What is BDSM Suspension?
At its core, BDSM suspension is the act of fully or partially suspending a human body with ropes. It's an advanced practice within the world of Shibari (Japanese rope bondage) and Western-style rope bondage. The motivations behind suspension are deeply personal and varied. For some, it's about the aesthetic beauty of the human form intricately bound and floating in space. For others, it's about the deep trust required between the rigger (the person tying) and the model or "bottom" (the person being tied). This dynamic creates a profound psychological space, a feeling of weightlessness, and a surrender of control that can be intensely meditative or erotic. The physical sensations, from the pressure of the ropes to the body's response to gravity, create a heightened state of awareness that is central to the experience.
The Essential Gear: More Than Just Ropes
Stepping into suspension requires more than just a few lengths of rope. The right equipment is your first and most important line of defense against accidents. Every piece of your kit, from the rope itself to the point it's anchored to, must be chosen with safety and suitability in mind.
Choosing Your Ropes
The rope is the most intimate part of the experience, the direct connection between the rigger and the model. Different materials offer different textures, strengths, and handling characteristics.
- Jute: Often considered the traditional choice for Shibari, jute is a natural fiber known for its excellent grip and rustic aesthetic. It holds knots well, which is critical for suspension. However, it requires proper treatment (breaking, singeing, and conditioning) to be made safe and comfortable against the skin.
- Hemp: Softer and more flexible than jute, hemp is another premium natural fiber. It's very strong and comfortable, making it a favorite for those with sensitive skin, but it often comes at a higher price point.
- Cotton: Cotton rope is soft, affordable, and gentle on the skin, making it a good choice for beginners practicing floor work. However, it tends to stretch under load and lacks the grip of jute or hemp, making it generally unsuitable for suspension.
- Synthetic Ropes (Nylon, MFP): Synthetic ropes are incredibly strong, durable, and easy to clean. However, they can be slippery, making knots less secure, and are more likely to cause friction burns if not handled carefully. They are favored in some Western rigging styles but require specific techniques to use safely.
For a detailed breakdown of rope materials and treatments, this guide from ShibariNews is an excellent resource.
The Critical Role of Hardpoints
A hardpoint is the anchor from which you suspend. This is the single most critical safety component, and failure here is catastrophic. A hardpoint is not a decorative ceiling hook, a door frame, or a water pipe. It must be a professionally assessed and load-rated anchor capable of supporting many times the model's body weight to account for dynamic forces.
- Exposed Beams: Solid, structural beams can serve as hardpoints, but they must be assessed for their load-bearing capacity. Use rated nylon straps or slings to wrap around them rather than tying rope directly to the wood.
- Installed Suspension Points: The safest option is a point installed by a professional rigger or licensed contractor. This often involves drilling through a ceiling joist and using industrial-grade hardware, like a forged eyebolt with a backing plate, to distribute the load across multiple joists.
- Portable Rigs: Freestanding steel or aluminum rigs are another option, especially for those who cannot permanently modify their space. Ensure you buy from a reputable manufacturer and understand its specific Working Load Limit (WLL).
Consulting a professional rigger or structural engineer is non-negotiable before attempting suspension at home. They can properly evaluate your structure and ensure any installation is secure.
Safety First: The Golden Rules of Suspension
In suspension, safety is an active, ongoing practice. It is a shared responsibility between the rigger and the person being tied. Overlooking these rules can lead to serious, life-altering injuries.
Nerve and Circulation Management
The human body is a complex network of nerves and blood vessels, many of which run close to the surface of the skin. Improper rope placement can compress these pathways, leading to temporary or even permanent damage.
- Know the Danger Zones: Be extremely cautious around joints like the wrists, elbows, and knees, as well as the armpits, neck, and groin. The radial nerve in the upper arm and the peroneal nerve near the outside of the knee are particularly vulnerable. Compression of the radial nerve can lead to "wrist drop," an inability to lift the wrist.
- Check In Constantly: The rigger must maintain constant verbal and non-verbal communication with their model. The model must be empowered to immediately voice any "pins and needles," numbness, tingling, or sharp, shooting pains, as these are warning signs that a nerve is being compressed.
