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Oberonrex -> RE: Stun guns (4/9/2006 10:09:29 AM)
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Violet wands are a wonderful tool, and the one thing I emphasize in classes is to try it out before buying if possible. Different ones can and do have different feels and intensities. Be sure it has a ceramic core (wax will melt in any form of serious play) and get it with a real on/off switch, not a push on switch.
Stun guns can be fun and useful in play. I primarily use them for psych, but have used and have seen them used very effectively in play. Such play is, on my part, done with a great deal of caution (and often a low battery to tone things down).
The key to keeping it safe is knowing what you are doing, and that includes using the items on yourself before using them on others; asking a LOT of medical questions of the person with whom you are playing (and getting doctor clearance if/as needed); and, keeping a close eye on things as play progresses.
A few snippets from the handout I give out at classes and workshops:
Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety
1. Always check your partner out first. Anyone with a known heart condition should not engage in electrical play or electrotorture without being cleared by their cardiologist. Anyone with previous heart problems needs to check with a physician before playing. People with autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or AIDS, or insulin problems, such as diabetes or hypoglycemia, should check with a physician and use caution. Remember also that everyone is different, and that play that is safe for 9,999 people out of 10,000 is not safe for everyone.
2. If there is any problem, or someone doesn’t feel well after play, get them to a cardiac ER immediately.
3. Always check the condition of your equipment before starting. Be sure it is operating properly, is in good condition, and is – where necessary – sterile
4. Keep most play below the waist. Even play that can take place above the waist is not ok for everyone.
Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety, Safety
Electrical Play and the Heart
The heart is essentially a hollow muscle that contracts on a regular basis. This contraction is caused by an electrical current created by the sinoatrial node, the natural pacemaker in the heart. This current causes the muscle to spasm/contract, which causes the blood to pump. Anything that disrupts this current can cause heart problems. Electrical play can cause the heart to spasm out of normal phase/rhythm, or can damage or destroy the sinoatrial node. Even if momentary, such interference can be deadly. For this reason, most play takes place below the waist.
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In electrical play, damage or death can occur for two main reasons. First, the play generates a signal that is at the same frequency range as the human heart and nervous system, overloading one or both. Second, the power (amperage) of the charge used is sufficient to cause damage to the body. For this to happen, the charge must penetrate the body, particularly the heart. To avoid making the heart a part of the circuit, play is kept below the waist.
Basic Types of Equipment/Sources
Violet Wand
The violet wand creates a high-frequency charge, essentially static electricity, that can be played over most of the body. The charge is for all practical purposes, both localized and limited to the layers of the skin. Since it does not penetrate the body and create large-scale muscle contractions, it is generally safe to use anywhere on the body.
TENS Unit
Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) units are designed to help relieve chronic pain. They provide a constant stimulation that varies in both strength and frequency so as to raise the pain threshold in the person using it. This also has the effect of feeling like fingers brushing the skin, kneading, and more. TENS units can, with extreme caution, be used above the waist.
Muscle Stimulators
Passive exercise equipment sold on TV and in magazines. While billed as being safe to use anwhere, anytime, they should be used with extreme caution above the waist. Given some of the junk out there, be cautious about using some of these period.
Hand Crank Generators
For extreme use only, and never, NEVER above the waist.
Stun Guns and Prods
Designed to motivate and protect. They are extreme, make good mind-fuck toys, but need to be used with caution. They can and do cause physical harm (burns, muscle and joint damage, other),and can cause death.
Wall Power
Don’t even think about it.
Train Transformers/Neon Transformers/Other
Don’t go there
Batteries
DC power is not a good idea. Think of the bulb filament burning white hot. Think of your flesh being the filament in the circuit. Enough said.
Electrostimulators
These are units specifically designed and manufactured for electrical play and electrotorture. These are sometimes called Folsom units after one of the most widely used and available brands. With one exception, they are for below-the-waist play ONLY.
Just a few quick thoughts.
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