Sensory Deprivation
Sensory deprivation is one of the many wonderful things to explore in the arena of sado-masochistic play. To a submissive, the loss of vision or hearing, the inability to speak or to use their hands to identify objects can be a powerful thing, and may serve to enhance other senses. To a Dominant, these things can be very effective in intensifying the submissive's focus in a chosen direction. There are quite a number of ways to delve into sensory deprivation.
Probably the most simple and obvious place to start is with blindfolding. This can be done with anything from a necktie or scarf tied around the head at eye level to a thick padded blindfold that blocks out all light. With his/her sight gone, the submissive will find that their sense of touch is incredibly enhanced so that the lightest of caresses may cause an unusually responsive reaction, and their sense of hearing is hightened so that things that went unnoticed are now the center of their attention
Another one of the senses to play with is hearing. Whether removed alone or coupled with the deprivation of other senses, this is a fairly easy thing to do. Padded earmuffs or swimmers ear plugs will do the job just fine. Another option is the use of a hood, which gives the opportunity to block multiple senses with one tool.
Gags are a delightful toy to use in sensory deprivation. There are multiple types of gags, all of which come in a variety of materials. There are bit gags similar to the ones used on horses. Ball gags are relatively self explanitory and probably the most common type. A well placed scarf, necktie, or pair of panties also can make an easy makeshift gag.
Caution must be excersized when using any type of gag. If the mouth is held open to wide or for too long, the jaw locking may become an issue. The submissives nasal passages must also be clear and open because breathing through the mouth is an issue when a gag is in there. Also remember that the object used as a gag should placed in the mouth in such a way as to prevent choking and that a safe gesture should be put in place because a safeword is ineffective if the submissive cannot speak.
Touch is probably one of the most complicated of the senses to dull. Mitts can be used to keep the submissive from feeling and identifying the object in their vicinity. One of the more advanced techniques involved in this kind of sensory deprivation is mummification. Wrapping the body in saran wrap or bondage tape is a pretty effective way of controlling what a submissive can and cannot feel. This technique, of course, involves a bit of training on how to do it properly and safely.
Done properly, sensory deprivation can enhance the submissives other sensations and create a mind-numbing sense of anticipation, giving the Dominant that much more control over the submissive.