- Distribute Pressure: Use multiple wraps of rope to distribute pressure over a wider surface area. A single, tight wrap is far more dangerous than several snug ones.
Educating yourself on human anatomy is crucial. This article on nerve safety in rope bondage provides essential information for any aspiring rigger.
The Indispensable Safety Kit
Accidents can happen even to the most experienced riggers. A dedicated safety kit must be within arm's reach at all times during any suspension scene. This should include:
- EMT Shears or a Rope Cutter: For cutting the model down in an absolute emergency. Shears are often safer than a knife as they are less likely to injure the person being cut down.
- A First-Aid Kit: For treating any minor cuts or abrasions.
- A Cell Phone: To call for emergency help if needed.
Enhancing the Suspension Experience
Once safety is firmly established, suspension opens a door to incredible sensory exploration. The body, held in a state of vulnerable surrender, becomes acutely sensitive to every touch and sensation. This is a perfect opportunity to introduce other forms of stimulation.
Heightening Sensation While Suspended
The heightened sensitivity of the skin during suspension makes even the most subtle sensations incredibly intense. This is where sensory toys can transform an experience. While traditional floggers or whips have their place, modern nipple toys can offer a different kind of pleasure. Imagine the exquisite tease of a discreet nipple vibrator while you're beautifully suspended. The vulnerability of being bound makes the focused vibrations feel electric, sending shivers through your entire body.
The Doris Clitoral & Nipple Toys are perfect for this scenario. Their clever AirPods-inspired design allows for subtle, almost hands-free stimulation. A rigger can place them and let the vibrations work their magic. With three interchangeable heads, you can explore versatile sensations on nipples or clitoris, adding a new, buzzing layer of intensity to the experience without interrupting the flow of the ropes. Its compact, travel-friendly charging case ensures it's always ready for your next scene, wherever it may be.
Combining Suspension with Other Play
A suspension scene can be the main event, or it can be a prelude to other forms of intimate play. If the scene evolves after the model is brought back to the ground, ensuring comfort is key. Skin can become sensitive or dry during a long session, and friction can be an issue when transitioning to intercourse or using other sex toys.
Using a high-quality lubricant is essential. A natural lubricant that is safe for all toy materials is a must-have in any BDSM toolkit. We recommend a premium water based lube because it won't degrade silicone toys or damage expensive natural rope fibers. It's the best lube for sex toys and for bodies, providing a smooth, comfortable glide without any worry.
The BOMBEX Natural Water Based Lube is an ideal choice. Its formula is meticulously pH-balanced to work in harmony with the body's natural chemistry, helping to protect against irritation. Made from a 100% plant-based formula, it’s pure and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin after the intensity of a suspension scene. Its advanced, long-lasting hydration mimics the body's natural moisture, ensuring a silky, non-sticky experience that enhances pleasure and comfort.
Getting Started: Your First Steps into Suspension
Suspension is not a skill to be learned from books or videos alone. It demands hands-on, expert instruction.
- Find a Mentor or Community: This is the most important step. Seek out experienced riggers and local BDSM/kink communities. Attend workshops (often called "dojos") and learn from those who prioritize safety and education.
- Start on the Ground: Master your floor work first. Learn foundational knots, frictions, and harnesses. You should be able to tie a secure and safe upper body harness (like a Takate Kote) comfortably and consistently before ever thinking about lifting someone.
- Practice Partial Suspensions: Begin with partial suspensions, where some of the model's weight remains on the floor. This allows both rigger and model to get used to the sensation and mechanics of tension and load without the risk of a full suspension.
The Art of Trust and Release
BDSM suspension is a dance of tension, gravity, and trust. It pushes boundaries and can lead to profound moments of connection and self-discovery. But this beauty is built on an unwavering foundation of knowledge, preparation, and a deep respect for safety. By prioritizing education, investing in proper equipment, and fostering clear communication, you can explore the breathtaking heights of suspension responsibly. It is a journey that demands patience and practice, but the rewards—the release, the vulnerability, the art—are well worth the effort.
