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What Is Shibari?

Also known as kinbaku (tight binding), shibari is a traditional Japanese form of bondage. Historically, it’s been used as a form of meditation and even relaxation. In a contemporary narrative, shibari is an erotic art that involves creating intricate knots aimed at binding and immobilizing a partner. Apart from the BDSM element, shibari can also involve erotic stimulation like foreplay or penetrative sex.

Anyone can practice shibari and it will appeal the most to people who are aroused by power play scenarios. Any two consenting adults can explore the incredible intimacy that dominance and submission bring to the table. Shibari may even be incorporated in solo play scenarios to increase arousal and bring something new and fresh to the experience

Shibari and Bondage Safety Concerns

Obviously, it’s most important to engage in bondage or power play scenarios with a consenting partner. When you have this essential in place, focus on safety considerations that will guarantee a mutually enjoyable experience freed from common risks.

The biggest concern with rope bondage is nerve compression which can lead to injuries. Whenever a nerve is pressed for prolonged periods of time, permanent damage can occur. Nerve compression can lead to numbness in a limb, weakness, or muscle movement issues.

Leaving a submissive partner alone when tied up can also be very dangerous and even lead to death. There have been instances of people experiencing breathing difficulties and even suffocation because they were tied up and left unsupervised by their dom.

A few additional safety concerns include falling in the case of suspension with a weak rope, blood circulation issues after prolonged sessions, rope marks, and burns. There are a few simple things you can do to mitigate those risks:

• Never practice bondage under the influence
• Have an emergency kit consisting of safety shears and a safety hook
• Don’t make the rope too tight and tie it away from joints
• Always monitor the motor function and comfort level of a submissive partner
• Be mindful of hard surfaces pressing against the rope or too bulky of knots digging into the flesh
• Avoid rope around the neck
• Avoid body positions that restrict breathing
• Get rid of tripping hazards
• If you are self-tying, do have a spotter who will check in on you
• Provide good aftercare to someone who has been bound (food, hydration
• Have a safe word or signal
• Always practice bondage with high quality, well-maintained equipment

A Few Essential Shibari Knots

Shibari knots (ties) come in all shapes and sizes. Here are a few of the essentials to master:

• Single column tie: this is the most common kind of shibari knot. In this terminology, the column is the thing that you’re tying. There are various methods for the creation of a single-column tie and you can discover numerous videos online to help you get started.
• Double-column tie: it’s used to tie two columns together – hands, feet, a wrist to an ankle, etc.
• Overhand knot: while the previous two are ties, this one is an actual knot. It’s probably the simplest one that’s also quite versatile. An overhand knot can be used to stop the rope from sliding off an anchor point, hold the two ends of a rope together or to even prevent the rope from fraying.
• Square knot: consisting of two overlapping overhead knots, a square knot is great for joining two ends of a rope together. It can, however, come undone easily.
• Lark’s head: it’s the starting point of both single-column and double-column ties. It’s the basis for numerous advanced roping techniques and something you need to master if you’re serious about more intricate BDSM experimentation in the future.
• Half-hitch: predominantly used to lock off a part of a tie, the half-hitch knot is tied under tension. As a result, it’s not suitable for placement directly against human flesh. This kind of knot is also not great for anchoring or suspension.

There are many other much more intricate and advanced shibari knots – prusik head knot (capable of tightening under tension), cross hitch friction knots (to keep two ropes in place), double coin knot (a very elegant knot that ties two ropes together), fisherman’s knot (very simple, effective and beginner-friendly) and various others. Start out with the simplest varieties first and practice a lot, especially before considering the use of shibari rope on a partner.

Taking Care of Your Bondage Rope

A good shibari rope is a loyal friend that will last you a long, long time. Such a trustworthy accomplice, however, deserves a bit of pampering every now and then.

Taking proper care of your bondage ropes is fairly easy. The care steps should be in line with the particular material that the rope is made of. As far as washing and cleaning go, here are a few suggestions based on material:

• Hemp ropes can be machine washed, as long as you use the delicate cycle and cold water. Putting the rope in a lingerie bag adds an extra layer of protection. For best results, hand wash your hemp ropes (half a spoon of clear liquid detergent will be enough to get the job done).
• Jute ropes can be soaked in a tub with a cleaning solution, rinsed, and dried.
• Silk ropes should only be washed when cleaning is an absolute necessity. Hand washing in a tub or a sink is the only way to get the job done. Use a delicate detergent and stir gently. Don’t squeeze or wring a silk rope. Rinse in cool water as many times as needed.

Drying is also dependent on the material. For example, hemp ropes can be hung in loose coils until water stops dripping from the rope. When this happens, the rope should be stretched out and left to dry completely. Jute curls when it’s wet and it loses a lot of its length. It will also need to be stretched out after it stops dripping water.

Ropes made of synthetic materials are very easy to dry, but remember to store them only after these are fully dry.

To optimize the lifespan of shibari ropes, oiling or buttering will also be recommended. Hemp and jute are natural fibers, which means they can become brittle after numerous washing cycles. There are specialized rope oils that will keep the fibers supple and flexible. Silk and synthetic ropes do not require oiling to maintain their properties.

Final Thoughts

Intricate, delicate, and precise, shibari bondage is a true kind of erotic art. Having the right tools will let you experiment and uncover all of its subtle beauty. The good news is that we provide you with a lot of high-quality options worth checking out, as we share our selection for the best shibari ropes. We also have an excellent blog with helpful guides on how to choose a shibari rope, and much more.

Our suggested list of shibari ropes is meant to satisfy the needs of everyone – from curious amateurs to those who deem themselves BDSM connoisseurs.For more exciting bondage gear, please check out our sex toy store, where we carry an excellent selection of BDSM tools, spreader bars, BDSM tools, sex furniture, whips, canes, ticklers, dildos, vibrators, anal toys, male toys,  sexy lingerie, and everything else you will need for better sex.