Shibari Health & Safety
Guide

This guide aims to convey bondage/shibari safety and basic information from the rope bottom perspective. In bondage, which is a double performance, it is important how the bottom will apply the basic principles of security and rope use and how he will participate in the performance.

One of the most important things to remember about bondage is that there is always a risk along with the fun. Even if you are working with the best rigger, there are always risks associated with the bondage scenario. You can minimize this risk by being aware, knowledgeable and working with a skilled rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">rigger You can greatly reduce the risks of bondage with your knowledge and self-awareness, but you cannot completely eliminate the risk.

This article is a general guide; It is not suitable for every bondage situation or scenario or for every body type. It is important to remember that every person's body is different, and what is right for you may be dangerous for another person. If you are doing a sport such as fitness, your body is more flexible and more suitable in terms of its capabilities. If you do not have such a situation, body flexibility exercises at a certain level and level will make a serious difference. It is your responsibility to communicate and provide feedback before, during and after bondage.

Some experienced and skilled riggers may use risk-aware, high-stakes instructions. In such a case, do not hesitate to question the rules that do not suit you at any point, considering the extent to which they ignore the risk factor and how much risk you are taking.

Responsibilities of the Parties

Shibari has many important issues to consider in terms of safety and health. rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">the rigger and the model parties have some responsibilities to practice this art in a safe and healthy way.

Be sure to keep it

During tying; Safety Scissors, A sugary drink or water.

Rigger's Responsibilities

Education and Information:

Must have sufficient knowledge of rope tying techniques, anatomy and safety. He/she must have knowledge about sensitive areas such as nerves and veins and must tie them avoiding these areas.

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Constant and open communication should be ensured. It should be constantly checked whether the model is comfortable and whether it feels any discomfort or numbness. It must set a security word and immediately stop binding when this word is used.

Equipment Control:

The quality and condition of the ropes used should be checked regularly. Worn or damaged threads should not be used. It should be ensured that the ropes are clean and hygienic.

Security and Emergencies:

A cutting tool (e.g. safety scissors) should always be kept within easy reach during tying. In case of any emergency during tying, be prepared to quickly cut the ropes and release the model.

Technical Application:

The tightness of the ropes, knots and tension points should be checked carefully. Tight bindings that would obstruct blood circulation or damage nerves should be avoided.

Responsibilities of the Connector (Model)

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If he feels discomfort, pain, numbness or any other abnormality, he should immediately report it to rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">the rigger

One should not hesitate to use the security word when necessary.

Readiness and Health Status:

He/she must provide accurate information about his/her own health status. rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">rigger of any health problems or conditions that may affect attachment (e.g., circulatory problems, nerve sensitivity) .

One should drink enough water before and during tying and be careful not to starve.

Physical Preparation:

He must check whether his body is suitable for binding. Extreme fatigue or physical discomfort can make attachment dangerous.

He/she should wear comfortable clothes and do the necessary stretching exercises before being tied up.

Position Changes:

rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">The rigger when position changes are necessary in long-term moorings . Staying in the same position for a long time can cause circulation problems and nerve damage.

Emergency Scenario

In order to better explain how to behave in a negative situation that may occur during tying, let's imagine that the model feels numbness in her arm during tying.

Situation: Model Feels Numbness in Her Arm During Binding

Security Word Usage:

The model uses the safety word “red” when she feels numbness in her arm.

rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">Rigger immediately stops and loosens the ropes to relieve the model.

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rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">Rigger asks where and what kind of numbness the model feels.

The model describes the severity and location of the numbness.

Rapid Response:

rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">Rigger takes the safety scissors and carefully cuts the ropes on the model's arm.

After the threads are cut, the model's arm is released and the feeling of numbness decreases.

Situation Assessment:

rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">Rigger examines the model's arm and checks if there is any damage.

The model reports whether the numbness is gone and how your arm feels.

Rest and Recovery:

The model rests for a while and moves her arm, allowing her blood circulation to return to normal.

Meanwhile, rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">Rigger

Afterwards

Evaluation and Feedback:

rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">Rigger and the model evaluate the situation and discuss additional measures to be taken for such emergencies.

They decide which techniques or ropes should not be used to avoid a similar situation in the future.

Development and Education:

rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">Rigger considers further training in safety and tying techniques.

The model continues to listen to her body to better understand her own limits.

This scenario shows how to be prepared for and manage emergencies that may occur during shibari practice. A safety word, having cutting tools available, and constant communication are critical to a safe and healthy shibari experience.

