Flogging – the word itself is super interesting, and might invoke some thought into what it means and why it has such interesting connotations surrounding it. Flogging is part of the BDSM culture, and for those who don’t know what BDSM is, we’re going to break it down for you quickly. 

BDSM is a lifestyle. This lifestyle entails partaking in consensual practices involving bondage, dominance, sadism, and masochism. This can involve control, submission, and many other things among it. Bondage can mean being tied up, handcuffed, or other physical restraints for sexual pleasure. Dominance encompasses controlling another person, with them partaking in the submissive acts. Sadism and masochism is typically where you will find flogging, as this is when you gain sexual satisfaction from either giving or receiving pain. Now, pain from flogging does not have to mean severe pain. Think of it as spanking – the pain levels vary based on your preference.

Now that you’ve read our little BDSM cheat sheet, let’s get into the interesting world and history of flogging. 

Flogging throughout history

Flogging is not just a form of sexual pleasure. Flogging has existed throughout history, including during the 1500’s in England. The Whipping Act allowed for thieves, blasphemers, poachers, and other small-time criminals to be publicly flogged as punishment. In the 19th century, prison became more widespread and available as punishment for smaller crimes and misdemeanors, so corporal punishment diminished slowly. However, whipping and flogging was symbolic of slavery for years, as it was used on plantations and as a corporal punishment. 

While flogging as a corporal punishment is banned and illegal in most countries, it is still legal in some. 

Now that we’ve moved past the traditional punishment version of flogging, let’s remember what flogging actually is in the current context. Flogging is now used as a sexually pleasurable act with consenting partners. There are many ways to flog, with many different devices and techniques.

Flogging Definition. What kind of sensations does it create?

Flogging has an impact on your body, and can produce a plethora of different sensations, including stinging sensations or thuds. Thuds are usually blunter objects or floggers being used, whereas a stinging sensation is a little less intense. Stinging floggers can be leather, or smaller, more whip-like floggers. Stings are more surface level, and thuds are more intense. These thuds can produce the sensation of being pushed or poked very hard, and the wider the flogger, the more intense the thud sensation gets.

What materials are floggers typically made of?

Floggers cannot just be bought and tried. Well, we suppose they can, but it’s important to put a lot of thought and research into buying your first flogger! There are so many different kinds of materials, some that are much more beginner-friendly than others. 

There are suede floggers, which are phenomenal for beginners. These offer stinging sensations, and can run smoothly across the skin. These also offer sexy strokes that can be more or less intense depending on use. 

For the more experienced flogger, rubber can be incredible. Rubber floggers offer stinging sensations and can also leave cuts and abrasions, so it is important not to start out with these. 

Rope floggers can be gentle, or sting-like. Many people enjoy rope because it can move from beginner-friendly to the experienced flogger without much transition work.

Leather floggers have a very strong impact, and can leave bruises. Many people who are into sadism and masochism really enjoy leather floggers.

Horsehair floggers can be very intense and painful. These are recommended for the very experienced flogger, as are PVC floggers. PVC floggers are hard to manage pain levels with, as it is a very strong, durable material. 

Chain floggers are quite thrilling, and the cool feeling of the chain against the body when in intense situations can add even more hype and intensity to the room.

What is the best way to use a flogger?

While there is no “correct” way to use a flogger, most would say that striking the back, buttocks, and lower legs or arms with precision is the right way to use a flogger. Some may prefer strikes on their breast and genital areas as well – this is truly unique to each individual, and should be discussed beforehand. The person doing the flogging should have a firm grip, and strike downwards on the spot. For more intensity and tension, the flogger could strike one spot over and over again, before moving on to another spot suddenly. 

What should you not do with a flogger?

It is important to not strike the person being flogged around the face, the head, the neck, their fingers or toes, or any injuries. Try to avoid the floggers’ tails from wrapping around the person who is being flogged.  You should always talk about hard limits and soft limits with flogging as well to avoid causing injury to your partner.

What is the psychology behind flogging?

There is a common misconception that those who take part in BDSM lifestyles or activities enjoy violence or abuse, when this is far from true. Flogging is practiced for sexual excitement and thrill, and many partners practicing this aspect of BDSM do truly love each other. This act does not have to be done out of violence and aggression. Flogging can also be an incredible release of responsibility and tension for the person who is being flogged. This segues us back into the Dominance aspect of BDSM, where the submissive partner is able to release and let go of tension and stress from the day by allowing their partner to take control. In the same moment, the partner taking control is able to release tension and stress by managing something or someone, and feeling that dominant side satisfied. 

Both men and women can enjoy flogging or being flogged. Flogging is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a passionate way to have fun sexually with a partner who you love and respect. If flogging is something you are interested in trying with your partner, have an open and honest conversation with your partner. You may be surprised that they are just as open to trying it as you are!