A Rope Bunny or a Rope Bottom are participants in a BDSM bondage session. They are tied up by the dominant rigger with the help of ropes, chains, cords, adhesive tape or other utensils and enjoy the feeling of partial or complete immobility.
Differences between Rope Bunny and Rope Bottom
Rope Bunny and Rope Bottom both act as submissive roles who are tied up by the Dom in Rope Play. While the Rope Bottom finds the fixation sexually arousing and experiences an increase in pleasure through the power imbalance of dominance and submission, the bunny is not necessarily turned on by it.
Often referred to as models, bunnies find bondage more meditative and can let not only themselves but also their thoughts dangle. They associate bondage less with the demonstration of power of a rope top, but rather with the feeling of being unable to move. The pressure on breasts or genitals can have a relaxing effect on them and create a feeling of security.
Japanese Shibari enthusiasts also put the idea of power at the back of their minds. Particularly difficult positions are often adopted here, in which the model hangs artfully tied up from the ceiling. This technique is called suspension and is only suitable for advanced users, as the restraints carry the entire body weight. It requires a lot of practice and sufficient knowledge of possible risks. Suspensions are often performed in front of an audience at shows.
Bunnys pay great attention to the aesthetics and technique of the knot. The ropes are wrapped attractively around the body and linked together to form small works of art. Chest Harness box ties or gote are bondage techniques that are used particularly frequently here.
In general, both Rope Bunny and Rope Bottom should have a certain degree of mobility and flexibility. Many of the positions in rope play require physical skill in order to assume the complicated poses and hold them over a longer period of time.
What is the thrill of bondage?
The bunny does not necessarily have to have submissive traits or identify with the demonstration of power in rope play. As with all other types of play in BDSM, the boundaries are fluid and there are no precise instructions as to what a Rope Bunny may or may not do. For a Rope Bottom, it is usually about exactly that: he or she finds it arousing to submit to the rigger.
Whatever pleases is allowed and there are no limits to the imagination. A bunny therefore doesn't have to be in a classic sub-dom relationship to enjoy bondage. Many bunnies find it mentally relaxing to be tied up bit by bit. In complete immobility, they can switch off and enjoy the pressure of the ropes.
Rope bottoms, on the other hand, are in a top-bottom relationship and take the submissive part in role play. During the session, the Dom can resort to different methods of punishment. In addition to spankings and lashes, fixation is one of the most widespread practices.
Rope bottoms get their kicks from being humiliated or physically punished by the top. They often enjoy being tied up until they can't move while the Dom uses them for sexual acts. The Dom can, for example, force the bound Sub with Tease-and-denial game to the point of lustful despair. However, this of course happens in a pre-determined, consensual way.
Which partner is the right one?
The part of tying is called the rigger or rope top. The terms are used in a gender-neutral way. He or she ties the knots and applies the restraints. Ideally, the person should have specialist anatomical knowledge and be aware of the potential dangers of the upcoming session. First aid measures should also be part of their repertoire so that they can intervene in an emergency.
Depending on whether the boundaries of the session blur smoothly into other role plays, a more classic Dom can also work as a partner. In Brat Play, too, the Brat Tamer likes to use ropes to restrain the Brat.
What should I bear in mind when playing with the restraints?
- A few things need to be clarified before you get tied up in a rope session: Open communication is essential to avoid injuries and misunderstandings. Discuss with your rigger what the appeal is for you and what you expect from the session.
- Clearly define your personal limits. The rigger needs to know how far they can go with you so that you still feel relaxation or arousal during the session. If the other person is not aware of your limits or you are ashamed to communicate them in detail, this can lead to misunderstandings. It can then become uncomfortable or physically and emotionally painful.
- It is also your own responsibility to disclose any pre-existing health conditions that could cause problems when being tied up. This does not mean a cold, but rather allergies, asthma, joint problems, arthritis, anxiety, panic attacks, depression and anything else that can affect you in stressful situations.
Why is this so important?
A session can last up to several hours, during which you are tied up motionless. Not only should you go to the toilet beforehand, but you also need to make sure that you don't have any panic attacks or circulatory problems during the session.
Last but not least, you shouldn't blindly trust the rigger - unless the two of you are already a well-established team. They can also make mistakes, so you should always check how long they have been active as a rigger, how many sessions they have already done and how much experience they have in terms of safety.
How aftercare works
Depending on how intense the session was, it may be advisable to have a snack together after the session. If the adrenaline from the session subsides, your circulation will thank you. To prevent sore muscles, it can also be helpful to stretch after a session. Tell your rigger what you liked or how the rope felt on different parts of your body. In general, a good aftercare strengthens the trust between you and your rigger.
Am I a Rope Bunny or a Rope Bottom?
Are you captivated by the thought of hanging on the ropes yourself? Do you think being immobilized could put you in a meditative state? Then you should get to grips with bondage as soon as possible.
Where to start? At JOYclub you'll find tutorials and groups to help you take your first step towards rope bunny.
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