Contrary to popular belief, BDSM is a bit more complex than just chain and whips. BDSM encompasses a host of different erotic practices that target either a physical or psychological response. Or even both.
BDSM is all about pleasure. Consent and communication are the foundations of a successful scene and remain key throughout. It is a common misconception that the submissive’s pleasure is misplaced and that they have no say in what goes on during a scene
B: bondage
D: discipline / dominance
S: submission / sadism
M: masochism
Bondage acts involve the practice of using physical restraints such as ropes, chains, handcuffs and other materials that can tie a play partner down.
The discipline part of this acronym refers to physical and mental discipline – psychological restraining. This is done with the use of rules and behaviour control including reward and punishment, humiliation, spanking, edging etc.
The superior partner in a dominant, the subordinate partner is a submissive and a person that can play either role is known as a switch. Power exchange is ALWAYS consensual and will be discussed during negotiation (before play). This relationship usually includes empowerment of the submissive by willingly giving up their power and the empowerment of dominant by the submissive surrender to their control.
Masochism: The tendency to derive pleasure from receiving pain or humiliation. These individuals are known as masochists.
Sadism: The tendency to derive pleasure from inflicting pain on, or humiliating someone else. These individuals are know as sadists.
