This information should in no way be considered a comprehensive primer. It is ment simply as a guide to safety and to encourage independant research. There is far more information necessary in order to keep yourself and your partners safe.

We at NoirLuna Leather STRONGLY recommend that you find other sources to continue your eduction: most specifically books.

We understand that there are a variety of websites devoted to BDSM, and some offer excellent information. Unfortunatly, with the ease of producing websites, and the frequency with which they change, it is incredibly difficult to authenticate the accuracy of the information.

A book is often a good place to start, there are many primers dealing with people who are just starting out in the lifestyle, greenery press is the best publisher we have found for non-fiction bdsm information. Check them out at: http://www.greenerypress.com/ .

With that said here is some basic starter information:

Percussion Instruments

The most common category of toys is percussion instruments. (No, not drums or cymbals, at least not without a lot of creativity.) Percussion instruments are any tools used to strike the body. They generally range in sensation from sting to thud. The most important safety knowledge in using these toys is anatomical - where the body can be safely struck and how hard.

The best parts of the body to strike are the large muscle groups. This includes the buttocks, the shoulders (above the kidneys and away from the spine) and the thighs, both front and back. These areas will stand up to thud best, and most bottoms seem able to take more thud than sting.

Other areas can be treated more carefully. Breasts, genitals, palms, and soles of the feet can all provide erotic sensation, if done lightly and carefully. Here sting is usually better than thud.

Areas of concern that should be avoided include anywhere internal organs are near the surface (i.e. kidneys) or bones near the surface (i.e. tailbone or spine). Joints are especially susceptible to long term damage that will not be immediately apparent. (i.e. spine, elbows, knees). Also watch areas with small bones (i.e. hands, feet). Small bones can break easily and seldom heal well.

As well as knowing the body, it is important to know your equipment. Have you tested it (preferably on yourself)? Have you practiced with it? Can you control it so that you are consistently hitting exactly where you aim? If you can’t answer yes to these questions, you are not ready to be using these toys on a live bottom.

Finally, avoid striking above the shoulders. The one exception to this is face slapping. Face slapping is mostly used for psychological effect. It need not be excessively hard and can be done to limit injuries. It is advisable to cradle one cheek in your other hand to slap the face. This prevents the sudden head movement that can cause neck injury or even concussion.

There are differences between types of percussion instruments as well. For example:

• Floggers are hard to control, so practice hitting where you aim for. Maybe on a pillow or wall.

• Paddles range from very rigid to flexible. This changes the sensation from thud to sting. The material that the paddle is made of will also change sensation. Keep the most rigid paddles for the big muscle areas.

• Canes and Crops can break skin! Always start each session with these toys very slowly. Watch both the bottom, and the bottom’s bottom, closely and monitor the results of each strike. Be sure to know the result of each strike before starting the next swing. The effect of a single strike can easily take 60 to 90 seconds or more to flow through body and mind. Allow the bottom to get the full effect of each.

Cock & Ball Torture:

The greatest risk of Cock & Ball Torture (CBT) is probably loss of circulation. Any binding of the genitals that cuts into the skin is definitely too tight. Coldness and numbness of the cock or scrotum is an indication that the binding has been on too long.

Discoloration is normal for an aroused male, so there may be irreparable damage by the time color begins to fade. Do not trust this as an indicator.

The testicles are the most sensitive and fragile part of a male’s genitals. Proceed with care. Ruptures and tears can leave disfiguring or disabling injuries.

Whipping is the most common cock torture. A cock can be whipped softly when flaccid or erect. Keep in mind that the blood vessels are greatly expanded in an erect penis though, and this makes for a higher risk of rupture. A ruptured blood vessel is a long-term injury with potentially permanent damage.

Testicular mummification is another common activity. Tightly bound testicles are more sensitive and susceptible to damage. Remember sanitary concerns. Always wash your toys and sterilize them with alcohol before use, and clean them after.

Bondage:

Probably the greatest risk from bondage is “positional asphyxiation.” Always stay as close to a bound person as you would to a baby in your care. If a gag is being used, stay within arms reach. A gag can interfere with breathing, or a gagged person can hyperventilate or vomit and asphyxiate without making a sound.

Remember - if a gag is being used, be sure to have a non-verbal safeword.

The other major risk is to the bottom’s circulation. Bondage does not have to be tight to be restrictive and inescapable. Be sure at least a finger can fit between the rope and a bottom at any point. Monitor the extremities closely, watching for discoloration and temperature change.

Note - not every body was designed to become a pretzel, know your partner and their limitations.

Remember also, most human bodies cannot be suspended by their wrists alone for great periods of time. Wrist suspension cuffs are wonderful tools for standing bondage, allowing the submissive/bottom a place to hold onto, and thus prolong how long they can remain tied in that position.

NoirLuna Leather feels that while aftercare is not a strictly physical 'how-to' aspect of play it is a very important one, and that no discussion of safety is complete without acknowledging the importance of aftercare.

Aftercare:

Aftercare varies for every person. Both tops and bottoms will have their own needs and abilities, and each relationship will dictate different aftercare.

This is a simple overview of the 3 major stages of aftercare. The first stage of aftercare is immediately after play. This stage should include a physical examination of the submissive. This can be done quietly during cuddling, or made into a ritual.

Any injuries should be treated, any bruising or other marks should be noted. Reassurance is very important now. Cuddling is physical reassurance and can be as important as verbal. Many submissives need an emotional release at this point. Some need to talk (babble), while others may simply cry. Remember this is an emotional release, don’t expect it to be logical, or for the submissive to be able to explain it.

The dominant and submissive should be available to each other for the next week to ten day in case any hidden emotional issues spring up. At the very least, there should be a contact method that is checked at least once a day.

The second stage should be after a couple of days. Any emotional issues should be re-addressed. Any physical injuries should be re-examined. Check for any slow developing bruises, stiffness or other physical effects.

Now is also the time to discuss play critically. What was enjoyable, what wasn’t? what activities might warrant further exploration? How was technique? Was the dominant reading the bottom’s reactions well? Etc.

Again, reassure and confirm your mutual interest and desire. This might be the time to set a new play date. The third stage is after a week or so. If a second play session hasn’t happened yet, this is time to make sure there are no after-effects from play. Doubts can be nagging, reassure yet again.