5 things to know about spanking

Spanking is one of those sexual practices that seems to have universal appeal, no doubt aided in part by movies and pop culture like 50 Shades of Grey and Secretary.

Also known as ‘impact play’, spanking is part of BDSM culture but popularised to the point that it’s become a mainstream form of power play and punishment among consenting adults.

Spanking is as old a fetish as they come, with the Etruscans having apparently been fans with frescos depicting spanking in the so-called Tomb of Floggings. It’s often described as a very British fetish, referring to the often strict and punitive nature of Victorian schooling that kicked it all off.

These days it’s considered entry level BDSM, with a study carried out by the University of Indiana showing that some 30% or people in the US have experienced with spanking.

So why is it such a turn on and how can one do it right?

Here’s what you need to know about spanking:

1.Why is it a turn-on physically?

Well in most cases it would be safe to say that our bums are fairly well insulated padded areas. At the same time however, they’re full of nerve endings as well as clearly close to the genitals, which gives any form of impact in the area what we might call a ‘ripple effect’ throughout the body.

On a more chemical level, feeling pain forces our body to release endorphins which serve to block the feelings of pain but in many cases is experienced as a feeling of euphoria. It’s similar to the feeling of jubilation or joy you might feel after a run or some serious exercise.

2.Why is it a turn-on psychologically?

As we’re well aware, power is sexy. Spanking offers an easy form of power play most often in the shape of a woman (or Bottom) allowing herself/themselves to be submissive to the man/Top – bending over a sofa, a table, or on all fours. The opening up and allowing someone else to be in control and measure out the extent of pain or pleasure they inflict can bring about a deep release. For women in particular, there’s often a deeply rooted psychological reason for loving submission to a man and acknowledgment of his strength and ability to take control.

3. Consent and safe words matter!

Spanking evolved out of fetish culture, but fetish and BDSM culture can involve some dangerous or potentially painful play. This is why consensual corporal punishment is so important, it needs to be clearly stated and evident before any play can take place. In addition to that it’s sometimes wise to a have a safe word, a word that can be used during sex to get someone to stop what they’re doing or simply revert to being more gentle.

4. How to give someone a good spanking

Spanking plays out across a spectrum, sometimes if it’s a particular fetish it does not even involve sex! But for the more common type of spanking enjoyed and practiced by people, that does involve sex, there are a few things that can be done! Firstly, avoid hitting on the inside thigh etc as this will cause pain and not of the pleasurable variety. Avoid the tailbone too and aim for the ‘fattier’ parts of the bum. As mentioned above, the cheeks that will be receiving the spanking are located near the vagina, anus, and scrotum, making the vibrations stimulate all of the above – so calibrate each spank according to area and desired effect. If you want to soften the spank the spankee should keep their underwear on

5. Introduce toys into your punishment

Want to try mix up your spanking routine and involve some toys? One of the first places to go should be a paddle which is great for impact play since it’s just marginally larger than a hand and specifically designed for spanking. Try the silicone one for extra comfort. Whilst whipping is different to spanking and involves a whole element of stinging sensation that is somewhat unlike spanking, using a flogger might be the next step up. The Fifty Shades Of Grey Please Sir Satin Flogger offers the opportunity to get into the notion of whipping whilst being a beginner.