Breath play or breath control holds unique fascination for many, but it has several downsides! This section will provide a bit of insight into breath play and give information on what can go wrong.

According to MyBDSM.com, the Dom(me) or top enjoys breath play because it provides a strong element of dominance as well as trust. It can also be the ultimate form of bondage and, in public settings, demonstrates total control. It can also feed into the Dom(me)'s sadistic nature. From the sub or bottom's perspective, panic and risk along with oxygen deprivation that contributes to the ultimate form of bondage. The sub's masochistic tendencies may also be enticed by the experience.

Many practicing BDSM, either as a lifestyle or occasional play, will enjoy breath control as part of a scene. Those involving breath play have often been trained or mentored by someone experienced in the techniques. But, some opt to investigate on their own, occasionally with a bad result.

There are some key structures in the neck that are critical. Anyone practicing breath control must be fully aware of the structures.

The structures involved in breathing include the pharynx or throat, the larynx that houses the vocal cords, and the trachea, also known as the windpipe. Other key structures include the carotid arteries located on both sides of the neck that transport blood to the brain.

In order for the brain to function, air must get to the lungs and oxygen picked up by the blood and carried to the brain. Anything that interferes with this can pose serious risks.

Blocking or compressing the airways as in strangulation prevents air from reaching the lungs or reduces the amount of air to them. Oxygen deprivation follows and without air, the person will pass out within one to two minutes. If oxygen deprivation continues, the brain will start to suffer and, eventually, the heart will stop.

If the carotid arteries are compressed, blood cannot reach the brain and the person will eventually loss consciousness. In addition, putting pressure on these arteries will lower the heart rate and blood pressure, either of which could cause unconsciousness.

So What Do People Do

Breath play can take several forms and while it is said to enhance the orgasm, many forms of breath play can pose serious health risks. Here is an overview of what some participants enjoy.

• Breath control - Forcing someone to slow to hold their breath
• Suffocation - Lowering the oxygen levels in the blood by restricting breathing
• Strangling - Blocking blood flow to the brain by squeezing the arteries
• Hanging - Neck suspension that typically causes suffocation and strangling
• Auto-erotic asphyxiation that a person can do when alone and masturbating

Holding the Breath

Breath control or forcing someone to hold his/her breath is the least problematic. Breathing is only partly under voluntary control and you can hold your breath only for so long. Eventually, you will take a breath when the carbon dioxide levels are extremely high or the oxygen levels are low. A person holding the breath may pass out, but breathing resumes on its own shortly therafter.

Suffocation

Suffocation restricts the air entering the body. Suffocation involves blocking air flow into the airways by a pillow, the hand(s), a plastic bag, or other device. Without air and, thus oxygen to the brain, the bottom/sub will pass out typically within 1-2 minutes. If the suffocating device is not removed, brain damage may begin after 4-6 minutes and the heart will eventually stop. Resuscitation is needed if this happens.

There are several ways suffocation can be done. Covering the sub's nose and mouth with theDom(me)'s hand or hands, prevents air from entering the upper airways and keeps air out of the lungs. Air can be blocked by placing a plastic bag over the sub's mouth and nose or by using a gas mask that can have it's ports blocked by the hand, tape, or other device.

Suffocation can also occur by pressing downward on the larynx. This could injure the larynx causing swelling that may require surgery to overcome the problem. Also, when releasing the larynx, be prepared for vomiting!

After a short while (typically less than one minute if the sub is quite or a shorter time if the sub is resisting, the airflow must be restored.

Strangulation

Strangulation involves compressing the arteries in the neck. This can be done with the fingers or may be accomplished by tightening a rope around the neck. Using a rope will also put pressure on the larynx and may cause severe damage.

If too much pressure is applied to the carotid arteries, the sub may pass out, drop the heart rate too low, drop the blood pressure, suffer a stroke or

Hanging and Strangulation

Some individuals enjoy the thrill of hanging.Hanging typically involves a rope, belt, chain, or other strand of material around the neck. It squeezes the airway as well as the carotid arteries in the neck. If the person being hanged suddenly falls, the neck could break resulting in total paralysis and/or death. Think about the hangman's fracture...When a person was put to death at the gallows, he or she was dropped through a hole in high in the neck. The immediate result was paralysis of the entire body including breasthing followed eventually and somewhat quickly by death.

Auto-Erotic Asphysxiation

Because restricting oxygen to the brain during orgasm is reported to enhance the climax, quite a few people have practiced what is known as auto-erotic asphyxiation. Auto-erotic asphyxiation is usually performed by tying a rope or constricting band around the neck and, close to the time of orgasm, changing positions to restrict breathing or blood flow.

Because this is usually practiced alone, the major problem here is that the person could pass out with the rope or belt still compressing the neck. As they hang quietly, they quickly die. There is one comforting thought, though. The body will be found eventually!

Overall Complications to Keep in Mind!

Breath play can result in several problems as were mentioned above. Other problems include:

• Injury to the larynx (voice box) and difficulty swallowing
• Injury to the trachea (windpipe) with raspiness to the voice
• Damage to the blood vessels - weakened arteries could rupture
• Stroke - blood clot forms in the carotid or other arteries in the brain
• Broken neck (from falling while attempting to hang by the neck)
• Death (not a good thing - kinda ruins the orgasm)

If you want to experiment with breath play, do so under the guidance of someone who is very experienced and can offer urgent help if needed