One of the most erotic ways a couple can slow down and reconnect in the bedroom is with sensation play. Although it’s often associated with BDSM, this type of play doesn’t have to be painful or intense. If soothing and sensual is more your thing, sensation play has plenty to offer; in fact, many who engage in it don’t consider themselves kinky at all. Because sensation play has so many possibilities, it lends itself to the use of countless products — and that gives retailers quite a few options to generate sales.
WHAT IS SENSATION PLAY?
The purpose of sensation play is to elicit physical sensations that heighten the body’s senses. Although that sounds simple, there is a bit of an art to it. It involves exploration of the entire body as opposed to only the genitals. Awakening erogenous zones often passed over during lovemaking is a key factor in achieving toe-curling results. It is crucial to concentrate on areas like the soft underside of the arms and thighs, the stomach, neck and feet.
The tools that are used and the specific combination that they are used in can also make or break a sensation play session. Opposing feelings like hot and cold, smooth and rough, or soft and sharp are best at awakening the senses. It’s also important to warm up the receiving partner as opposed to using something too harsh too soon. With sensation play, couples can raise each other’s adrenaline and endorphins at a gradual pace.
Sensation play can stand alone or be incorporated into a scene with other kinks like bondage or sensory deprivation. In fact, these two complementary activities are recommended, as they also help ignite the senses — but only when all partners involved have consented to each method, of course!
SENSORY DEPRIVATION
Disabling one or more senses can amplify the others, which is the appeal of sensation play. Whether with a simple mask that covers the eyes or something more elaborate like a bondage hood, removing the ability to see can cause the remaining senses to be magnified. This can make a simple touch, sound, smell or taste feel new and unfamiliar as if it’s being experienced for the first time. This can bring about an explosion of unanticipated erotic reactions.
SENSUAL SENSATION PLAY
Temperature manipulation is a great introduction to sensation play. It’s also ideal for those that aren’t particularly into kink but are curious to experiment. Insertables can double as temperature tools that can be used on any part of the body. For customers who are interested in exploring sensation play, suggest setting a waterproof toy in warm water for five to 10 minutes before rubbing and rolling it all over their or their partner’s body for a sensual warm massage.
Additionally, users can alternate a warm dildo with touches from a cooled toy that has been sitting in the refrigerator. The quick switch from hot to cold is particularly intoxicating when used on nipples, inner thighs or stomach.
There are different types of sensations that can be explored. From the tickle of a feather to the satisfying pinch of nipple clamps, to the pleasurable suction sensations of a clit pump, there’s a whole world of sensual sensations to explore even for users that are just starting out!
ADVANCED SENSATION PLAY
A Wartenburg pinwheel should be in everyone's naughty toolkit. Among the most common sensation play items, these spiky wheels can take an experience from playful to intense depending on how they are used. This device can also be placed in the refrigerator or cold water for an icy, sexy chill. Suggest to shoppers that they start by running the cooled flat end of the device over a partner’s body. When it’s time to turn up the heat, the prickly end can be used along their skin for a sensually biting surprise.
Tools like a flogger or a paddle are great choices for impact-based sensation play. Add a prop like a bondage table to level up the power play, and keep in mind how perfectly suited electrosex items can be for sensation play. E-stim toys are available in a variety of styles like plugs, cock rings, vibrating eggs and dildos to deliver satisfyingly intense zaps, making ordinary toy use into an extraordinary electrifying experience.
Although sensation play is most often related to skin sensations, it doesn’t have to stop there. In addition to using touch tools, suggest playing with the sense of taste. Sweet, decadent foods like strawberries, chocolate and honey can be alternated with bitter lemon.
You can help your customers explore sensation play by suggesting several tools with opposing effects that can be used in succession to gradually ignite the senses. Creatively thinking outside the box and finding alternate uses for toys is important, too. Done properly, sensation play will have your customers returning to find the next stimulating form of titillation.
Rebecca Weinberg is the president of XR Brands.
