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BDSM Dictionary : Erotic asphyxiation: history
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This entry is part of the BDSM Dictionary hosted by Informed Consent.
Erotic asphyxiation, asphyxiophilia, breath control play or scarfing is the sexual practice of partial asphyxiation by strangulation or suffocation of one person by another during sexual intercourse. The decrease of blood to the brain is said to heighten sexual pleasure.
It can be dangerous and result in brain damage through loss of oxygenation to the brain, or in death through sudden cardiac arrest. It has also been speculated that in some cases erotic asphyxiation may have triggered the little-known phenomenon of carotid sinus reflex death. Most practitioners, however, have carried out this consensual practice with no problems. Because of the potential safety risks, those considering this sort of sexual activity are advised to be fully aware of the medical issues and risks involved before they choose to participate.
Breath control play is often done in conjunction with other
fetish activities such as rubber fetishism.See also
(This entry in the BDSM Dictionary incorporates text from the Erotic asphyxiation article in Wipipedia.)
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