Sensation play

Types

General sensory play

Many couples that would not consider themselves active in BDSM are familiar with sensual play: the use of silk scarves, feathers, blindfolding, tickling, erotic music, ice, massage oils, soft spanking, and other similar implements. The sensation can come from just about anywhere, provided that the implement falls within the negotiated terms of the interaction or relationship. Sensation play is meant to give arousing sensations to a partner's body. It is limited only by one's own imagination and a lot of variation can occur from one play scene to the next.

Unlike BDSM, sensual play is soft and, according to Dr Celina Criss, "Pain never needs to be involved in sensual sensory play...Think gentle touches, delicious flavors, delightful scents, different kinds of light, and beautiful soundtracks. The clothes we wear and the settings we create can be a big part of this sort of play."

BDSM

Sensation play in BDSM can also involve sadomasochistic play or "pain play", involving the application of carefully controlled stimuli to the human body so that it reacts as if it were actually hurt. While this can involve the infliction of actual pain, it is usually done in order to release pleasurable endorphins, creating a sensation somewhat like runner's high or the afterglow of orgasm. In BDSM play, the dom (or dominant) introduces and controls the sensation to the sub (or submissive).

Note that safety and consent are of paramount importance in the practice of more intense forms of sensation play. People engaging in such activities should adhere to the principles of "safe, sane and consensual" or of "risk-aware consensual kink".

Examples

Sensual play acts range from light to gentle, such as:

• Two partners exploring the sensations of kissing or other intimacy while blindfolded
• Unusual textures such as feathers, silk, or leather
• Erotic tickling
• Blowing or breathing on the skin
• Whispering in, or kissing, the ears
• Intimacy in a bathtub or spa
• Neck kissing, licking or nibbling

To more pain-inducing or hazardous interactions:

• Sensory deprivation such as mummification
• Contact with intense temperatures, such as ice or hot wax
• Biting and clawing
• Whips, flogging, bondage suspension and other BDSM related activities.
• Clamping parts of the body with clothespins, forceps, nipple clamps or similar devices.
• Other implements that may not normally be used in a sexual context, such as an electric toothbrush. These items may be referred to as pervertibles within the BDSM community.

Media

The Motion Picture Association film rating system uses the descriptor "sensuality" for films that exhibit some erotically suggestive images or scenes. The usage of "sensuality" has been met with some criticism because audiences confuse it with "sexuality", another common descriptor in movie ratings.

References

References

1. [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/love-sex/power-your-foreplay/articleshow/4394847.cms Power your foreplay] Monika Rawal from [[India Times]].
2. [https://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/love-sex/8-ways-to-increase-sensual-play-in-the-bedroom-16998498 8 ways to increase sensual play in the bedroom] By Jenni Holdsworth from [[Independent Online]]. South Africa. September 11, 2018. Retrieved 8 June, 2023.
3. [https://mashable.com/article/sensory-play-sensation-bdsm A beginner's guide to sensation play] By Gigi Engle on [[Mashable]].
4. Other examples in sensual play include hand holding, talking dirty, a person's fingers running through their hair, and as well as the partner's scent, which can emphasize sexual arousal.[https://www.o.school/article/what-is-sensation-play What Is Sensation Play?] By O.school.
5. (2012-12-02). "Techniques of Pleasure". [[Duke University Press]].
6. [https://www.thehartcentre.com.au/sensual-touch-the-cornerstone-of-a-great-sex-life/ SENSUAL TOUCH: THE CORNERSTONE OF A GREAT SEX LIFE.] by The Hart Centre.
7. [https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ear-orgasm Are ear orgasms real, and how can people stimulate the ears?] Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST — By Carolyn Farnsworth. Medical News Today. Retrieved 7 June, 2023.
8. [https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/advice/a1527/love-in-tub/ Love in the Tub] by [[Cosmopolitan (magazine). Cosmopolitan]]
9. [https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a26008076/neck-kiss-meaning/ The Truth About Why Neck Kisses Feel So Effing Good] by Candice Jalili from Cosmopolitan
10. [https://www.thetvboss.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Movie_Ratings.pdf WHAT THE MOVIE RATINGS MEAN] TheTVBOSS.org. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
11. [https://www.jacksonville.com/story/entertainment/local/2013/06/19/movie-ratings-definition/15825293007/ The movie ratings, by definition] by David Crumpler from [[Jacksonville.com]]. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
12. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230726094253/https://www.mtv.com/news/m678v3/whats-wrong-with-the-mpaa What's Wrong with the MPAA?] by Laremy Legel from [[Mtv.com]]. Retrieved July 26, 2023.