Sensualism
Sensualists are individuals who seek physical and/or sexual pleasure through different means of stimulating the senses.
This makes it distinct from hedonism, which holds that pleasure is the most important and highest good.
In epistemology (a branch of philosophy focused on the theory of knowledge), sensualism is a doctrine in which one’s senses and perceptions are the most important form of cognition. In the kink realm, sensualists use the senses to create various sensations for their partner.
Sensualists are “outside the slash”, as their pleasure is not rooted on either side of the slash.
A sensualist can be a Dominant just as much as they can be a submissive. The term itself is used for the person doing the stimulation and for the one receiving it.
What is sensation play?
Sensation play focuses on sensation and pleasure as opposed to pain. It focuses on the experience itself, and is often done slowly and with great intention.
Sensation play can be used as a means of foreplay or in scenes involving seduction, but for those who identify as sensualists, it can also become the entire scene itself.
Like most things in kink, sensualism doesn’t have to be sexual, and sensualists can be many other roles, too. Often, sensualists are paired Dominants and submissives, and sensual play becomes a facet of their D/s scenes.
Unless you’re using rope or other restraints during your sensation play, risk is also relatively low for this type of kink.
The focus in sensualism is not to try to push the limits of what you can stand, nor does it seek to cause extreme pain. If you’re new to kink and not particularly interested in the sadomasochistic side of things, sensualism may be where you begin your journey.
What can I use for sensation play?
If you’re interested in exploring sensualism, you don’t have to go to purchase the newest sensual toy on the market to try it (though it can be fun to go to a sex store with your partner).
Many household items can be used to explore sensation play, such as:
Scarves and silk clothing, which can be either worn or potentially used as a soft blindfold
Paint or makeup brushes
Earbuds or headphones to listen to sounds or music
Pearl necklaces or other chains
Ice cubes and/or heat pads
Similarly, if you’re looking for just a small level of pain, you can grab items like grill brushes (which can provide a prickly/scratching sensation), wooden spoons (if you want a bit of a spank), and clothespins or pegs. If all else fails, you can always use your hands.
Sensualism doesn’t have to purely focus on touch, however. Speaking softly to a partner about dirty things can do the trick, as can a type of music that you both enjoy, or even a scented candle to provide a specific aroma.
What are some examples of sensation play?
Sensation play can run across the entirety of kink. Bondage can be a sensualist activity, as can wax play and even impact play. It all depends on what the focus is for that given scene.
Knives are sometimes used in sensation play, because the metal is cold and the back or tip of the blade can be pressed or drawn across the skin to elicit a sensory response. Kinksters who are more interested in the feel than the danger aspect may opt for wooden knives.
In terms of other kink and fetish activities that fall under the “sensation play” umbrella, activities like erotic tickling, using a wand or vibrator on yourself, biting your (or your partner’s) lip, and scratching your fingers across someone’s skin can all be sensation play.
More extreme forms of sensation play can venture into the realm of mindfucks; listening to loud, harsh tones or white noise through headphones, alongside soft touches and suspenseful teasing creates a juxtaposition between sensory deprivation and sensory overload that can produce all kinds of responses from a bottom.
As with all forms of kink, sensualism is rooted in mutual consent and respect for limits. If you’re not into sensualism that involves pain, be sure to communicate that with your partner. Similarly, it’s equally important to discuss the level of pain you would like to receive. We also recommend having a safeword just in case things get a bit too intense for your liking.
If you’re new to this type of kink, remember to go slowly and (most importantly) to have a good time.