RIGGER SELECTION

Ideally, your rigger should be able to communicate well, have a good knowledge of anatomy, know possible risks and how to act in emergency situations. Your rigger's knowledge and experience must be at a good level.

rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">rigger is enough?

This is definitely a difficult question. Each rigger has his own technique, knowledge level and style. It will be difficult to evaluate it as good or bad at this point. But some tips will help you.

What is the bondage experience like?

Having years of experience does not mean you are rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">rigger It may mean that although they have been doing risky bondage practices for many years, they are very lucky and have not experienced any problems. When considered together with other factors, experience can be a good indicator.

How Confident Is He/She About His Rope Bondage Skills?

Try to understand by talking about how confident they are in their rope control and competence. Some riggers may not be confident about everything. They have a certain foresight about their limits and abilities. Even if a rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">rigger Try to distinguish between being confident and arrogant.

Do they have references?

If this is your first time connecting with this person, it's a good idea to check their references. It is always best to ask another rigger who is experienced and whom you trust (if possible, someone who has connected you) and see if they know anyone. Try to learn the reasons from those who give negative references.

rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">the Rigger have information about the restrictions of the regions it will connect?

It is important that you know the correct answer when asking this question. I recommend learning as much as you can about bondage and anatomy. At this point, it may be good to exchange ideas and discuss your personal health situation and sensitive points.

Is There Security Equipment?

Having a Bandage Scissors or a suitable cutting tool to cut the ropes in emergency situations will be an important point when the risk arises. If not, I recommend you evaluate whether he has sufficient responsibility.

PREPARATION FOR THE STAGE

  • If you have a fresh wound on your body, report it and wait for it to heal. Use your physical resources to repair your wounds.
  • Make sure you get enough sleep; Bondage without sleep will give you more stress.
  • Make sure your body meets adequate nutritional and water needs. Since the body loses more water in the summer months, meet your water needs right before the stage. Remember that a scene can last between 1-4 hours.
  • If a scene is planned, do not eat too much or carbohydrate food until three hours before the scene. This precaution reduces the chance of vomiting during suspension scenes. Eat light, eat foods that will keep you energized, such as some protein, fruits, nuts or vegetables.
  • Do stretching and stretching exercises. This warms up your muscles, initiates the release of endorphins, and makes you more resistant to more pain for longer. (Article 8)
  • Discuss the scene with the person who will tie it. Knowing what to do will speed up your psychological preparation.
  • Let me make sure your body is clean. If possible, take a shower before the scene.

ANATOMY

Having knowledge about human anatomy will mean you have a safer bondage experience. Having basic nerve and blood circulation knowledge allows you to understand the knowledge level of your rigger.

In case of a condition such as nerve damage, you may experience long-term loss of sensation, which can significantly negatively affect your quality of life. For this reason, it is important that your nerves are not damaged. These types of common injuries are often Suspension

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/suspension/">suspension training.

Figure 1-Nerve and Blood circulation

NERVE AND CIRCULATION PROBLEMS

Tingling or pins and needles sensations in your hands or any part of your body should alert you that something is wrong. The two most common causes of this stinging and tingling feeling are loss of circulation and nerve damage.

There are a few symptoms by which you can tell what the problem is, these symptoms may not occur in every case but they will usually help.

Nerve damage is unique because in most cases, only part of the hand becomes numb and you experience a tingling sensation. A feature of the nerve problem is that this feeling occurs only in one part of the hand. The most common nerve compression is known as "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" and affects the fingers as well as the wrist. This disorder, which occurs when the median nerve going to the first four fingers of the hand is compressed at the wrist level, is the most common nerve damage.

Figure 2 - Hand Nerves

Figure 2 – Hand Nerves

Some methods to control nerve damage:

  • Your rigger may ask you to shake his hand. This is to measure how hard you can squeeze.
  • The so-called Gambling Test may ask you to join the tips of your thumb and index finger (OKEY sign).
  • He/she may ask you to hold him/her with both hands on the back for 1 minute, with the wrists bent. This is called the Phalen Test. If there is tingling or prickling, there is a problem.

Symptoms of nerve compression and damage;

  • Numbness and loss of sensation in the area of ​​nerve compression
  • Pain and burning sensation in the area of ​​nerve compression
  • Tingling, pins and needles sensation
  • Muscle weakness in areas of nerve compression
  • Muscle twitching or muscle fatigue
  • Softness in the area of ​​nerve compression
  • Increased or decreased sweating
  • Sharp and increasing pain
  • Difficulty moving hands and feet
  • More affected by heat and cold

If your symptoms do not go away within two hours, you should see your doctor.

