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Major warning as Japanese bondage trend Shibari soars in popularity - with experts issuing urgent advice
A growing trend for Japanese rope bondage has come with a major warning - with nerve damage and injuries possible if it isn't practiced responsibly.
Shibari, which originated in Japan and is popular in the kink community, typically sees couples tie each other up with thin, colourful ropes using intricate knots.
It is also known as kinbaku - which means tight binding - and aims to restrict mobility.
The practice is thought to have originated from hojo-jutsu, a method of restraining captives and a form of torture, but it has since evolved into an erotic art form.
Goop says it 'originated as an underground form of culturally specific erotic fantasy play that centres on the erotic nostalgia of bygone eras'.
And considering the origins of Shibari, it perhaps isn't surprising that it comes with risks.
There are warnings that those who don't practise the methods responsibly could fall victim to nerve damage, rope burn or even accidental asphyxiation.
Read below as FEMAIL details some of the biggest risks of shibari - and how to avoid them.
The risks of nerve damage
One of the major risks from Shibari is nerve damage, which according to experts at the Shibari Academy, can happen most frequently during suspensions.
The most common type of nerve damage is the compression of peripheral nerve particularly the radial, axillary, and femoral nerves.
This can occur 'due to prolonged compression, excessive force, and/or repetitive strain on nerve', most commonly during suspension by ropes.
Nerve damage can cause impairments in both motor and sensory function, and it often presents 'acutely and immediately following full-body suspensions'.
Symptoms include tingling in one part of a limb, shooting pains, numbness and weakness or difficulty moving in the affected area.
Shibari Academy stresses that 'constant and honest communication' are key when delving into the world of Shibari, in order to avoid any injuries.
Experts also recommend having 'safety shears close at hand in case you need to cut the ropes' in an emergency.
They add: 'Don't perform ties you are not ready for. Shibari is not a race and there is nobody you need to impress.
'Start with simple ties and slowly work your way towards more complex ties. Take the time to understand how the ropes work and how the body responds to them.'
Rope burn is a possibility
Another risk of Shibari is rope burn - which could be difficult to avoid for amateurs. It occurs when there is excessive friction between the rope and the skin.
This could lead to irritation and burns, which typically appear as reddened, swollen and blistering marks on the skin that reflect the texture of the rope used. They can vary in severity, but often cause pain and sensitivity.
In order to avoid this, the Shibari Academy suggested a number of preventative measures for the person tying the ropes to take.
Experts said that taking your time to tie and untie the material can 'minimise friction and help prevent burns'.
They added: 'When drawing a lengthy section of rope across your partner's skin, use your fingers as a shield to reduce direct contact and protect against burns.'
The Shibari Academy also urged those partaking in Shibari to choose a high-quality rope.
'Opt for high-quality rope materials specifically designed for Shibari. Avoid untreated or climbing ropes, as they can increase the risk of skin irritation,' they said.
Circulation loss in bondage
There is also a risk of loss of circulation if a rope is tied too tightly.
This is typically caused when knots are too tight and restrict the blood flow to certain parts of the body - usually limbs, fingers or toes.
The Shibari Academy said to watch out for numbness and tingling sensations, as well as coldness in the affected area and any pain or discomfort.
Experts said that if the skin becomes pale, make sure to adjust the tie to increase blood flow to the affected limb.
They added: 'It's important to note that [circulation loss] can conceal nerve injuries. As a precautionary measure, ensure that the person being tied does not stay in the same position with the same tie for more than 30 minutes.'
Injuries and asphyxiation
There have also been warnings around falls and injuries when practicing Shibari.
Experts warn that full-body suspension could increase the risk of falls, which could in turn heighten the risk of serious head injuries.
It is recommended that amateurs in Shibari avoid suspensions completely.
There are also risks of accidental asphyxiation, particularly during inverted or suspended positions. Again, this is why full-body suspension should be left to experts.
