Today, we bring you some exciting insights into Japanese culture. Let’s play a game. Are you into bondage? Or maybe looking for something new to try? The Fusion Movement has your back.

Let’s talk about Shibari.

What is Shibari?

In Japanese, “Shibari” means “tying up.” Unlike other BDSM practices (Bondage, Discipline, Domination, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism), which use plastic, tape, latex, or synthetic ropes to tie up the partner, Shibari always uses natural fibers, preferably jute or hemp. 

Origin

Shibari comes from Hojojutsu, a martial art used in the Edo period (the 1600s to mid-1800s) by samurai to bind and restrain prisoners with a rope.  

However, the honor of these ancient samurai warriors required them to treat their prisoners well. So they used different techniques to bind them, showing the integrity and status of their captured prisoner.

Before execution or imprisonment, prisoners were publicly humiliated by being tied to ropes, which usually conveyed their class and crime.

The Japanese began using Hojojutsu bonds for BDSM and playing on the physical restraint and emotional shame of being tied up. This art of erotically tying became known as Shibari (decorative tying) or kinbaku (tight tying). More recently, Shibari has begun to become popular in BDSM communities around the world.

Highly visual

Shibari creates geometric patterns and rope shapes that contrast with the human body’s natural curves. 

The loop designs favor and enhance the body’s figure, highlighting the intimate parts exaggeratedly and marking the body’s female curves and erotic contortion. It is the erotic art that makes the most impact visually.

The aesthetic arrangement of ropes and knots emphasizes sensuality, vulnerability, and strength. The placement of knots in appropriate places stimulates pressure points on the body in much the same way as acupuncture techniques and Shiatsu, a form of Japanese massage. 

Some believe that a Shibari experience also stimulates the flow and transfer of Ki energy (universal energy, according to the Asians)

A psychological component

While some people seek Shibari for eroticism alone, some seek mental healing because the technique can also be effective in the case of emotional blockages. In Shibari workshops, people report feelings of peace, relaxation, confidence, and, although it sounds strange, freedom.

In other words, Shibari is more than tying someone else up or a way to seek immediate pleasure. It is an art that can release all emotions as long as you are willing to surrender to the ropes and all the sensations it elicits.

Professional Shibari

Shibari has thousands of fans around the world. There are professional actors whose performances have made them actual celebrities in the underground world of forbidden sex. However, you don’t have to be a professional to enjoy the delights of the practice. Anyone can try their version at home and give their love life a simply spectacular boost.

No Preconceptions

First, the idea of being tied up may seem disturbing, but open your mind and imagine that your partner can lead you into a slow, sensory experience. He will slide soft ropes between kisses and caresses, making twists and knots in your body until you are semi-immobilized.

Once you are tied up, he begins a delicious and perverse play at the same time, in which your vulnerability is the key to taking you to the limit of pleasure. It doesn’t seem so bad now, right?

Many surprises

The knots and links are placed so that they stimulate various acupuncture points, which elevate sexual energy. Also, being helpless and tied up even if you rationally know there is no danger activates primitive unconscious alarm systems.

These emotions cause the brain to release endorphins, dopamine, adrenaline, and other neurotransmitters that lead to pleasure, happiness, and well-being. In addition, the restraint of the ropes causes a warm feeling of protection.

Confidence

One crucial thing about Shibari is that this is not a game to be played with just anyone. The couple must have complete trust in each other because the practice does not involve suffering but rather that both can explore sensations with the safety of doing so in a controlled environment.

Furthermore, the person to be tied is the one who defines the limits of the game. The couple can even take turns in the erotic fun.

The one who dominates should take care of the one who is being dominated, and both should determine which style they prefer, whether it is softer or more aggressive. 

The degree of intimacy that can result from this practice is very significant, especially after the experience, where the dominant takes excellent care of the one who was tied up during the procedure.

How is it performed?

As in BDSM, the couple is divided into master and submissive. The submissive adopts a role in which they remain under the will of another person or persons who assume a dominant position, obey, and let them act on their body.

The strings function as an extension of the dominant’s fingers.

What does the dominant do with the “submissive” in his hands? It all depends on the relationship between the two.

What is needed?

To practice Shibari, you will need soft cotton or jute ropes measuring about eight meters in length. 

If the moment’s urgency prevents you from getting the material, several tissues or a good roll of tape will do.

You can follow a script with a predetermined storyline or take pleasure in immobility through kissing, caressing, penetration, and various sexual positions.

You can add other stimuli such as visual deprivation through blindfolds, temperature changes (ice play or hot/cold gel play), caresses with different textures, or light spanking or whipping.

Shibari Tying Process

The Shibari tying process has several steps:

• Immobilization of the torso
• Buttocks and belly bundling
• Securing the body in its entirety
• Ropes are placed on the erogenous zones of men and women to increase climax. There are a few techniques for practicing Shibari:
• Ushiro: Hands tied behind the back
• Hishi: Tying that creates diamond shapes
• Matanawa: The rope is placed mainly on the genital areas.
• Takate-kote: The classic torso binding
• Tsuri: All overheads
• Gote Gasshou: Hands tied to the back in “prayer position.”

Why practice Shibari?

• To connect with your innermost, darkest side.
• The sensations and emotions parties can feel if the technique is done well can be unique.
• The dominant relationship created between the one being tied and the one tying is what makes an unforgettable erotic environment.
• Caution
• Like any practice, Shibari can have risks if proper precautions are not taken. For example, if the knot is too tight, it can cut off circulation and leave bruises. In addition, there is also the possibility of placing the ropes on parts of the body that can cause suffocation or fainting. Here are some safety tips:
• Use soft, flexible materials, and don’t over-tighten the ropes.
• Go slowly, especially the first few times.
• Avoid the neck, very soft areas, and joints.
• Stop immediately if chills, nausea, choking, or hyperventilation occurs.
• Always have scissors nearby to loosen the ropes if necessary quickly.
• Have water or juice nearby to avoid dehydration.

Is it worth it?

Shibari can offer a constructive experience in many ways and can be used to improve couple dynamics by increasing emotional exchange and trust in each other and oneself. 

It also teaches body and mind language that can help us develop our ability to take responsibility and work on self-esteem, creativity, and relaxation. It offers us a unique method of playing with endless possibilities. 

If you are curious, go and try this practice, which besides giving pleasure, also brings countless benefits!