Fetish Friday: Sensation Play
The word ‘fetish’ is used to define the object of a person’s sexual fantasies (whether that’s a living being or inanimate object), while the word ‘kink’ describes the socially deemed ‘non-conventional’ practices that someone takes part in or fantasizes about. When looking at either word’s suggestions, both are usually viewed as diverging from mainstream societal norms.
Thankfully, we have seen the world become increasingly sex-positive in recent years. Because of this, many fetishes and kinks are considered more ‘normal’ to talk about. Still, though, not every fetish or kink (or combination of these) that a person has is understood by the general population. This is partly due to the many subcultures that can branch from a single fetish or kink, leaving outsiders uncertain of what it involves.
To help eliminate misperceptions and uncertainties on the topic, we’ve decided to delve into the subject of erotic play through enhancing sensory and physical sensations — also known as ‘sensation play.’ We hope that it will give you a better idea of what it’s like to experience this kink, as well as what someone who engages in it is into and aroused by.
What is sensation play?
A type of erotic play involving the engagement of one’s sensory and physical sensations, sensation play can range from light to painful. While a person can enjoy this kink with items found around the house, plenty of toys can be purchased specifically for sensation play. Some examples include — but are certainly not limited to — leather whips, floggers, spiked Wartenberg wheels, massage oil candles, blindfolds, audio erotica, and flavoured condoms.
Common misconceptions
People have varying opinions about folks who engage in sensation play, ranging from assuming that everyone enjoys it light and pleasant or that all sensation players prefer things rough and painful. In truth, someone may want one type one day and another on a different occasion, or even a gradual build-up in one session. What’s more, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to enjoy this form of erotic play, nor any specific sense that needs to be triggered.
How to talk about it with your partner
Talking to your partner about your kinks and fetishes doesn’t have to be complicated. Let them know what senses you’re hoping to have stimulated or to stimulate on them, including explaining how these sensory perceptions can be achieved. Be open to a back and forth dialogue, asking them what — if anything — they would be comfortable with, as well as for suggestions on what you both can do.
Things to try
What’s great about sensation play is that it has such a wide range of sensations (and methods of achieving them), meaning there is something for nearly everyone. You can start simple with household items, like trailing a feather from your down pillow along the skin of your partner, placing your dildo in the freezer for temperature play, or using a scarf to blindfold the other while you perform a consensual sex act.
Are there risks to consider?
Typically, sensation play is safe to do. In some situations, however, you should exercise caution. For example, if you use force (with items such as flogs or paddles, or even spanking), a safe word should be in place. Also, consider the ease of quickly removing products that might become too painful, such as hot wax or nipple clamps.
Should this erotic play lead to oral or penetrative sex, you should also consider using protection to prevent STIs and consider your birth control options (if that is a concern).
How can I learn more?
Thankfully, there are so many fantastic sex blogs on the internet that you can turn to for additional resources, including some dedicated to kinks and fetishism. You can also participate in (or just read) chat rooms and online threads about erotic play, or create your own to chat with folx. For those curious about seeing sensation play in action, watching ethical porn is your best bet!
Now that you have read today’s article, we hope you have developed a deeper understanding of what it means to incorporate sensory and physical sensations into erotic play. Should this topic come up in a future conversation, we hope you will feel confident in speaking about it. Whether it’s opening your mind to learning more about the kink from someone who experiences it first-hand or educating someone who may be closed off to the idea by explaining how it may enhance their erotic play, we feel that we have done our job to help make the world a more sexually inclusive place.
Have you focused on engaging you or your sex partner’s physical sensations during erotic play before? Is sensation play something that you would be willing to try? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
