All About Flogging

by Ms. Holly

DEFINITIONS

FLOGGING HISTORY

Pre history whips/floggers have been found deep in ruins of societies long since passed. Early records of the uses of floggers/whips varied from King/Queen down to slave. Some of those earliest writings are from religious groups where flogging/whipping was used to purify the body, mind or soul through pain and enlightenment. The oldest of religions used floggers for this purpose, to open the mind and change the consciousness of the practitioner. The Pharaohs of Egypt used floggers for this purpose as well as a smaller lighter version to keep insects away. In the Bible there is writing on Baal and his priests who flogged/whipped/beat themselves and caused themselves pain to bring about the will of Baal. Later in the Catholic Church's Flagellate Orders containing priests and nuns purified themselves through ritual flogging. Hindu, Aztec, Toltec, Moslem, other Christian religions, as well as some Native American tribes have rituals where flogging/whipping/beating or pain is involved for the purpose of enlightenment, discipline, or to become an adult though these ceremonial rituals. Floggers/Whips have been given as gifts in religious cycles as tools to aid in worship of the divine. In Wiccan cycles a flogger/scourge is given as one of the sacred tools. The making of a flogger/whip was expensive and the common man did not have the means for floggers in early history. After animal husbandry had taken hold, floggers/whips became more assessable to common man and was used as a practical tool in society. Its uses were and still are many. The use of the whip/flogger/scourge for punishment from the slaves in Egyptian time through the Spanish Inquisition for torture, the Americans period of slavery for beatings and in some cases death, Cowboys to today where still in South American countries it is used to keep the cattle or help in check. Still in some religious orders floggers are used in present day. Floggers/Whips in today's world can be made from numerous materials, varying in size, shape and color. Soft fur blades/falls for sensual play, chain blades/falls put into a freezer or warmed for sensations play, deer skin or moose skin to cowhide or bull-hide for mild up to heavy play.

FLOGGER CHART

Some examples, depending on touch, make and force of flogger:

As you look over this small chart please remember that the weight of the flogger/whip, the number and cut of the blades/falls/tail as well as the user of the flogger/whip has everything to do with the feel or power of the flogger/whip.

FLOGGER PURCHASES

Floggers now can be purchases at numerous places, adult stores have been known to have a few. The best place to find quality floggers is on the net or from a BDSM gathering where vendors are present. Prices range from $10.00 up to hundreds of dollars depending on the quality of leather, length of blade/falls, cut of blades/falls, ornate handle and design. ( I do not know the following vendors or quality of these sites if you do know of quality flogger vendors that you have purchases from please add to list)

Flogger Menu

Stone Whips

Whips Straps Canes Adam Gillian

Bullwhips, Stock Whips &Snake Whips in Traditional Australian Kangaroo Hide.

If you are creative there are books on how to make floggers as well as Internet sites that contain information to create your own personal flogger of your design.

Make your Own Bungee Cord Flogger

SAFE FLOGGING TECHNIQUES

Safe flogging involves knowing a little the human anatomy.

Great damage can occur if a blade lands on an eye, kidney, or belly area.

Unsafe Flogging areas:

1. Head

2. Kidney Region

Sensual, Sensational, Stroking Flogging no force or very little force areas:

1. Neck
2. Chest
3. Arms
4. Hands
5. Abdomen
6. Genital Areas
7. Thighs
8. Calves
9. Feet

Flogging areas including sensual, sensations, light stroking to heavy play:

1. Upper back (* avoiding the neck, lower ribs, kidney area)
2. Butt
3. Back of Thighs

Listen for safe words always!

Flogging is done in a rhythmic light to moderate manner warming up the back and butt. Then continuing slowly bring up the rhythm and pressure over a period of time until it brings about an euphoric storm ( a mental state of heighten awareness or sub space in the BDSM community). This heighten state was used for cleanse the mind of self defeating programming by the ancients (see above History ). In this altered state endorphins are released opening up the mind to an ecstasy state which has been called flying, ( makes one wonder about witch's broomsticks and how they where really used) In this endorphin state most individuals require little additional sensations i.e. nail raking along skin, hot breath on ear, sensual tools to continue to feel the euphoric storm that has resulted.

Individuals that have been flogged properly have been known to crave this feeling and will beg to be flogged repeatedly. The Floggie also from the exertion and excitement is known to go into an euphoric state called Dom space in BDSM communities, in this state their mind becomes clear and forced, the feeling is termed as a rush. Remember that tender loving care is needed when bring down the submissive from this state and it takes times in some cases hours to return a submissive into their normal consciousness. There are cases where a submissive has thought about a flogging in the past and gone right back into an endorphin storm, be aware!

FLOGGING AFTERCARE

Flogging can cause bruising and in some causes cutting can occur. Epsom salts baths are excellent for bruising and sore tired muscles. Massages are another source of relief. Normal first aid procedures are good for blade cuts, anything more serious needs physicians care.

WORDS OF ADVISE

If you are going to flog, get educated, read books on the subject, there are several, as well as online sites with much information. Most BDSM groups have training programs or demos to learn. Rule of thumb: If you are going to try anything on another person, try it on yourself first. Practice, practice, practice on a pillow getting the aim of your blades/falls/tail right. If you do find a partner who wishes to experience the storm, start slow and light for a couple of sessions until you both are confident in the experience. Flogging can cause serious injury, remember that above all else. To those who respect flogging, it is an experience that cannot be matched in enjoyment or fulfillment.

Remember Safe Sane and Consensual.

Enjoy the Rush

Ms. Holly 2001

Some more Linkage:

Old Tom

BDSM - Erotic Power Exchange Information Center - Professional BDSM Info