Face Down Spread Eagle Position

Given that the yoga fad has swept the country, everyone is now aware of the calming benefits of posing in the downward facing dog position. Add some ropes, push down that downward facing dog, and you have a whole new stimulating set of yoga positions that you won't be seeing in yoga class. Bring on the face-down spread-eagle bondage positions to soothe mind, body and soul.

Before exploring any face-down spread-eagle positions, you should note that this bondage set-up is perfect if the dominant party wants to do things to the submissive, but that face-down bondage does not lend itself to the bottom doing things to the top. When exploring face-down bondage in a spread eagle position or any other variation, be aware that the bottom may experience difficulty breathing with either their face positioned forward or turned to the side. Usually this is immediately obvious and can be remedied by placing a pillow beneath the bottom's chest or under their forehead while they remain in bondage. If serious breathing difficulties should ensue, untie your bondage partner immediately and if necessary seek appropriate medical aid. Tolerating a face-forward position or the head being placed to one side or the other will depend upon a number of factors, including a history of neck problems, the softness of surface that the bottom in lying on, and the bottom's overall health. A little experimentation usually reveals the best accommodation for your bondage partner, but be sensitive to the differences between "good" and "bad" pain as keeping the neck in a painful position may cause permanent damage.

Another word to the wise--take your time to know a prospective bondage partner before you engage in any BDSM play, especially if you have a preference for edge play or restrictive bonding such as with downward-facing spread eagle positions. If possible, get references from previous BDSM play partners. Err on the side of caution, make sure that a third person knows where you are, who you're with, what you're doing, and when you're expected back once you have confirmed all of the details with your bondage partner before the BDSM play starts. BDSM play revolves around trust, so don't be afraid to slowly build up your trust in a new bondage partner—do not engage in any intense bondage or very restrictive bondage from which you cannot easily free yourself on the first few BDSM play dates. Another option is to install a silent alarm, of which you inform your bondage partner. Once you have laid a base of trust with your new SM partner, proceed with caution and respect, carefully discussing the framework of your BDSM play scenes so that you and your partner remain within comfortable limits of safety.

Before engaging in any type of bondage play, one should realize that bondage equipment is not foolproof. In specific relation to spread-eagle bondage, knots may be pulled too tightly to be loosened or handcuffs may fail to open. Prepare accordingly and have a set of EMT scissors on hand to cut through stubborn ropes or leather ties, and for handcuffs an extra set of keys or bolt cutters are a good precaution. However, if nylon stockings are your bondage material of choice, be aware that nylon stockings can be pulled so tightly that it will be impossible for them to be untied especially if your submissive struggles during bondage.