Rope As A Breath Play Tool

In this rope bondage course, Docvale discusses how to begin exploring breath play in ropes with his model Bänana.

For those starting out in shibari, there may be a tendency to think of breath play as involving choking, tying the neck or gags. However, as Docvale and Bänana detail in this six-part course, having an impact on someone’s ability to breathe can be achieved by strategic application of ropes far beyond the obvious. Starting from the basis of a two-rope TK, this course delves into psychology and physiology of breath play with tips and tricks for how to build up from a simple chest harness and increase intensity for (quite literally) breathtaking rope play. Watch the videos in order to learn how to manage and increase the psychological and physical intensity in tandem for safer and more effective breath play:

The ‘Intro' video offers an introduction to breath play and both what to expect from the course as well as what to expect from this type of play.

The second part of the course, ‘Progressivity & Semenawa’, looks at the Semenawa style of shibari and how it lends itself to the physical and emotional intensity of breath play.

In the third video, ‘Psychological Impact – TK2', Docvale and Bänana begin with a simple TK, exploring how even subtle compressions and adjustments to how you tie a TK can already begin to impact breathing.

From a two-rope TK, there are numerous options to build on and play further with the breath, with the fourth video – ‘Neck - Third Rope’ – focusing on how to utilize a third rope to begin experimenting with pressure around the neck.

In the fifth video, ‘Thorax – Fourth Rope’, a fourth rope is added as the focus shifts from constraining thoracic breathing to constraining abdominal breathing, beginning with a tight single-column tie around the waist.

This final video of this breath play course, ‘Belly and Pubis’ looks at tying the belly and below with two options for creating additional compression from below the waist.

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.