Breath play or erotic asphyxiation involves the controlled restriction of oxygen for sexual arousal or heightened sensations during intimate activities. This is considered edge play due to its inherent risks.
Methods may include hand placement on the throat, use of restraints around the neck, or controlling breathing through other means. The temporary oxygen restriction can create feelings of lightheadedness and intensify other sensations.
The physiological response involves adrenaline release and altered brain chemistry that some find pleasurable. However, this practice carries significant risks including loss of consciousness, cardiac events, and potentially fatal outcomes.
Due to the high-risk nature, many in the BDSM community advise against breath play entirely. Those who choose to engage should extensively research risks, never practice alone, and understand that no amount of precaution makes this completely safe.
Safety Information
This is extremely high-risk edge play. Many safety experts advise against it entirely. Never practice alone.
Common Misconceptions
There is no completely safe way to practice breath play. Even experienced practitioners have had fatal accidents.