As ‘flogging’ is something that covers much by way of different activities, I have taken the liberty of separating it into ‘light’ (entirely sting, no deep tissue effects), and ‘heavy’ (sting and/or thud, reaching and jarring deep tissue). *Hint* it is impossible to do ‘heavy’ flogging with a 20-tail chamois flogger, and quite difficult to do ‘light’ flogging with anything over deerskin in the materials progression cited above (with the exception of horsehair, again a sting-only material).
Of course all of these are merely physical *possibilities* rated solely on my own opinions of (relative) safety, all limits and preferences of top and bottom must also be considered.
Where not to flog *under any circumstances*
For obvious safety reasons: the face, head, neck, the fingers and toes, or over healing skin (if you want it to ever heal).
Where to flog *extremely* lightly and carefully if at all
The palms and back of the hands, over any joint, the lower front and back and sides between the top of the pelvis and the lower ribs (kidneys and other internal organs), the spine, the tops and bottoms of the feet. Use a gentle brushing motion rather than a striking one, tips of a *light* stinging instrument only, such as the chamois or horsehair above.
N.B. Both feet and hands contain many tiny bones, once broken, these rarely heal well. Joints do not respond well to stress internal or external. Crippling is neither safe nor sane, and unless one has an X-ray machine at call one cannot tell. Internal organs are more fragile than one might think, avoid thud entirely in their area. Many people have particular problems with body areas as well, do attempt the above *very* lightly indeed if at all!
Where to flog lightly
Lower legs, arms, inner arms, breasts, genitals (skin is more fragile there), upper shoulders (accuracy), top of buttocks near spine, the muscular ridge on both sides of the spine (accuracy), the ribs where not protected by muscle.
N.B. There is some evidence that ‘thud’ on the female breast is not advisable for reasons of health, nipples are far better suited to strong stimulation. The top of the buttocks protect the coccyx, a small and fragile triangular bone at the base of the spine, avoid striking between the upper buttocks.
Where to flog ‘heavily’
Buttocks, upper back on each side of the spine, thighs, lower shoulders. These areas are principally composed of strong bones protected by muscle tissue and a fatty layer, any other organs present are reasonably protected. There are reasons for these traditional areas being so traditional, they reduce the likelihood of major damage.
Position Considerations
Body position affects the position of both skin and muscles. If someone is bent over, the muscles of the rear lengthen and are not as thick, so the muscles themselves no longer protect in the same way. If the skin is stretched as well, it will feel more than it would if relaxed. Flogging someone who is standing unsupported may lead to falling, and seems foolish given the known physiological and psychological effects (‘going away’). Standing bondage changes without warning to partial suspension if someone faints, plan for that possibility.
Passionately Crafted Floggers, Cats and Flat Braids available at Heartwood Whips
Disclaimer of a legal sort: Striking the human body must be considered dangerous. As I am neither a medical nor a legal professional, the following is offered as my opinion only, not a recommendation for any activity. Nothing can possibly replace personal experience and learning directly from those who have been there before. There are now workshops and demonstrations available in larger cities, avail yourself of one. I have no control over the use of this information, use it at your own risk. And as ever, proceed with caring.
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