Key points
- Fleshy areas are safest: buttocks, upper thighs, upper back
- Never strike the kidneys, spine, neck, joints, or head
- Avoid the lower back completely because of the risk of kidney damage
- Stay away from bony areas
- Warm up the area before harder strikes
In detail
- Safe zones: Center of buttocks, upper thighs (avoid inner thigh), fleshy upper back (avoiding spine), shoulders (fleshy areas)
- Danger zones: Kidneys (lower back), spine and tailbone, neck, joints (knees, elbows, ankles), head and face, ribs, genitals without specific knowledge
- Inner thighs have major blood vessels: avoid or use light impact only
- Breasts: only light impact, avoid nipples, be very careful
- Hands and feet: very sensitive, many small bones, extreme caution needed
- Always warm up with lighter strikes before increasing intensity
- Watch for skin color changes, and stop if there is heavy bruising or broken skin
Warnings
- Kidney hits can cause serious internal damage
- Spine hits can cause permanent nerve damage
- Joint impacts can cause permanent damage
- Wrapping (when a flogger wraps around the body) can hit danger zones
- Different implements carry different risks, so research each one
Resources and next steps
- Study anatomy charts before doing impact play
- Take in-person classes on impact play technique
- Practice accuracy on a pillow before playing with a partner
- Learn to recognize warning signs: numbness, sharp pain, color changes