Erotic sensation play is a catch-all term for activities that aim to explore a variety of physical sensations for sexual pleasure. It’s something we all do to some degree during sex. Experimenting with sensations can be vanilla or kinky, mild or extreme. It can involve simple caressing or massage, or it can include BDSM.
Erotic sensation play is a great way for a partner to introduce his or her kinks to a lover and to test them out. It can add variety to the familiar, and it can remind lovers to take their time rather than rushing.
Sensation play is all about diversifying pleasure, mindful sensuality, and building sexual energy. The most important thing is imagination.
Experience sensations for their own sake. For example, you might feel that getting wet does nothing for you, but the purpose is not so much about what gives you a hard-on, but about tuning in to various physical feelings, and simply experiencing them. Your endorphins will take care of the rest. There is no rush to the finishing line of orgasm—it’s about the journey.
Sensation Play Ideas for Poly Couples
Hot and Cold
Lots of lovers have played with hot and cold sensations. Think about contrasts—soaking in a broiling hot tub and just touching slowly, then bringing the boil way down with ice cubes on nipples. The burning sear of dripping candle wax is a classic kink sensation—it’s almost painful, but the wax cools so quickly that its bite is brief.
Be very careful with hot sensation play. It’s better to drip wax on buttocks or other areas that won’t permanently harm. Use candles from the sex store that are specially formulated to have cooler wax, and hold the candle far above, so the wax cools down and doesn’t scald when it lands.
Erotic Tickling
A feather can find nerves you didn’t know existed. Tickle torture your lovers with exquisite, leisurely, quivering strokes. You can up the adrenaline by combining erotic tickling with bondage. Vow to stay still, or bind your lover with restraints to make sure they won’t move.
Build arousal using a variety of implements—feathers, brushes, scarves, ribbons—exploring nipples, the folds of her vagina, buttocks, as well as neck, ears, torso, and inner thighs. Check out more tips for tickle torture at Kink Lovers.
Sensation Denial
Sensory deprivation can induce altered states. Kink lovers can explore sensory denial as its own form of sensation. Bondage and blindfolds heighten one’s mindful experience of sex.
Try exploring various rope bondage games—being bound in various positions can be insanely erotic.
Electrical Play
A powerful little bullet vibrator can be a great intro to electrical play for playful couples, but there are extremes of electric sensations. Electrosex play is not just for those who enjoy pain. There are erotic electrostimulation devices specifically designed for sexual pleasure too.
Learn how to proceed with instructional videos and toys purchased from sex shops, not a faulty kitchen appliance you found in the garage!
Spanking
Experiment with various spanking implements like whips, paddles, spatulas, and belts. Vary your touch from a soft touch to a brisk snap, with your partner’s guidance. By adding a blindfold to the play, you will also be adding anticipation to your lover’s experience that will intensify their arousal.
In my own experience, spanking works best when my ass gets a nice red sting, but my pussy gets some attention in between.
Wet and Wild
Make everything slippery—whole body caressing can be incredible when you’re both oiled up. Give her a handjob she’ll never forget by using an insane amount of lube—be free and fill her up, then fuck her with your fingers. Squeeze a half a bottle of lube over her tits and your cock, and enjoy the slippery ride.
What’s your favorite kind of sensation play?
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