Over the years, I’ve been asked to talk about breath control and/or choking, which are synonymous elements of breath play. Because I happen to enjoy breath play with my submissives, I’m going to give you all a bit of info on breath play, starting off with choking. So, let’s get started.
So What is Choking, Exactly?
In regards to BDSM, choking is considered to be edgeplay. It involves restricting the subject’s breathing and blood supply to the brain by applying pressure to the carotid arteries (located on each side of the neck). Choking is typically done with bare hands, with a scarf, length of rope, or with a chokehold.
A lot of s-types enjoy being choked because they like the feeling of being lightheaded that comes from being choked. They also feel that it strengthens their partner’s dominance over them.
Understand This: Breath Play is a Risky Business
Before I continue, this needs to be said: There is NO SAFE WAY TO CHOKE SOMEONE. Got it? Good. Let’s move on…
People practising this should be EXTREMELY careful (this is NOT me encouraging any of you to do this at all), as the practice constricts or entirely blocks off a person’s air supply. In addition, choking could cause severe and permanent damage to the carotid arteries and larynx, or worse yet — death — either by strangulation, or by bringing about a heart attack.
How Breath Play is Done
Really? Not gonna heed my warning, hm? Fine, suit yourself.
Okay, experts have all said that the best way to choke someone is to apply pressure directly to the carotid arteries on either side of the neck rather than the windpipe (it’s WAY too easy to crush a windpipe).
When these arteries — which carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the brain — are compressed, the brain loses oxygen and builds up carbon dioxide, which creates a sense of heightened euphoria. This feeling will last about three to five seconds, after which the person being choked will pass out.
Because of the risks involved, choking should NEVER be done alone. Furthermore, anyone who plans to choke their partner should also be familiar with CPR. Choking a partner until they pass out is something that should NEVER be attempted by ANYONE who is not already VERY EXPERIENCED with doing so, and even then it’s not something I think should be done.
Communication is Key in Breath Play
It goes without saying that communication is crucial before, during, and after choking. Because the person being choked won’t be able to verbally communicate while being choked, it’s a good idea to have some sort of safe action in place if they’re feeling uncomfortable.
Is choking your thing? What do you think of what I said? Let me know in the comments.
