Needle Play 101

by Elianne ©2002

Ten Basic BDSM Principles:

1. BDSM play should be safe, sane and consensual.
2. Know your SM player(s). Do not have BDSM play with strangers.
3. Always inform a friend that you are having BDSM play: where, when and with whom.
4. Always use safe words, i.e., 911 or red (STOP), yellow (slow down) and/or safe gestures (tap foot three times).
5. Negotiate the scene before you start. Communicate your limits, medical conditions, medications, experience and desires.
6. "No limits" is fantasy. Every sane player has limits. Do not be embarrassed to express them to the dominant player(s).
7. Do not have BDSM play while intoxicated or seriously stoned.
8. Expect the unexpected (fire, power failure, medical emergency, etc.) and be prepared. Another man’s life is in your hands.
9. Always have a first aid kit nearby.
10. Don’t play with a woman/man unless you feel absolutely safe!

Ten Basic Temporary Piercing Principles:

1. Do not attempt to temporarily pierce a person without proper training and education.

   Also, have everything you need set up BEFORE you start. Once you are sterile and gloved, and your bottom flying on endorphins, you do not want to have to stop the scene because you just realized you were out of something or can't find something. Hypodermic needles can be purchased online or at Veterinarian supply stores. I do not recommend the latter, as those needles are made to go through hide and are less sharp.

2. The piercer(s) should always wear latex or vinyl exam gloves and change them frequently. Always wear new gloves for each person pierced in a group scene to avoid cross-infection. Some have latex allergies. Vinyl gloves are more expensive, but have excellent quality without the powdery gunk. Be safe, double-glove. Learn how to remove the gloves without touching the bloodied outside of the gloves. Blood bourne pathogens are numerous and will result in discomfort at best, death at worst. Remember: You are most likely to contaminate the Top, the bottom is giving blood, not receiving it.
3. Use antibacterial soap to prepare the skin before play, and use antiseptics immediately before and after piercing. Wash yoru hands for as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday.
4. Always use brand new sterile needles, usually 18-25 gauge, one inch or longer is recommended. I'd go with 1.5 inches if you are doing 22 gauge. For beginners, 22 gauge is a good start. 18 gets to be quite a lot larger.
5. All the bio-hazardous waste (needles, gloves, swabs or alcohol preps) should be disposed of in a biohazard container.
6. Prep the area to be pierced with alcohol and (clear) betadine or Iodine. Remove the iodine with iodine removal pads. Make sure the "victim" is comfortable and ready. I would recommend telling the bottom to take a deep breath right before inserting the needle, and then slowly releasing it as you pierce through.
7. The needle should travel just underneath the surface (the subcutaneous layers) of ordinary skin, to emerge through the skin a short distance from where it was inserted. Be cautious of shallow piercings if they are intended to stay in. They can easily be ripped out and tear the skin.
8. Don't pierce wrists, hands, internal organs, bones, eyes or the spine. Avoid the armpit, sternum and areas with many veins.
9. Check-in with the masochist often. Is she/he faint, going pale or shaking? These are common reactions to the flood of hormones and neurotransmitters circulating throughout the body. Have water, a first aid kit and blankets nearby. Never pierce somebody alone. If you both pass out, what then?
10. Aspirin and alcohol enhances bleeding and should be avoided if blood flow is not desired
11. You can glue feathers to your hypodermic needles inside the plastic cap on top if you wish to make pretty patterns, such as angel wings, eagle wings etc. Negotiate the patterns and number of needles ahead of time

AFTERCARE.

You need after care for:

• Scenes that are demanding and intense
• Scenes that involve new partners or new techniques
• Scenes that involve punishment, humiliation, or intimations of nonconsensual
• Scenes that result in tears, screams, orgasm, or emotional release
• Scenes that have been interrupted by an accident, injury, fainting, or unseemly act of God
• Scenes that have "gone bad", resulting in anger, or upset, or endingv with a safe word (both top and bottom may well need/appreciate some reassurance if this happens)

Aftercare for needle-play should include monitoring the bottom for signs of shock, emotional reactions etc. Some times reactions set in long after the needle-play itself is over. Sometimes after-care can repair a scene gone wrong, or help both parties process their feelings about what just occurred. Do not use this time to negotiate, just be there with each other and come down from the high. The bonding that happens during after-care can open up more closeness and trust to allow your BDSM relationship to deepen and feel meaningful on a spiritual level as well.