The BDSM encounters involve a series of preliminary and sexual practices based on constraint, pain and even humiliation.
From this point of view, bondage is probably one of the most famous of all, since it has been practiced for decades even in Italy. In fact, there are thousands of fans of S&M and masochism, who love to meet and create that bond of domination.
On the other hand, it must also be said that many have heard of these acts, but in reality do not really know them. That's why in this article we're going to talk to you about the meaning of bondage, explaining exactly what it is and what is its history.
The history of bondage
Let's start by first specifying that the word "bondage" means "slavery" or "servitude", but that it is used exclusively to indicate precisely these sexual practices that are part of BDSM.
Its history is fascinating, to say the least: although today it is possible to distinguish two types of bondage (the Japanese one and the one made in the USA), in fact these practices were born in the land of the Rising Sun.
In Japan they are known as "Kinbaku" or "Shibari", and both labels refer to erotic techniques that consist of this: tying a person during erotic foreplay or during intercourse itself.
In fact, Kinbaku was not born as an erotic practice, but as a development of a martial art known as "Hojojutsu", practiced mainly by samurai: this art sees the presence of numerous techniques to tie with ropes the prisoners.
Hojojutsu seems to be born during the Edo Period, and the binding of an enemy had a very strong symbolic purpose: at that time, in fact, the binding was experienced by the victim as a deep humiliation and shame, to the point that tying a person without a valid reason was considered a very serious crime.
Let's say that the symbolism related to humiliation has remained even today, and has been transferred (but in a positive way) to bondage. On Hojojutsu there would be a thousand things to say, but we are interested in deepening its erotic evolution, or Kinbaku or Shibari.
This art, compared to the modern or western version (i.e. bondage), is much more complex: in Kinbaku the submissive often assume unnatural positions that are very painful for ordinary people, as they are typical of gymnasts.
Moreover, it is good to say that there the master is called "rope master", and that the rope used is always made of jute. Then Kinbaku arrived in the West and was adopted first of all by the United States of America, which simplified it and made it accessible also to European enthusiasts.
Finally, it should be noted that the fashion of Kinbaku exploded in Japan in 1950, thanks to the birth of some magazines in the field, then become very famous.
Psychology and meaning of bondage
Wanting to make a small summary, bondage refers to all those practices (and there are many) that involve tying your partner when you have sex or during foreplay.
The bindings must always be consensual and can be done in a thousand different ways, using not only ropes, but also other accessories such as handcuffs, laces and straps in leather or latex, corsets, chains, hoods, straitjackets and so on.
This sadomasochistic technique, in summary, involves blocking the partner completely, often preventing not only to move, but also to speak, to listen and to hear. In practice, the subject is totally dependent on the master, who always decides what position the person must take.
Among the most popular bondage techniques we remember the rope, a practice that involves literally hanging from the ceiling the person bound, therefore left in suspension.
Bondage enthusiasts call this state of immobility "ropespace" (there’e’ also a dedicated association in Rome), although they frequently use stronger and more evocative terms such as "mummification" or "sensory deprivation". This is due to the fact that the subject is tied up so tightly that he loses the sensitivity of his limbs.
In this regard it is the case to deepen the psychological issue of the already mentioned ropespace: according to experts, those who habitually practice this activity often do it to get rid of any anxiety or responsibility, as it ends up being totally dependent on someone else.
Bondage is then considered as an extremely pleasant practice, as the state of immobility, together with the emotional bond with the master of ropes, stimulates the production of endorphins (the hormones of happiness).
They also increase oxytocin and adrenaline, creating a mix capable of leaving a state of great lucidity and strong sensory perception. This explains why bondage is not seen as a form of perversion, but as a source of extreme sexual pleasure.
Why try these sexual practices
We fully understand that approaching bondage requires some courage, especially since it is a practice that causes pain. Those who are not used to the positions imposed by the master of ropes, in fact, could even get seriously hurt.
It is for this reason that newbies are always advised to start from the basics, or what is called "soft bondage". The latter consists of a very simple binding, which is limited to the feet and hands, avoiding positions too constrictive.
Of course, to avoid getting too much harm, it is always the case to follow the rules and let go of any excess: from this point of view, it is better to rely on an experienced person, who can therefore guide us towards a safe and risk-free practice of bondage.
That said, why you should try it? In addition to the reasons seen in the previous paragraph, you must take into account the sexual potential of these erotic practices. We are talking about a set of games that are excellent for enlivening a couple's sex life, and for rekindling that lost spark, greatly increasing arousal.
Secondly, bondage greatly enhances the trust in their partner by those who are immobilized. In addition, it enhances the sense of responsibility towards that person on the part of the master, since he is entrusted in toto his fate. As a result, anyone who thinks that bondage is a form of sexual perversion (or worse yet, a mental illness) is sorely mistaken.
Differences between bondage and S&M
Very often we hear bondage mentioned together with S&M, and it's normal since both are on the list of BDSM practices. On the other hand, the two should not be confused, because they are two very different things.
What are the differences? In bondage, pain and humiliation are inflicted simply by immobility and ligatures. We are therefore talking about a practice whose effect on the person is particularly related to a psychological and emotional issue, at least in the soft: almost never there are violent gestures and other forms of domination unrelated to the immobilism.
If you have read our article on the meaning of S&M , instead, you already know that here violence is a much more present ingredient, compared to bondage. In the case in point, in S&M the impositions are much more physical, as punishments are inflicted through whips and other erotic accessories.
It is clear that the levels of tolerance are different, because in the first case you have to support very complicated positions, while in the second the problem is precisely the physical punishment such as whipping.
Summing up
Whether it is bondage or masochism, it is essential that the game is conducted without risk and by two consenting subjects. It is always necessary to take precautions and know when the time comes to stop, because during the game the excitement and adrenaline rush can make you lose control.
For this reason, a password is always used, which, if pronounced, makes the master stop whatever he is doing immediately.
Also for this reason it is advisable to practice a lot, before engaging in the most extreme BDSM activities and techniques. Consider, in fact, that bondage practiced incorrectly can also cause permanent damage to nerves and ligaments.
