Page 23 - Bondage Basics: Naughty Knots and Risque Restraints

Aftercare

They say that what goes up must come down, and this is especially true in the world of
BDSM. During play, the submissives in a scene sometimes reach a state known as subspace,
in which all cares and troubles, and even pain, fall away and the sub exists in a dream state
of euphoria. In this way, it isn’t completely dissimilar to being drunk or high on drugs, and
the feelings after this sensation subsides can also be the same as those coming off drugs.

The phenomenon of coming down after a scene is known as subdrop. This is caused
by those delicious endorphins leaving your body and sending you into withdrawal. The
intensity of this “down” feeling can range from a few hours of feeling sad and physically
exhausted to a week feeling numb and a little lost. For most people, especially when
dealing with the sort of bondage in this book, the down feeling might simply be a sense of
vulnerability. However, it’s important that everyone leaves a scene feeling cared for and
nurtured, and for this reason, it’s incredibly important that any play session, even light
bondage, involves a good amount of aftercare for all involved. In fact, you should be sure to
discuss aftercare in your negotiation process with any new partner. The negotiation process
is the period before play begins, in which you lay down all ground rules and boundaries,
talk about any health issues that may affect play, and generally ensure that all parties are
comfortable. Aftercare is as necessary as foreplay in the BDSM world—and can be just as
erotic too.

The physical effects of a scene, especially a rope bondage scene, can be obvious; cuts,
bruises, and abrasions should be taken care of as quickly as possible, with any cuts
being sterilized and bandaged, and creams such as Arnica applied to bruising to help
with recovery. Think of this as the “doctor and nurses” portion of the evening, and it will
become a lot more fun. Drink something sweet and have lots of water, and if you’re hungry,
eat something carby and healthy. It goes without saying that if you have sustained any
serious injuries, or any of your bruises seem more intense than normal, you should seek
medical attention immediately.

ƒ Are you ready for someone to give him- or herself up to you totally?
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