Rope bondage will have problems, but we can try our best to avoid them and communicate instead of staying silent when something might be going wrong.
Rope Bondage uses similar safety practices and principles to BDSM to ensure the safety of participants. Terms like ‘SSC’ (Sane, Safe, Consensual) and ‘RACK’ (Risk Aware, Consensual, Kink) are the most widely accepted. The differences between SSC and RACK acknowledge that not every kink is necessarily a “safe” one. RACK argues that the concept of what is “sane” is subjective. What ultimately matters within RACK is that participants identify and discuss potential risks, formulate a risk mitigation plan for the activity, and engage in it only through mutual consent and understanding of those risks.
There are some Physical Risks involved with Rope Bondage, including Asphyxiation, Circulation Impairment(Very common, usually caused by the rope being too tight. Easily fixed.), Nerve damage, Fainting, and Falling. Advanced positions like hanging introduce a higher risk and even when skilled artists do this, a teacher’s spot is necessary), etc.
Everybody’s body is different. It’s important to connect with them and have a discussion beforehand so as to choose the best way to treat them.
In my experience of rope bondage, having a discussion with the participant beforehand is crucial, going over important topics such as where they would like to be tied (upper body only, leg, whole body, etc.). Informing the participant that they might have feelings of tingling in some of the areas that are tied up. Implementing a scale system for ‘tingles’ (e.g. 1-10) is helpful and can avoid further risks by loosening certain areas. In case of emergency I can loosen the rope immediately and if in dire need even cut the rope. Afterward, I can help the participants relax by massaging their muscles and making sure they are comfortable.
In summary, Guidelines For Reducing Risk have 4tips. Firstly, Take your time. Get to know each other before you play. Get to know each other’s bodies, medical conditions, likes, dislikes, expectations, levels of experience, and reputation in the community. Learn about each other; from each other, and from other people. Find out where the boundaries are, and don’t be in a hurry to push or expand them.
Secondly, Plan Ahead. If you’re going to get tied, prep for that; stretch, think about whether the circumstances make it safe for you to play. If you’re going to be trying, prep for that; the same requirements about health. Thirdly, Know When Not To Do Rope Bondage. Rope can be a lot of fun, but it can be risky as hell, too; better to do it when you’re both feeling well and up for it. In addition, communicate, communicate, communicate! The most important, most effective way of keeping risk down, is for both of you to be on the same page. You’re both responsible for safety, and you can both contribute to that.
https://kynk101.com/kink-bdsm-facts/ssc-rack-prick
https://www.ropeconnections.com/the-safety-series-part-1-physical-risk-with-rope-bondage/
https://www.ropeconnections.com/the-safety-series-part-2-fixing-problems-before-they-happen/
https://www.helsinkishibari.com/writings/nerve-safety-for-rope-bondage