Sensation play is a broad term that encompasses pain, pleasure, and engaging our multiple senses, either by enhancing or limiting them. Think impact play (such as spanking), temperature play, and teasing through varying levels of physical stimulation.

Indulging in sensation play is a great way to expand our definition of 'sex' and experiment and explore what our bodies are capable of. That's not to say that sensation play always leads to sexual stimulation - it's entirely up to you whether or not it does.

Chances are you’ve already engaged in what we call “sensation play,” which is any form of exploring your senses (together) — touch, smell, sound, sight, taste. This can be by removing one sense to enhance others, or by using toys and objects to play with pleasure and pain.

Exploring these different sensations intentionally can increase your arousal and provide new ways to connect with your partners. And if you have trouble getting out of your head during sex, exploring other sensations is a great way to be more present in your body during intimacy.

Remember that when playing with power dynamics, sex, or BDSM, it’s important to practice open and honest communication. Come up with a safe word and have a conversation about how you know if you’re having fun or not, for example, talk about the things you’re going to say or do when you’re having fun or want something to stop. Constant active consent is key and never assume your partner is open to trying something without discussing it first.

With that in mind, here are some ideas for how to explore sensations with your partners.

Wax play

Wax play is the dripping of hot wax directly onto your skin. With colored wax you can decorate your partner's body with beautiful patterns and the heat of the wax can feel both painful and sensual.

The closer you hold the candle to the skin, the hotter the wax will be and the more intense the pain will be, and different parts of the body will feel more sensitive than others.

You should use candles that are specifically designed for these types of adventures, as they burn at a lower temperature than regular household candles and are safer.

Wax play goes well with restraint and sensory deprivation, a simple blindfold can do wonders to heighten anticipation and anxiety if you're so inclined.

Impact play

From spanking to whipping, impact play is the act of repeatedly hitting someone with your body parts (like your hands) or BDSM accessories for pain and pleasure. Physical and psychological elements come together to fuel arousal, and there are many different feelings and dynamics to explore, including: fear, submission, praise and rewards, teasing, or humiliation.

Like any kinky activity, impact play doesn't have to be about pushing your body to the limits, but about finding a sweet spot that tickles, teases, and arouses you.

The safest places to hit are large, fleshy areas like the buttocks and thighs. In general, you should avoid hitting anywhere that could injure your internal organs, like your stomach or lower back. If you’re going to play with impact and pain, it’s important to educate yourself on the potential risks, so we recommend reading up on safe zones for impact play before you get into the harder stuff with this type of play.

Taste

Aside from the obvious ways we indulge our taste buds, taste is an often overlooked sense during sex. Many of us enjoy tasting our partners’ bodies by kissing and licking their most intimate parts, but you can experiment further by bringing additional flavors into the bedroom.

You can introduce foods like strawberries and cream, flavored lubricants, or chocolate body paint. Try painting on each other with special chocolate body paint, take your time teasing your partner with the brush, and lick, suck, and nibble the skin to clean it off.

Sensory deprivation

Removing one sense heightens the other, something that is especially arousing when combined with other types of sensation play, whether involving pleasure or pain.

By taking away your partner’s vision, it also gives them permission to lean into their physical sensations and focus solely on receiving. For those who have trouble being in the moment during sex, a blindfold is an invitation to leave all their worries at the door and simply enjoy their partner’s undivided attention.

Wartenberg wheels

These spiky wheels can be used to tickle or torture, depending on your intentions. Pinwheels were originally designed as a medical device to test nerve responses when rolled over a person’s skin, but the tool became a common piece of BDSM equipment and made a home in many a discerning kinkster’s kit. Gentle pressure tickles while harder pressure makes the many spikes feel much more intense.

Experiment with parts of the body that are normally overlooked, such as the shins, the insides of the arms or the soles of the feet. You might discover a new erogenous hotspot.

The world of sensation play is vast, the only limit is your imagination. While a few good accessories can help your exploration, you don’t have to invest in expensive toys or tools to indulge your senses. As with any form of sexual exploration, it can take some trial and error to find what works for you, but if you approach this type of play with an open mind and an inquisitive attitude, you’re sure to have a great time. Stop by our stores to shop for your sensation play and for additional advice on making your choices.