Positional Breath Play

In this shibari course, Docvale discusses how the position of the body in ropes can be used as a breath play tool with his model Bänana.

If you’re looking for rope play that will quite literally take your breath away, you’ve come to the right course. As a follow-up to ‘Rope As A Breath Play Tool’, the French instructors continue to delve into breath restriction as an element of rope scenes, focusing on three positions that use compression or alignment of the body to influence the breathing of the person being tied. The classes also explore tips and tricks for playing with intensity in each of these positions, as well as offering feedback from Bänana regarding her experience in the ties.

In the ‘Arch’ video, Docvale uses the example of a floor-based Gyaku Ebi or hog tie to illustrate how an arched position puts pressure on key parts of the respiratory system, while the compression of gravity against the ground and the tie itself prevents the rib cage from fully expanding.

In the ‘Torsion’ video, Docvale uses a semi-suspended ‘mermaid’ position to discuss the role of twisting the body at the waist as a means for influencing the breath with variations for creating more or less pressure.

In the ‘Compacted Position’ video, Docvale offers some ideas for how to use compression and compaction – in this case, starting with a loaded TK as a basis for beginning to wrap the knees towards the chest.

Breath play is a powerful type of edge play, so it’s essential to keep in mind that while elements of this course may be applicable to your own practice, restricting a person’s breath can have a profound physical and psychological impact and is never without risk. It is essential for both you and your tying partner to understand these risks before attempting to recreate anything you see in these classes. If your skill set is not suitable to safely attempt this course, feel free to watch the class for inspiration but do not follow along.