Category: Taboo & Edge play
Subcategory: Types

Choking

Choking involves applying pressure to the neck during sexual activity to create sensations of constriction, lightheadedness, or power exchange. This practice differs from full asphyxiation by typically being briefer and less intense, though it shares many of the same serious risks.

If attempted, safer approaches include applying light pressure to the sides of the neck rather than the front (avoiding the windpipe), maintaining eye contact, and establishing clear non-verbal signals since the receiving partner cannot speak. Many experienced BDSM educators caution that there is no truly safe way to restrict blood flow or oxygen to the brain, as even careful choking can lead to stroke, cardiac issues, or death.


This is a description of an activity in the BDSM checklist (also known as a 'kink list'). Want to discover what (more) kinks you might have? Maybe share them with a partner? Start the checklist!

About the category Taboo & Edge play

Taboo and edge play explores activities that push personal, social, or safety boundaries through consensual engagement with forbidden themes or higher-risk practices. These activities require exceptional communication, preparation, and risk awareness as they intentionally venture into territories that may challenge comfort zones or conventional safety guidelines.

People are drawn to taboo and edge play for various reasons: the intensity of breaking social norms, the adrenaline of controlled risk, the deep trust required, or the catharsis of confronting fears and boundaries. The appeal often lies in the psychological charge created when consensually approaching or crossing lines that would otherwise remain unchallenged. These practices demand thorough negotiation, extensive knowledge, and exceptional self-awareness, as they operate in spaces where the potential rewards of transformative experiences come with increased responsibility for managing both physical and psychological risks.




All activities in the checklist: