Don’t Try This at Home

Have you ever heard the warning “Don’t try this at home”? It’s a good piece of advice. Especially, if we’re talking about Shibari. And that’s because bondage is a risky practice. Any rope enthusiast knows that. Shibari involves risks. And, if you’re not ready to face them, you should let someone else do the job.

For example, some couples become enthusiastic about bondage, and they grab whatever’s at hand. We’ve heard of ties used for tying, or of cheap nylon ropes used as a substitute for natural fiber ropes. The results of this kind of improvisation are, of course, always disastrous. Even though there’s a variety of materials that can be used for the tying, natural fiber ropes are by far the best option.

Other people use simple knots, instead of learning the special knots used for Shibari. This can lead to a multitude of problems, from nerve damage and circulatory problems to friction marks—of the ugly kind—and muscular injuries. Once again, the best advice we can offer is to take the time to learn the specific knots of Shibari, at least the basic ones.

Another common mistake, despite being a sure recipe for failure, is using bed poles as a point of support for suspension. This is totally a bad idea! Bed poles are not designed to support weight and force. They are basically ornamental. Therefore, you should never use them to carry weight. In the best scenario, it will ruin your bed; and, in the worst scenario, it may cause severe injury.

Unless you have the proper equipment and enough knowledge, the best option is to go to a studio and hire a professional. Or, in simpler words, don’t try this at home if you’re not ready for it. However, if you have the skills and the tools, go for it and enjoy!