Shibari binding - much more than just submission

The word Shibari is Japanese and means beautiful binding. As the name suggests, Shibari binding is aesthetic, as it uses beautiful knots and aims for a beautiful end result. Binding does not have to be related to sex or submission in any way, although these are many people's first images of binding. Shibari has different meanings for different people, and the pursuit of (sexual) pleasure is just one of them. Shibari binding is suitable for adults regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age or other factors. The roles of the bound and the binding can also belong to anyone. If you wish, you can also perform Shibari binding alone by making bindings on your own body.

What is done in Shibari?

At its simplest, shibari is an art form where beautiful bindings are the main thing. Bindings can be small and simple, but they can also be larger entities that cover the entire body. If you wish, you can photograph the skillful and beautiful bindings as a keepsake. The photo can also be part of the art. The person being bound often experiences their own body as being particularly beautiful when bound. Binding can also serve as a tool for introspection or even acceptance of themselves and their own body.

Shibari binding gives you the opportunity to calm down and stop by yourself and your body. There should be no rush during a binding situation. Binding also forces you to focus on the moment. Many people who practice binding say that during binding, they forget about the world around them and get a sense of peace that you can't experience otherwise. The person being bound usually listens to their own body, its messages, and the world around them more intensely than usual. When binding in pairs, the binder must focus on the situation and actively monitor the reactions of the person being bound so that the situation is safe and good for both of them.

Binding also has health benefits

For some people, shibari offers an opportunity to deal with traumas from their own past. Being bound in a safe environment can provide an experience that heals physical traumas. Searching for and finding one's own physical boundaries can also help to open emotional locks. However, it must be remembered that we are moving in very sensitive areas of humanity, and it is not advisable for just anyone to independently try replacing therapy with binding. There are also professionals in Finland who have studied the matter in more detail.

The line between pain and pleasure is a delicate one, and for some people, pain is the ultimate pleasure. Shibari binding can also be performed consciously, causing pain, when done in a mutually understanding and trusting atmosphere. The feeling of pain releases endorphins in the body, which can create a strong sense of well-being. For some, the feeling may even provide sexual pleasure, while for others it is more of a relaxing and calming experience, especially afterwards, after the pain has subsided.

Trust is the most important key to Shibari

Shibari binding is a game of power. The person being bound is in a subordinate role when they give their body into the hands of the binder. However, in a confidential and safe situation, the person being bound is also in a strong role, because ultimately they themselves have the right to decide where their own boundaries are at that moment. The binder's job is to respect the person being bound and listen to them and their body's messages.

When practicing bondage with a partner, trust between the couple is extremely important. Bondage is always a matter of mutual agreement and both parties must agree to it. At any stage, there must always be the right and possibility to interrupt the bondage if the situation feels too difficult physically and/or mentally at that moment. Finding boundaries is a different matter than crossing them. Even possible submission must always take place safely, taking into account the well-being and needs of the person being bound. These basic rules of the game, of course, apply to all other games between adults. When carried out with mutual understanding, shibari bondage can be a holistically unifying thing, from which both the person being bound and the person binding gain a unique experience.

Shibari experts at Erotica Aja!

We are delighted to have Sanna Paavola from the Rope Art Oulu association present shibari binding and the association's activities at our shibari-themed customer evening starting on Saturday , March 19, 2022 at 5:00 PM . Rope Art Oulu organizes weekly meetings where you can learn about the basics of binding and practice binding.

The second expert guest for our client evening is Terhi Ikonen , who is a physiotherapist, psychological coach, sexual counselor and soon also a cognitive brief therapist. Ikonen will tell you more about the health benefits of shibari. The evening does not include actual shibari binding practice, but our expert guests will show a few bindings together at the end of the evening.

Everyone is warmly welcome to our customer evening. There is no need to register in advance and it costs nothing. There is also no obligation to purchase anything and it is not binding (physically or figuratively ;) ) on the evening.

You can come alone, together, or with a larger group! Light snacks and drinks will be available during the evening.

See you on Saturday? Welcome to say hello to us and our expert guests, and hear more about the interesting and diverse world of shibari!

Best regards,

Girls of the Erotic Era