Shibari Aftercare
Shibari aftercare, which is a word borrowed from BDSM, refers to the attitude that the dominant (or, in rope bondage, the rigger) takes towards the submissive (or top-bottom) after any scene. The aftercare is the perfect time to talk about emotions and feelings. In addition, it is the perfect moment where both participants can share their experiences lived during the shibari session.
Shibari Aftercare: a Negotiation
Aftercare is just as important as negotiations. It determines limits and establishes safety words. One of its objectives is to feel “normal” again after a rope bondage session. Shibari scenes usually leave your partner stunned, fragile, vulnerable and exposed. This is the reason why it becomes crucial to safely guide said return. Aftercare is the time where your body, spirit, and mind recover.
Why It Matters
During a Shibari scene, you experience great physical effort and mixed emotions. Moreover, your body goes through high levels of adrenaline, serotonin, and endorphin. When the Kinbaku scene comes to an end, all these chemicals return to its normal level. Because of this, you also experience a very high emotional discharge. In aftercare, it is very important to dedicate some time to ensure an emotional balance.
Shibari Aftercare: Every Part is Important
How well you take care of your partner during the aftercare tells a lot about what the scene meant to you. For example, it will tell you whether it was just a self-satisfaction experience. Or if it was a beautiful and deep bond that brought the two together as partners or as a couple. Aftercare is a great time to reinforce emotional connections with your romantic partner. If your partner is not a romantic one, it helps to express feelings and gratitude with your casual companion.
Aftercare can also help in recovering if things do not go as well as you might expect. In a moment of scene interruption, for instance,sensible and intelligent aftercare is the only thing that can aid you revoke the bad reputation. Aftercare can confirm that your shibari scene had a meaning. Additionally, it can tell you that the dominant and submissive rolls had developed successfully. These will all lead you to discover whether you had a satisfactory experience or not. And how you will connect with your partner in the future.
Image: Ana Blumenkron
