Tunnel play refers to a category of BDSM practices that, once started, cannot be interrupted. They typically involve the application or insertion of substances that produce various effects such as arousal, anaesthesia or cooling and lose their effect after a certain period of time. Similar to a tunnel, there is no way out once you have entered it, and you have to hold out until the end. This means you have to wait for the effect to wear off – metaphorically speaking, a one-way street in BDSM. There are sometimes ways to speed up this process, but not to end it yourself.
What variations of tunnel play are there?
In general, tunnel play involve pain, burning, swelling, tingling or numbness. Tools are often used that act directly on the skin and/or mucous membranes. A distinction can be made between internal and external application.
For internal use, for example, the following are popular:
- Figging with ginger or ginger spray for the anal area
- Introduction of ice cubes anally.
- Use of gags with Tabasco, ginger, chilli oil or similar.
- Condoms that are filled or coated with irritating or numbing substances.
For other applications, the following practices are often used:
- Rubbing the skin or genitals with burning ointments or oils such as chilli, ginger juice, mint oil or warming ointments such as tiger balm, rheumatism ointment, ABC ointment or Finalgon.
- Application of numbing creams that contain lidocaine, such as Emla ointment.
- Cooling the skin or genitals with ice.
- Beating with stinging nettles.
There are countless possibilities and specific ideas, and even allergenic substances can be used under certain conditions, provided an antidote is available in an emergency. There are numerous other ideas on the internet, but caution is advised: Injuries to the mucous membranes can quickly lead to a medical emergency.
Possible methods for tunnel play
- Plays with irritating substances such as chilli or candle wax are particularly suitable for this fetish. The insertion of such substances is also popular, as the burning cannot be stopped and the person is completely at the mercy of them.
- Lovers of bondage games can be handcuffed, whereby the key is kept in a place that is inaccessible for a certain period of time. This method can also be used with the chastity belt, whereby time locks are very effective.
- An exciting variation is to tie up the sub, blindfold him, and then leave him naked in one place. In this situation, there is no way out and the dominant partner is on their own to see the game through to the end. Figging is a classic technique in tunnel fetish. A peeled piece of ginger is inserted into the sub’s anus. The pain lasts for a long time, even after the piece has been removed. In women, ginger can also be inserted into the vagina. Once started, you have to endure the pain with no way back.
Other variations of tunnel play
Another type of tunnel play involves freezing or making keys, scissors or clothing inaccessible. This concept is particularly popular with self-bondage or chastity. There are also lockboxes that can be controlled remotely by a person. These methods also fall under the term tunnel play, as the person under lockdown cannot free themselves from the situation on their own. Intoxicated play, i.e. playing under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication, is also to be regarded as tunnel play, even if these practices are not recommended.
Why is tunnel play practised?
The appeal of tunnel play lies in the complete loss of control. The feeling is there and cannot be stopped; you have no influence over it. It is precisely this helplessness and powerlessness that exerts a special attraction on followers of this type of play. Watching the sub squirm and experience the changes between arousal and pain can also be exciting for the dominant person.
What should be considered during such games?
The first time you tunnel play, you should start with as mild a form as possible. As the condition cannot be actively ended, there must be no time pressure. The person involved must be as well-informed as possible about the game, including what to expect, what intensity, what possible side effects may occur and, above all, the fact that the game cannot be cancelled independently.
Because of these aspects, tunnel play require a high level of trust and body awareness. The substances used can have physical effects on the body. However, as these effects cannot simply be reversed, it is also a psychological game. It is therefore important to be familiar with the effects of the substances used and to have tested them beforehand in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of your own limits. In the event of negative feelings during the game, appropriate care (aftercare) should be provided afterwards.
It is also important to have all necessary items ready to make the situation easier. For some tunnel play, the intensity can be reduced by using other oils, milk or appropriate ointments. A blanket, something to eat and drink can give the person a feeling of security. A film or series can provide a good distraction until the effect wears off.
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