In this class, we’ll focus on the common risks associated with rope techniques. Throughout the course, each specific technique will include an explanation of its inherent risks.
Risks Associated with Rope Techniques
Too Tight / Too Loose
One of the main risks when using rope techniques is failing to apply the right tension—meaning the tie may end up either too loose or too tight.
First, let’s clarify: "loose" and "tight" are relative concepts. How they feel can vary from one situation to another, so it's a good topic to discuss during consultations and to check the tension of your ties.
A tight tie can cause discomfort and, if placed in the wrong areas, pose a direct risk of injury.
A loose tie can be even riskier than a tight one. If the rope shifts or slips, disrupting the structure of the tie, it can lead to injuries when force is applied to the ropes and/or the bound person, as the pressure won’t be distributed properly.
In both cases, the rope won’t be fulfilling its purpose of providing restriction and transmitting sensations, making the effort pointless and diminishing the overall experience.
Vascular Risks
There’s always a risk of blood flow restriction due to rope pressure or posture.
The severity of this risk depends on the affected area. If blood flow to the brain is restricted, severe neurological damage can occur within seconds.
That’s why ropes should NEVER be placed around the neck in a way that applies pressure to its sides.
In other areas, the risk needs to be assessed. Causing injury to a hand or foot due to restricted circulation is harder than it seems since it requires significant pressure to fully block blood flow.
Most people have experienced tingling or numb limbs—like when sitting or lying down in a way that causes a temporary loss of sensation in an arm or leg. This can be uncomfortable, but once normal circulation returns, it's usually more amusing than alarming.
In shibari, a similar sensation can occur. It may feel unsettling, but it's an important signal that should never be ignored. While it’s not an emergency, acting promptly and rationally helps prevent injury.
The key rule: never disregard warning signs from the body.
- Causes: Rope too tight or positions that restrict circulation.
- Solutions: Loosen the tie, adjust the rope placement, or change the position. If discomfort persists, release the person immediately.
It's common to see red or even purple limbs during shibari, especially in photos.
A quick note on photos: Colors in pictures can be misleading, so they aren’t a reliable reference.
In reality, tight ties, especially those compressing limbs, increase capillary blood flow, which can alter skin coloration. This varies from person to person and isn't necessarily dangerous—as long as it doesn’t last too long.
How long is too long? A few minutes is fine. Beyond 8 minutes, risks start increasing. Of course, it all depends on the individual and the specific situation.
Practical tip: Before starting a tie, check the person’s body temperature by touch, especially in their limbs. This gives you a baseline. Keep checking periodically during the session. Significant temperature changes can be an indicator of an issue.
That doesn’t mean a temperature shift automatically signals a problem—many factors, like muscle engagement and arousal, can affect body heat. But it’s still useful information when making decisions.
Nerve Risks
The most common injuries in shibari involve nerve compression, which can cause anything from temporary numbness to loss of movement or even organ dysfunction.
The most frequent cause is anatomical—poor posture that places pressure on structures not designed to handle it. However, improper rope placement is also a contributing factor.
Prevention is the best approach. Stick to techniques you’re confident in, ensure proper anatomical positioning, check that the rope is placed and tensioned correctly, and—most importantly—never attempt techniques that neither the rigger nor the tied person are prepared for.
If a nerve injury does occur, avoid home remedies. Keep the affected area rested.
DO NOT apply heat, as this can worsen nerve inflammation. And above all, seek professional medical attention immediately—preferably from a physiotherapist, who can assess the situation and either provide treatment or refer you to a doctor if needed.
Spasms
If the bound person experiences spasms, hiccups, gagging, uncontrollable coughing, or any other involuntary and forceful body movement, ACT IMMEDIATELY—CUT THE ROPES.
The intensity and unpredictability of these movements, combined with the compression of the ropes, can cause severe muscular and internal injuries.
Cutting the Ropes
In an emergency, do not waste time untying the knots—cut the ropes immediately.
For this reason, you should always have a proper cutting tool nearby. The most commonly used are trauma shears or bandage scissors, which are designed to cut through clothing and bandages in emergency situations.
Simply having these tools isn’t enough—they must be within immediate reach (not two meters away) and tested beforehand to ensure they actually cut through rope. Cheap models are often useless.
How to cut the ropes efficiently:
- Stabilize the bound person. If they’re panicking or convulsing, securing them first will help keep both of you safe. Think of it like rescuing a drowning person—you must protect yourself as well.
- Know where to cut. Learn the best way to cut each type of tie efficiently. Typically, cuts should be made in a crisscross pattern, similar to loosening a set of screws.
- Hands should be the last part freed. This prevents sudden flailing and makes it easier to remove the tie without tangling.
Throughout the course, each specific tie will include instructions on how to cut it safely.
Minor Risks
While not as serious as the previous risks, the following issues can still cause discomfort and should be avoided.
Friction Burns
Ropes rubbing against the skin can cause abrasions or burns—unpleasant and entirely avoidable.
As a rule, rope should glide against rope, not skin. Creating space for the rope to pass through without scraping the body helps prevent this issue.
Delicate areas with thin skin, like the armpits and groin, require extra care.
If using rope for stimulation, apply it like "spreading frosting on a cake"—smoothly and with controlled, even pressure.
Pinching and Scratching
A common complaint among bound individuals is the discomfort caused by pinching from the rope or accidental scratching from the rigger’s nails.
To prevent this, keep nails trimmed, be mindful of hand movements, and handle the rope with care.
Marks and Bruising
Rope marks are inevitable, though their intensity and duration vary from person to person.
In the West, rope marks are often considered an aesthetic fetish. In Japan, however, they are viewed as indicators of technique quality—a skilled practitioner can assess the tension and structure of a tie just by looking at the marks left behind.
Significant bruising or deep hemorrhages should not occur. If they do, the ropes were likely too tight, or excessive force was applied at a specific point.
Rope in the Mouth
We do not recommend putting ropes in the mouth. It’s unsanitary, and their function can be replaced with cleaner alternatives like cloth gags.
Ropes, especially braided natural fiber ones, pick up bacteria and dirt from the floor, shoes, and various body parts. Putting them in the mouth isn’t a great idea.
Piercings and Jewelry
Natural fiber ropes and piercings are a terrible combination.
Ropes can easily catch on piercings and pull them out. At best, this results in a painful tug. At worst, it can cause tearing.
Jewelry, chains, and earrings also get in the way. The more valuable they are to you, the higher the chance they’ll get damaged. Best to remove them before a session.