Psychological Risks

It is exactly this effect that brings about the first risk of seclusion: the sub may be confronted with very hidden and deep emotions and may be fears. If this happens either a shock reaction or severe hyperventilation may be the result, combined with panic reactions that may very well be strengthened as a result of the strict restraints and the effects may backfire on her personality. If you have any indication of juvenal trauma or other possible hidden fears or emotions please leave seclusion alone. It requires a strong personality.

Claustrophobia of course is another unwanted possible side effect. This will result in panic reactions and may cause a general fear for restraints, bondage’s etcetera.

Physical Risks

The skin plays an important role in the regulation of the body temperature as well as in the secretion of waste products and toxins. Closing off or diminishing this capability may cause skin poisoning, kidneys, liver and heart problems. As a result of prolonged seclusion the skin may also come loose.

The main physical risk of seclusion however is in the heating up off the entire body. This causes all sorts of effects. The main one being the fact that the heartbeat increases in an effort to pump more blood through the body and cool it. The heart rate may go up to 180 beats per minute or more, which will also increase the blood pressure. This effect causes other pressures – such as eye ball pressure and brain pressure – to go up as well. These effects are what causes the delirium. Less dangerous but nasty side effects may be severe headaches, painful eyes and prolonged pressure on the ears and nose, even after the seclusion has been terminated.

Another important risk is in the unwinding of the process. Especially in the event the seclusion has lasted for a longer period of time and has been combined with limited oxygen supply there is a risk of divers disease or “Caisson illness”, i.e. an overdose of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) forming little bubbles in the bloodstream, which is potentially fatal. This can be prevented by slowly bringing the oxygen supply back to normal (take as much time as it took to limit it), and – simultaneously – reducing the pressure of the seclusion itself (like slowly letting the air out of an inflatable suit.

Precautions and Prevention

Seclusion should not be entered into with subs that suffer from heart- and lung diseases, that have difficulty breathing, are on medication, suffer from diabetes or epilepsy or subs that have traumas that have not (yet) been dealt with. Seclusion should also be avoided during pregnancy, menopause and when the sub is taking hormone treatment. Seclusion can have a severe impact on people, suffering from phobias, especially claustrophobia and agoraphobia or other hidden unexplained fears.

Let your sub drink (plain water) before as well as immediately after seclusion and allow for sufficient rest and recuperation afterwards.

Do not enter into seclusion sessions of any kind without sufficient experience and supervision by at least one extra experienced dominant.

Make sure you can act immediately and quickly in the event of unexpected psychological or physical reactions. Should this happen, do not even bother to try and “unpack” the entire thing in a neat way but CUT, preferably using bandage scissors to avoid injuries. In the event of an emergency the following five step strategy is strongly advised:

• Step one: Uncover the mouth and nose immediately and completely.
• Step two: Uncover the head and torso.
• Step three: Stabilize breathing and AFTER the sub has regained her breath let her drink.
• Step four: Only now unwrap the rest of the body.
• Step five: Lay her in bed and keep her warm.

Dealing with Traumatic Memories

It is not uncommon for an edge play situation to bring up (deeply) hidden traumatic experiences. Quite often – and probably not even deliberately – the fact that the sub wanted to enter into edge play in the first place may – subconsciously – be founded on such ghosts from the past.

Hidden (juvenile) trauma should be taken seriously and should be dealt with by a professional therapist ONLY in a professional environment. Dominant partners have a tendency to be overly protective protective and supportive and while this is usually well meant, that will also obstruct any chance of the trauma being dealt with effectively. Bear in mind that you are a partner, not a therapist!

In and when any BDSM-situation brings up hidden trauma, consult a professional immediately.

All articles are provided for informational or entertainment purposes only. We are NOT responsible for any injures or other results that participating or partaking in such activities might cause. Everything you read on this page is based on the personal opinion of the author and does not always reflect those of the owners and / or staff of Wasteland. If you try anything found in this article, you do so at your OWN risk!

Always remember! SAFETY FIRST! and please use common sense.

The above article is a reprint from our information/educational site Kink Culture.
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Copyright © Hans Meyer