Complementary techniques
Probably the most popular complementary Shibari technique is wax play: dripping candle wax on the body in some way.
The occasional drop of hot candle wax can be extremely erotic or work as a short, sharp pain impulse. But, like everything else – if given half a chance the Shibari Nawashi will take the technique a few steps further.
Dripping candle wax on the body will cause short, hot, slightly painful sensations that can be very stimulating.
When proper precautions are being taken, this technique can be used on the entire body (head excluded) safely and without harm. Hot wax may leave some red sports on the skin, that will vanish quickly (usually within a few hours). Provided sufficient precautions are being taken and the correct type of candle is being used, there is no risk of burn wounds.
Wax play can be used in a wide variety of erotic settings, not just to add relatively mild pain impulses, but also to create highly erotic visual effects, as the above picture shows.
Safety
The first thing to know is the correct type of candles to use. The safest candles are cheap white candles containing a high amount of stearin (paraffin). Stearin/paraffin has a very low melting point so the molten wax will not be too hot. The wax will leave red spots on the skin that will vanish completely after about 45 to 60 minutes.
Do not use colored candles, as the material used to color them is often a metal that remains hot for a long time and may cause burns. Some substances used to color candles may also cause blood poisoning. Bees wax candles which have a higher melting point are a good choice if you are looking for more than average pain impulses.
You can vary the temperature of the wax by varying the distance between the body and the candle. The longer the distance the drip must travel, the lower the temperature will be when it reaches the body. The closer you get, the higher the temperature. Leaving the wax on the body to harden and peeling it off will give all sorts of extra sensations, since the skin under the wax is extra sensitive.
It is possible to melt an entire candle and pour wax on the body in small amounts instead of dripping. If you decide to try this, first test the temperature on your own skin to make sure it is not too hot and be aware that pouring wax in larger amounts is more painful than just dripping it on, and it takes longer to cool.
For safety purposes always have a fire-extinguisher or some water available, because the use of open fire – even a small candle flame – can cause unexpected mishaps. Before using candles please remove all lingerie. Most lingerie (and other clothing) has at least a small amount of nylon or other artificial substances in it. These will either melt or burn very easily. This also happens extremely easy to cheap pvc and patent leather kinky clothing.
Another thing that is often overlooked are the risks of …….. HAIRSPRAY!
Numerous women use hair spray, often without really taking notice and they are quite likely not to inform the dominant about it, since it is so natural. However, it is also extremely inflammable. That is ONE good reason to stay clear of the head (accidentally dripping wax in the eyes is another).
And while we are on the subject, if your bedroom is also your play area and you are planning to use open fire, check what is close to the bed. Perfume bottles are potential risks and so are all aerosols. Make sure all that is out of the way when you are planning to use candles in active power exchange play.
Targets
A Shibari Nawashi will usually opt for areas, that either have a sexual connotation or are extra sensitive, hence more receptive to the pain impulse: breasts, armpits and the genital area for example. He will leave less sensitive areas unattended until later during the scene, i.e. when the bondages will be more demanding and will then drip larger amounts of wax on the belly, back and/or buttocks and upper legs. Photo – Wasteland.com
Especially towards the end of a scene the Nawashi will try to create a crescendo of impulses and emotions, creating a sensory overload.
As a result of this, the Dorei is likely to end up covered with large amounts of wax. If you do this, make sure to remove the wax quickly after the scene has ended since you want to allow the skin – especially if it concerns larger surfaces – sufficient ability to breathe.
The Living Christmas Tree
A technique, typical for Shibari, is to place candles in between ropes during a suspension bondage, thus creating a “living Christmas tree” with burning candles.
This creates a situation where wax will sooner or later start to drop on the recipients’ body and every movement is punished by one or more wax drops.
The technique is intense, fun and spectacular to see (very suitable for Shibari performances for example), but something to be careful with. You need to be careful the candles will not slip out and that the flames will not burn one or more ropes, which may cause the recipient to fall. So, whatever you do, don’t leave your partner unattended during such sessions.
The Vaginal or Anal Seal
One specific play form requires a bit of extra attention. Quite a few Shibari Nawashi use candle wax
to seal off the vagina and or the anus as a temporary chastity measure or to temporary block the possibility to use the bathroom (especially useful after an enema). In the event you are planning to this, please never do this with fully molten wax. What you do is drip some wax on a saucer and leave it there to half-cool and next apply it in that area by hand. It will still seal off the area you are
planning in the form of a plug, but it will not burn the sensitive inner tissue. Also, no matter how many times you see this in porn movies, do not try to drip wax directly into the vagina or anus (what you see in the movies is a trick shot using yogurt). Doing that is outright dangerous.
Combining hot candle wax with ice cubes (or drips of ice water) will intensify the effects dramatically. The difference between hot and cold will dazzle the mind completely and soon your partner will be unable to identify which is cold and which is heat. If you are planning to use another technique, such as whipping, in the same area you have used candle wax, please be aware this area will be extra sensitive.
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