Whips and paddles and crops, oh my! Every Saturday following Thanksgiving, people around the world show their appreciation for the pleasure of spanking on a holiday aptly called Spanksgiving. While the origin of the holiday is a little hazy, every year it inspires parties, festivals, stage plays, and, in the age of COVID-19, even educational webinars.

But spanking in the bedroom isn’t just for the holidays. This form of impact play is a popular sexual practice all year round. If you’re interested in incorporating some light (or heavy) spanking into your sex life but aren’t sure where to start, Fascinations has you covered with this beginner’s guide to spanking and impact play.

What Is Spanking?

Spanking is a common sexual practice documented across various cultures throughout history. For example, check out the Tomb of the Whipping, a 490 BC Italian fresco depicting two men flogging a woman “in an erotic context.” Spanking also appeared in Victorian pornographic novels and photographs, and it gained renewed attention in the bestselling Fifty Shades of Grey series.

Sensual spanking involves consensually striking or hitting a partner’s buttocks for sexual gratification. Both the person doing the spanking (the spanker) and the person being spanked (the spankee) can derive pleasure from the act. Hands and implements like whips and paddles are commonly used.

Spanking can be part of foreplay or incorporated into other sexual activities. It ranges from light and painless to rough with the intent to cause discomfort. Some enjoy both spanking and being spanked (switch roles), while others prefer sticking to one.

Is Spanking Considered BDSM?

Yes, spanking is a type of impact play, which falls under the umbrella of BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Sadism, Masochism). Impact play broadly refers to consensually striking a partner on various parts of their body, not just the buttocks. Both spanking and impact play are forms of kink play.

While spanking is often part of BDSM practices, many people enjoy it without identifying as kinky. For some, spanking serves as an unintimidating entry point into BDSM.

What’s So Great About Spanking in the Bedroom?

Spanksgiving didn’t get its own holiday for nothing! Physiologically, spanking releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can create a calming and euphoric sensation. Spanking also increases blood flow and circulation, heightening sensitivity to touch.

For others, spanking offers an empowering sense of control or fulfills a desire for submission, making it an emotionally and physically engaging experience. As they say, different strokes for different folks!

Celebrating Your First Spanksgiving? Here’s How to Enjoy It

If you’re new to spanking, start slow, establish boundaries (including a safeword), and keep an open mind. Trying new things might surprise you and your partner in delightful ways!

Best Positions for Spanking

Bending over the spanker’s knee offers control and intimacy. Straddling the spanker’s knee can also stimulate the clitoris, leading to a spanking-induced orgasm. For a more adventurous position, try the wheelbarrow, which allows for unique dynamics and trust-building between partners.

Get Handsy

Begin with your hand before experimenting with implements. Start with light flicks, gradually building up force. Keep fingers together to avoid discomfort and aim for the fleshy parts of the buttocks to maximize pleasure while minimizing pain.

Best BDSM Impact Tools

• Paddles: Made from wood or leather, paddles add variety and intensity. Models with holes or studs increase the sting.
• Crops: A small leather tip on a flexible rod allows precise targeting for mild to moderate pain.
• Floggers: Multiple fronds let you control the level of sensation. Avoid wrapping the fronds around sensitive areas to prevent injury.

Shop the Fascinations Impact Play Collection

Complete your spanking setup with fetish apparel, a blindfold, or a collar. With the largest selection of quality products and over 30 years as a leader in sensual products, FunLove.com has everything you need.

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