What is Erotic Tickling and How to Enjoy it
Think tickling and it probably doesn’t conjure up images of sexiness and arousal. More likely are memories of playful games during your youth. But there definitely is a less innocent side to tickling. The number of adult films, erotic stories, books, tickle gatherings, and sex toys dedicated to the art of erotic tickling very much proves it.
Having a tickling fetish means being aroused by tickling a partner (the tickler), being tickled (the ticklee) or in some cases, watching others engage in tickling. While stimulating and enjoyable, tickle play doesn’t have to lead to sex and orgasm. Although it is worth noting that some people can have a tickle orgasm. However, unlike the free-spirited games of our youth, erotic tickling often involves the ticklee being nude, or partially naked. This isn’t just for visual stimulation. It’s for practical reasons too because clothes can hinder the full sensations.
Tickling and pleasure
Studies have shown that laughter releases endorphins and can strengthen social bonds. So laughing is enjoyable, but the type of laughing we experience when tickles is slightly different. It comes down to reflexes. Laughing when tickled isn’t the same as getting the giggles. It’s an involuntary response caused by sensation, which could explain why we find it playful and make it part of a game.
At Harmony, we believe sex should be fun and BDSM is all about play. Tickling encapsulates both of those elements. But it also ticks a couple of other BDSM game boxes. Like the Dom sub power play dynamic, the dominant is the tickler, while the submissive is the ticklee.
When used during sensation play, light, tickling touches will stimulate the skin’s sensitive nerve endings causing them to become more receptive to other sensations, in a similar way to spanking. Mixing tickling and impact play intensifies each feeling — like with temperature play when you switch between hot and cold.
Lastly, tickling is so enjoyable because it’s really easy to master. It doesn’t require heaps of equipment and, compared to other BDSM play, it comes with very few risks. You can tickle with your fingers or use a feather tickler if you prefer for your tickle session.
Keeping it safe
Very few risks doesn’t mean none. There are a couple of points to be mindful of before whipping out your best sensual tickling techniques.
Breathlessness is one. Laughing hard and continuously can make it difficult to breathe, so if you’re the tickler remember to give the ticklee breaks. This can be hard to remember if it is your first time giving tickling a go.
Checking restraints is another must-do. Tying a consenting partner down so they can’t get away isn’t unusual, but if they are in bondage always check the knots and restraints more than you would ordinarily. Tickling causes wriggling, so binds will tighten. Monitor circulation and ensure your partner isn’t twisting and turning in ways that could cause them to pull or strain muscles.
Of course, some areas of the body may be no-go zones or tickling could be someone’s hard limit. Not everyone enjoys the sensation and just the thought of being held down and tickled can cause fear and anxiety leading to a more uncomfortable than pleasurable experience. Always get consent first.
If it tickles your fancy...
Here are four things to discuss, remember and maybe try out!
1. Decide how hard you want to go. As the tickler, will you keep the tickling light and sensual? Or go harder on your partner’s best-known tickle spots? The latter is sometimes referred to as ‘tickle torture’ because intense hardcore tickling can become painful.
2. Find their most ticklish spots. Underarms, ribs, backs of knees, the soles of the feet and even the scrotum — all can be highly sensitive areas, but everyone has different levels of tickle tolerance in these various zones. Spend some time discovering where they are most ticklish and check they’re happy with you touching that area.
3. Tickle with more than your fingers. While your digits make excellent tickling devices, tools like feather ticklers, toothbrushes, makeup or paint brushes, a vibrator (which could then lead to other pleasures), or your tongue can all be effective. You could even try a tickling handjob or introduce it as a form of foreplay.
4. Mix tickling with other BDSM sensation play. Perhaps you'll tickle alongside spanking, wax play or an erotic massage. Tickling is also a great option to use intermittently with other forms of BDSM play such as role-play. You could also introduce a spot of ASMR to increase the stimulation further or why not try erotic foot tickling which is great if you or your partner has a foot fetish?
If you’re keen to give tickling a try then you can find items in our bondage section and feather tickler range to suit your desires. View our range of products in our online store with free UK delivery on orders over £40.