Restricted blood circulation causes numbness and bruising. Restricting circulation should be avoided by keeping some slack in the ropes.

Tying knots around blood vessels, for example on the inside of the wrist, should be avoided. Hands and arms are generally the most sensitive areas, and the most signs of pain and fatigue begin at these points.

If there are blood circulation problems, the skin begins to bruise or change color. Color change is a personal situation. While this may occur quickly in some people, it may occur more slowly in others. If there is a color change, the threads should be cut or untied. Another common symptom of a circulation problem is numbness or tingling in your entire hand, arm, leg, or connected body part.

To eliminate circulation problems, you can benefit from the following:

  • Reduce the tension of the rope
  • Changing the position of the arms if connected in Box (TK) state
  • Stretching your muscles will help blood circulation; Clasping and unclenching your hands may help relieve tingling.

The main concern with circulatory problems is that their symptoms mask nervous system symptoms. In some cases, the same symptoms may prevent it from being understood whether there is a nerve problem or a circulatory problem.

Our advice is to untie the strings as soon as tingling occurs. You can wait for a while and continue where you left off if the tingling subsides. It is your duty to report all such situations immediately. Your rigger will implement the necessary precautions and safety protocols accordingly.

NERVES AND NERVE MOBILIZATION

The functioning and sensation of the muscles in our hands are provided by three nerves called Median, Ulnar and Radial nerves.

The nerves coming out of our spine provide mobility to our muscles and joints and also provide sensory innervation of the relevant areas (senses such as touch, temperature, pressure, etc.). Disorders in the mobility of these structures (nerves) for any reason may cause malfunctions in the body such as pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and decreases in sensory and muscle strength. For example, discomforts such as numbness and felting in the hands and fingers due to neck or lumbar herniation, and all the discomforts we experience in Carpal tunnel syndrome, which we call nerve compression, can be included in this group.

Therefore, evaluating and treating only the musculoskeletal system in cases of disorders arising from the spine and the nerves originating from this spine may result in failure as a result of the treatment. In this case, nerve mobilization techniques called neuromobilization or Neurodynamic have been applied for many years, especially in Europe and America. These techniques, which are based on similar maneuvers and movements just like in the musculoskeletal system, are based on the principle of moving the nerves with shifting or stretching techniques. In addition, patients are shown some special exercises and techniques that they can do at home. These movements and stretches in the nerve treat nerve conduction and circulation problems in a very short time and effectively.

First of all, let's briefly explain the nerves shown in Figure 3 that concern us and move on to how to mobilize yourself.

Figure 3 - Arm and Hand Nerves

Figure 3 – Arm and Hand Nerves

RADIAL NERVE

The radial nerve is a branch of the brachial plexus. The radial nerve, one of the main nerves of the arm, extends from the shoulder to the hand. The radial nerve controls the muscles that erect the wrist. It transmits the sensation of the back surface of the forearm, the thumb, index finger, middle finger and the thumb arm. The radial nerve can be damaged as a result of situations such as humerus (upper arm bone) fracture or constant compression/pressure on the armpit. This injury manifests itself with drooping wrist (inability to straighten the wrist) and numbness in the skin areas where the radial nerve carries sensation.

Mobilization : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpO4_krXoqY

MEDIAN NERVE

The median nerve is one of the major nerves of the arm. The median nerve is a branch of the brachial flexus and runs down the arm from the shoulder to the hand. It controls the muscles that flex the wrist, fingers, and thumb, and the muscles that rotate the forearm to the palm. The nerve also transmits sensation to the thumb, first three fingers, and palm. Conditions such as shoulder injuries, Colles fracture just above the wrist, or pressure on the nerve as it passes through the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome) result in damage to the median nerve. Symptoms are numbness and weakness in the areas controlled by the nerve.

Mobilization 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH7-RgGmOwM

Mobilization 2 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2cKcelymks

ULNAR NERVE

The ulnar nerve activates some muscles in your hand from your spine and provides sensation in your little and ring fingers. As the nerve descends to the arm, it passes forward in a bony protrusion at the elbow called the medial epicondyle. At this point it gets quite close to the surface. With a sudden touch in this area, you can often experience temporary irritation of the ulnar nerve.

