What is Caning?
Caning is a form of BDSM torture in which the submissive is hit with a long slender object known as a cane. Canes can be made from wood or other synthetic fibers like fiberglass or carbon fiber.
The practice of Caning is often used as corporal punishment before it was incorporated with BDSM. Caning as corporal punishment is still allowed in many countries. It is excruciatingly painful and depending on the strength of the cane and severity of the hit it can easily break skin. Canes can also be referred to as ‘switches’ and were a popular form of punishment in the Southern US. Children were made to go cut a long thin branch from a bush for a spanking called ‘a switching.’
Some Caning fetishists may have developed their sexual obsession with Caning when they are being disciplined by their parents when they were young. Children who were beaten and mislabel their feelings as sexual arousal often associate pain with pleasure.
Sadomasochistic and Master-slave relationships often employ Caning as a method of inflicting pain and maintaining power. Caning is one of the most intense and extreme impact plays one can engage in. Many pain sluts prefer caning as the ultimate torture for them. It leaves intense bruises, welts, and extended caning sessions will break skin.
Dos and Don’ts
BDSM torture always carries all kinds of risk. Being repeatedly beaten by a stick can cause bruises and skin tear, which could develop into an open wound or trauma. There are also areas in the body that cannot handle strong hits from a cane.
For a better experience, all parties involved in the activity should have a set of rules and limits. Before engaging in the activity, the dominant should first check if all equipment and devices are safe and in ideal conditions. The cane to be used should not have splinters, loose fibers or any sharp edges. A damaged cane possesses additional risks.
The dominant should avoid hitting the tailbone, kidneys, face or neck. There should be a safety word and action agreed-upon to immediately end the activity in case of accidental hits or any untoward incident. A safeword should always be established prior to any scenes with impact play.
Related Fetishes and Practices
Other impact plays and spanking accessories are whips and paddles. Paddles are often thicker and more rigid spanking tools. Whips can take many forms but are characterized by their stiff handles and loose lashes that strike the skin.