Bondage
Bondage is the practice of physically restraining a partner during BDSM play. The "B" in BDSM stands for bondage (paired with discipline), making it one of the foundational pillars of kink. At its simplest, bondage means restricting someone's movement. What that looks like in practice varies wildly from person to person and scene to scene.
Types of Bondage
Bondage breaks down into several broad categories. Rope bondage uses cord to bind the body, from basic wrist ties to full-body shibari patterns. Cuff bondage uses leather, metal, or fabric cuffs attached to each other or to fixed points. Tape bondage wraps the body in bondage tape or plastic wrap. Mummification takes wrapping to its extreme, covering most or all of the body. Predicament bondage places the restrained person in a position where they must choose between two uncomfortable options.
Why People Practice Bondage
The appeal of bondage is different for everyone involved. For the person being restrained, bondage can create a feeling of surrender, vulnerability, and deep trust. The inability to move can sharpen every other sensation and make it easier to drop into subspace. For the person doing the restraining, bondage offers control, creative expression, and an intense sense of responsibility. Many people find the visual result arousing on its own, independent of any power dynamic.
Safety Fundamentals
Bondage carries real physical risks that every practitioner needs to understand. Circulation problems show up as numbness, tingling, cold skin, or color changes in fingers and toes. Check these regularly. Nerve compression can cause lasting damage, especially in the wrists, arms, and legs. Keep EMT shears within reach so you can cut someone free in seconds. Never leave a restrained person alone. Positions that put pressure on the chest or neck require extreme caution due to the risk of restricted breathing.
Start simple. Soft cuffs and basic ties teach you the fundamentals of monitoring and communication before you move into more complex rope bondage. Read our full bondage guide for detailed techniques and safety protocols.