Bondage refers to a range of concepts and practices centred around a power exchange within a sexual environment. Many people automatically back away when they think of bondage, assuming it is an extreme form of intimacy which is not for the faint hearted. Including everything from fetishes and chastity belts for bondage to more mild blindfolding and power play, bondage can be used to cultivate healthy romantic relationships and easing yourself into bondage may surprise you…
The practices involved in bondage have been around for centuries in many cultures, with the techniques being used as deeper ways to explore consciousness, power, and control. When we take a look back, it has been used to explore the dynamics of masculine and feminine energies in relationships. Nowadays, there has been a notable shift in attitudes toward bondage and we see a much greater acceptance and understanding as it is becoming a more accepted part of pop culture. From online adult content to popular erotic novels such as Fifty Shades of Grey, many people are becoming more curious and are looking to dabble in the world of bondage.
The benefits of bondage
- Reduce stress
Engaging in bondage practices can trigger biological effect that reduce how much cortisol is coursing through your body, the stress hormone that can leave you feeling worked up and on edge. Not only can a reduction in cortisol make us feel better mentally, but it can also positively impact our physical health as it can protect from a range of health ailments such as high blood pressure, suppressed immunity, and insulin resistance.
- Open communication
Exploring bondage with your partner can improve your sexual relationship and bring you closer together as you work together to please each other and explore new pleasures. Couples who practice bondage exhibit high levels of sex education and communication skills and need to plan out their ventures by taking into account the safety precautions, their personal boundaries and open themselves to vulnerability. At the end of the day, sex is a pleasure activity and being submissive or powerful in a consensual way can be fun, exploring new roles which are not equivalent to emotional relationship dynamics outside of sex.
- Strong trust
As well as strengthening communication skills, bondage can often create a deeper sense of trust since it is a very powerful experience for a couple. Bondage should always begin with an honest conversation about what both people are interested, covering everything from fantasies and turns on to boundaries and safe words. It takes a great deal of trust to talk about these things, putting them into action to maximise enjoyment for both parties.
- An open mind
The mental wellbeing of people who enjoy participating in bondage is shown to improve as it can boost how they handle their emotions. By feeling more secure in their relationships, it can lead to an increased sense of well-being and leave them more open to trying new experiences. It can also lower anxiety levels and worries of others’ perceptions.