It can cause pain and tingling in your hand, which is why this area is often known as the “funny bone.” During our daily lives, this nerve can stretch and get stuck between the bone protrusion in the elbow while walking around it. If the nerve remains under excessive pressure or is stretched regularly, longer-lasting 'ulnar nerve' symptoms may occur.

Mobilization 1 : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY97v4WxrzI

Mobilization 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkINhW7bt5E

BASIC BONDAGE TECHNIQUES FOR ROPE BOTTOM

BOX TIE / TK

There are different reasons and techniques for each box tie variation. Each variation is built in a specific way, has different functions, and has different known risks. In principle, it is best to avoid any ties that would tighten around the wrists as this increases the risk of circulation and nerve problems.

Box ties (TK) are often criticized due to radial nerve damage. The radial nerve provides sensation and muscle control for moving parts of the arm. If you are damaged, you may experience loss of movement or sensation. Placing your arms with your forearms over each other is an important posture.

It can be difficult to determine the exact point where the radial nerve is tender. The rope should be used by paying attention to the physiology of the person being tied. It will be your choice to give feedback to your rigger and be aware of how your body responds to the rope. You may not notice anything until you are suspended or pressured. Remember, symptoms of radial nerve problems usually begin at the fingertips in the hands and progress up the upper arm.

If a box binding makes you feel bad, believes something is wrong, or has nerve problems, loosening the wraps a little can make a huge difference. Feedback and communication are important when discovering the right lacing style for your body.

PARALLEL BOX TIE

Figure 4 – TK / Box Binding Basic Position

As you gain more experience, you will discover your preferred hand and arm positioning. Although there is nothing wrong or wrong in making this choice, remember that it depends entirely on your preference. In a "parallel box ligament", the upper arm, hand and wrist bone, as well as the wrists and forearm, are sensitive areas due to the nerves close to the surface.

Harness starts with a loop around both arms. Depending on flexibility, this loop can go around your wrists or forearms. The forearm area is quite sensitive due to the radial nerve running along the back of the forearm. If the ligaments put pressure on the forearm, it can damage the radial nerve.

People often think that it is just the ropes surrounding the upper arms that cause radial nerve damage, but most often the injuries are caused by the wraps and ligaments near the wrists.

If you have tingling in your hands, ask your rigger to put his finger under the wraps on your wrist area and loosen them a little and observe if this makes a difference. This may save you more time on a tie-in or make your rigger more comfortable while untying you.

If you are inexperienced, we recommend that your wrists face each other to protect the sensitive area on your wrist. If the wrists (inner wrists) face each other, the ropes will be tied and wrapped from the outside of the wrist. Feel free to move your arms to find the best position. When you do this, do it carefully and consciously. It is important to communicate with your rigger if you encounter problems or are unsure.

Some people position their thumbs in a hook position to support their elbows, as in the picture on the left. You should be aware that this position can cause problems, but the main thing is how comfortable you are. Sometimes, when in a sling, it can be difficult to remove your hand from this position as the pressure on your arms increases. If you are uncomfortable, you may not be able to reposition your arms.

This position is likely to cause nerve problems due to pressure and compression, especially during Suspension

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/suspension/">suspension Instead, leaving your hands freely behind your back will provide you with a more comfortable posture and security. It would be better for you to position your wrists as seen in the picture on the right. You will be able to improve your positions and positionings according to your own physiology as you experience.

Advantages of Standard Box Binding

  • It is low risk compared to other vineyards
  • Can be used with many positions
  • It allows you to continue the scene with other additional bindings and is suitable for transition bindings.

GOTE or HIGH HANDS TK

Gote (tie the hands behind the back) involves all the usual risks of a classic box tie (box tie or takate kote), but also requires the bottom to have more flexible arms to ensure the hands are placed in the correct position.

done tightly, starting from the wrists and wrapping around the arms, a kannuki you should be sure and trust the abilities of the person who connects you ( rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">rigger

In a gote binding, the bottom's hands are tied up by pulling them up as much as possible. Gote can be stressful depending on how flexible your arms and shoulders are. Because the knots start depending on the position of your arms and your hands are as high as possible, you may not be able to position or move your hands. Gote is more vulnerable in nature, you may feel more pressure on your arms.

You cannot change the position of your hands in this binding, if you have circulation problems or they occur during the binding, place your torso in an upright position. This will make you feel more comfortable.

GOTE or LOW HANDS TK

This binding can be used if you prefer your hands to rest in a comfortable position behind your back. It may be suitable for you if you have difficulty keeping your hands in a box behind your back or do not have the flexibility for a position such as the elevated hand position. This TK carries a lower risk than the other binding methods used.

