Things to know about CP

The build-up

Before starting, sub and dom should discuss what level of pain/force is to be used, with a safe word or sign agreed.

The sound of a practice blow on a nearby object or in the air before starting will heighten the sub's sense of excitement and dread.

Most people need warming up with milder strokes rather than starting with heavy blows.

Where to hit

By spreading the strokes around and not hitting on the same spot there's less damage and severe pain.

Areas protected by large areas of fat or muscle are the best/safest to hit (such as arse cheeks and thighs).

Avoid:

• the head, as there's a risk to sight and hearing
• body parts with little fat or muscle such as joints (for example knees)
• spine, including the lower spine due to the danger of paralysis.
• stomach and ribs as both are more easily damaged
• genitals (see Things to know about CBT)

Avoid hitting the kidney area (lower back) too much.

The pain

Objects hitting a small surface area give a more stinging pain. Things that hit a larger area give a thudding pain. The 'thud'-like pain of a hand, paddle or flogger hurts less than the stinging pain of a cane or whip.

Bending over tightens buttock muscles, making blows more painful. Lying face down hurts less and is better for beginners.

Recovery time

Allow recovery time between blows: the harder the hit, the longer the recovery time.

Recovery time can be used for gentle contact between top and bottom or to prolong the 'mind fuck' as the sub anticipates the next blow.

Infections

Any blow that breaks skin offers a way out or into the body for viruses in blood such as HIV, hepatitis B and C. These can survive in dried blood, so whips, canes and so on should be cleaned with soap and water or bleach solution between uses on different people (one part bleach mixed with 10 parts water).

How it hurts

Spanking

The pain is more of a 'thud'. Hitting the buttocks is safer as this large fleshy area is away from easily damaged organs and heals well.

Paddles

These are flat wooden instruments used on the buttocks (too heavy for use on the back). Some have holes to reduce air resistance, so hit harder and faster. Being flat, they cause bruising rather than the stripes of canes and whips.

Belts

Avoid catching the skin with any buckle as this will cause severe pain and maybe lasting scars.

Canes

These give more of a stinging, burning pain.

Whips

They give a stinging pain. Bullwhips are made for outdoors and, although impressive-looking, cannot be used in confined spaces, can do serious harm and should be left to experienced users.

The law

Following the Operation Spanner court case, CP that leaves more than short-lived, minor marks is technically a crime. Find out more about SM and the law in our Power room.