Rope Tension: Its Importance

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Rope tension is one of the fundamental skills in this kind of bondage. A good rigger is always aware of it and knows how to apply it to the rope bottom. The tension you apply to rope in a shibari scene has two main functions: the technical and the communication ones. Firstly, the technical function is to distribute the tension in the rope bottom evenly. The right amount makes the tie safe and sustainable. Secondly, the communication one states that emotions and intentions transmit through the tension of the rope.

Rope Tension: How and Where

In shibari, it is very important to learn how to apply the tension and where to do so. You must know the right amount—not too tight and not to lose—and recognize which part of the body needs to be tight and which loose. It is very common for riggers to focus on how they do the knot properly. This partner is aware of how they should tie the other and where to tie them. However, you must pay special attention in the amount of tension each knot requires. Once you learn the knots and learn where you must apply the tension, and once you get it right, then you can say you know how to tie.

All About Desire

The tension you apply to your partner communicates the desire for that person, as well as your excitement on the scene. On the one hand, the rigger must be relaxed in order to transmit the emotion. This reveals on how to apply a stable and constant tension. If you do this, you will communicate confidence and security to your partner. On the other, in the eyes of a rope bottom, if the tension is not constant, you can feel it quite disturbing. This, you experience a lack of trust.

To have trust and feel safe in a shibari scene, the tension must be constant, stable, and sharp. Therefore, you do not have time to feel insecure.

Rope Tension: Conclusion

Practice tension. You need to do it right! If it is not going right, you should start over. And, let me tell you, re-tensioning never works. The tension you apply to ropes in shibari makes all the difference in your scene.

Image: kris krüg

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