The wrist can be supported with extra knots, or you can use different decorations and patterns.

HARNESS (HIPS – WAIST)

There are as many different harness variations as your imagination can create, similar to chest harnesses, each has different functions and aesthetics.

In general, those that use more rope will be less stressful because there is more rope to support your weight. Depending on the type of binding used, the more wraps that pass through the legs or around the hips, the more comfortable it will be; the less it is, the more stressful and uncomfortable it will be.

A waist harness usually consists of a simple knot at the front that wraps around the waist two or three times. If it is to be used for single point suspension, it can be quite stressful depending on your body weight.

When tying the waist and hip areas, tying the relatively narrower waist area eliminates the risk of the rope loosening and slipping. However, for suspension or other situations that would place relatively greater pressure, most bottoms note that they feel more comfortable when the rope is tied around their hip bones. The hip bones are very strong and the binding here can stabilize the body's center of gravity while protecting internal organs. It is recommended to tie it at the thin point of the waist (to prevent slipping and to prevent the rope from being wasted) in cases where the test is in the suspension position (feet up, head close to the ground) during suspension, and in other suspension applications, it is recommended to tie it in a position around the hip bones.

FUTUMOMO

While Futumomo is useful and comfortable for ground bindings, it is one of the few types that is quite stressful and painful for suspension. rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">Rigger must have high-level skills and be able to analyze painful steps well.

This binding, especially suspension futumomo, is a difficult method and requires practice. Feeling more pain than pleasure in your first attempts does not make your rigger a bad rigger

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/1230-2/">rigger or you a bad bottom. Regardless of your rigger's level and experience, give yourself time to get used to it.

STRESS

Bondage causes varying degrees of stress on the body. This applies to suspension and partial suspensions and even some floor Floor

" href="https://shibariturk.com/en/shibariwiki/floor/">bonding work. To help you withstand this physical stress, you need to make sure you are as fit and healthy as possible. A physically fit person can withstand captivity longer than an unfit person. They are also more durable in cases such as rope scars, bruising and nerve damage.

Bondage can be emotionally stressful, so it's important to make sure you're prepared for bondage and mentally. It is important to be calm and comfortable and to be in a place where you feel safe.

(Article/suggestion on this subject https://shibariturk.com/shibari-ve-stres/ )

FLEXIBILITY

The required flexibility cannot be achieved instantly, but must be maintained and developed continuously and regularly. You should warm up and stretch your muscles before the stage. For this, it would be correct to do practical stretching exercises. If you know what position to strap in, you can concentrate on the muscles that will be under strain.

These exercises help blood circulation and prevent conditions such as muscle strain, tingling and muscle pain.

BODY AND ENVIRONMENT TEMPERATURE

If you are cold, your endurance and time in captivity will decrease. Wait for your body temperature to return to normal, if bondage will take place naked, make sure the ambient temperature is sufficient (make sure it is not too hot). If you'll be tying up outdoors or in a cold area, wear something warm. Be sure to drink water before starting or between breaks.

NUTRITION

Make sure you do not skip meals and are not hungry before bondage. Keep water, drinks and snacks on hand for long scenes.

DROP

At the moment of dissolution, you may feel that you have reached a point where you cannot stand it. Don't panic, stay calm and cool. Moving your body, hands and arms impatiently will not only make the rigger's job harder, but you may also cause permanent damage to yourself.

After bondage, do slow stretching movements. Avoid making sudden movements, sudden movements can be harmful and risky for your muscles and joints. These movements increase blood circulation, soften the muscles, thus reducing the pressure and accelerating your recovery process against possible unnoticed damage.

COMPLEMENTARY READING SUGGESTIONS FOR ROPE BOTTOM

RESOURCES

  1. http://rope-topia.com
  2. http://kinkyclover.com
  3. http://bdsmkulturu.com
  4. Essence of Shibari – Kinbaku and Japanese Rope Bondage by Shin Nawakari
  5. Romatem Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
  6. Sports Information (Anatomical Adaptation – Flexibility Training) https://www.sporsalbilgiler.com/anatomik-adaptasyon-baslangic-antrenmani.html
  7. com – https://www.shibariclasses.com/courses/japanese-rope-bondage-i/lectures/3017286
  8. net Health Portal
  9. com.tr Florence Nightingale Hospital Official Website
  10. Fzt. İsmail SARAÇOĞLU ( https://www.tavsiyeediyorum.com/uzmanyazisi_2291.htm )

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