies like Fifty Shades of Grey. Fancy toys aren't required to practice impact play, making it easier to experiment with. Hands do just as well as a paddle in the bedroom.
If using your hands isn't your thing, there are plenty of options for hitting your partner where it hurts. Paddles, floggers, and canes are all perfect for leaving your mark. Some paddles also come with shapes and words to make an imprint on the skin!
Bondage
Like impact play, bondage is one of those things that people experiment with whether they consider themselves a part of the BDSM community or not. Ropes, tape, cuffs, and handcuffs are all used to tie up a partner to give them a hands-free experience. Hands and feet are all on the table for tying up that special someone. Bondage can also play into sensation play as it takes away your ability to touch with your hands.
There is an art to bondage that is often overlooked as well. Shibari uses ropes in a more artistic way involving intricate knots to restrict another person or even yourself. This way, a rope can be used as a fashion accessory, not just for sex.
Humiliation
Humiliation takes the form of both physical and mental control. Mental and verbal humiliation can look like degrading someone using words and phrases. This might involve telling someone they're worthless or making fun of them. This kink isn't for the weak, and it takes a lot for someone to be able to enjoy it to the fullest without getting hurt. Embarrassment is a big part of being humiliated, and that's the feeling that many people enjoy.
Praise
Traveling to the opposite end of the spectrum, praise is pretty close to the opposite of praise. A praise kink involves, well, being praised. This can be in the form of words and phrases or even sexual favors. Those with a praise kink often want to be desired and loved during BDSM. The most common term associated with this kink is "Good Girl" because it makes the receiver feel good!
Roleplay
Roleplay is just as it sounds, taking new roles and using them in your sex life. Each person takes on a position that can be played out in an entire scene. It's the start of your acting career! Some common examples are a nurse/doctor and a patient, a cop and a prisoner, and a teacher and student. The possibilities are endless, and no props are needed (unless you want to spice it up even more).
Conclusion
One of the most important things to remember about all these types of BDSM is that they require research and discretion. Things can get dangerous fast, and sex can get risky, so keeping yourself safe and informed is essential.
