Bondage involves being tied up (cuffs or ropes) or restrained for pleasure or sexual practice. In the context of BDSM, bondage restraints play a significant role in arousing someone. BDSM or bondage-discipline-sadomasochism, however, is the collective term of related sexual preferences that defines behaviors including submission, dominance, punishment, and role-playing.

Understanding BDSM…

More and more individuals – and even couples – indulge in fantasies others would deem perverse, immoral or taboo. As a matter of fact, a growing percentage (5-10%) of Americans are experimenting with BDSM with the use of bondage gears and furniture bondages.

BDSM is not a precise business. Though it has been morally questioned in the past, still, individuals and couples of different sexual orientation indulge in such fantasies. But how can it be a taboo, when virtually there are more than 250 BDSM organizations in anonymity around the United States — and yes, even in the suburbs of North Carolina — is devoted to such pleasure.

We live in a culture in which BDSM is everywhere — from Abercrombie billboards to movies that depicts submission and domination. BDSM’s imagery is always hardcore: women in leather attire, whips, gag balls, etc… but it is not always the case, a simple role-playing or even a hard pat on the butt cheek during intercourse is a sign of BDSM.

While some couples experiment a few times but return to what an avid sadomasochistic calls "vanilla" sex, or the usual romantic, intimate sex, others become more deeply involved in the BDSM scene that they have made it as a lifestyle or a profession. Nevertheless, someone who engages in BDSM, either the submissive or the dominant uses props every time they engage in it.

Bondage revealed…

As I have mentioned in my opening statement, bondage involves being tied up or restrained for pleasure or sexual practice. The tools of the trade includes restraints, sex swings or harnesses, leather bondage gears, gag balls, cuffs, whips, paddles, and some sex toys.

The intention of using bondage restraints and other props is to serve as a tool for pleasure wherein the dominant punishes the submissive by bounding him for punishment. For most part, bondage role-playing ends in sex. In contrast, the role-playing between habitual masters or mistresses end in masturbation, or in some cases include no climax or orgasm at all.

Bondage issues…

Both men and women fantasize on being bound during intercourse. However, there are issues that some masters and mistresses get lost in this behavior by inflicting detrimental pain to the body.

Sexologists and Psychologists, though they are interrelated with their field of study, have different views about the benefits or disadvantages of sadomasochism. Added to this issue are the ongoing debate about its morality, prejudices and being a taboo. The issues regarding BDSM are very much interesting, but it will demark the concept of this article.

Nevertheless, I will tackle the "safety" in using BDSM tools.

Those who are in-the-know regard bondage as safe when conducted by sober, trusted partners who are fully aware of the risks involved and the precautions during hardcore role-playing of sadomasochism.

Professional dungeon masters or mistresses, as well as, adult shops selling bondage restraints, tools, and sex toys, follows a "safe, sane, and consensual" credo. Some safety precautions provided by a professional dominatrix from Dimensions In Bondage includes the following:

· using a "safeword" that will indicate distress or abortion of the game

· never leave a bound or restrained person alone

· avoiding positions which may induce postural asphyxia

· change position at least one hour to avoid circulation problems

· make sure that the subject/ submissive partner can be released quickly in an emergency

· avoid restraints which impairs breathing

· never role-play under the influence of alcohol or drugs, thus remain sober

· check your partner if he or she is all right

· check body parts for numbness or coldness

· check for skin discoloration

· if your partner is gagged, a different form of "safeword" is needed — use a body code

· have a regular meal beforehand not minutes before role-playing to avoid fainting

Why Bondage?

The concept of sadomasochism or BDSM is powerfully emotional and carnal. It creates mental freedom from inhibitions and responsibility. The minimal sting during role-playing or foreplay intensifies the orgasm. Since it is a role-play, the "power exchange" that happens during provides a sense of authority.