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This entry is part of the BDSM Dictionary hosted by Informed Consent.

This is the version from 8 Aug 05, 1:30 PM. The full history of this entry will show any more recent versions.

ICcode for "Strappado"

The [b]strappado[/b] is a form of [about=torture]torture[/about] in which a victim is suspended in the air by means of a rope attached to his hands which are tied behind his back. Weights may be added to the body. A variant of strappado (the [about=roleplay]medieval inquisition[/about] name), is also known as [b]reverse hanging[/b], or [b]Palestinian hanging[/b] and has been reported used in the Middle East as well as by institutions that practice torture.

There are two variants of this torture. In the first one, the victim has his arms tied behind his back; a large rope is then tied to his wrists and passed over a beam or a hook on the roof. The torturer pulls on this rope until the victim is hanging from his arms. Since he has the hands tied behind the back, this will cause a very intense pain and possible dislocation of the arms.

The full weight of the subject's body is then supported by the extended and internally-rotated shoulder sockets. While the technique shows no external injuries, it can cause long-term nerve, ligament, or tendon damage. The technique typically causes brachial plexus injury, leading to seizures or paralysis in the arm.

In the second variant, the victim's hands are tied to the front. The victim is also hung from the hands, but his ankles are tied and a heavy weight is attached to them. This will cause pain and possible damage not only to the arms, but also to the legs and hips.  This variant was known as [b]squassation[/b]. 

Needless to say these techniques should never be used in any consentual bondage activity.


[heading]See Also



[item] [about=Bondage: Safety]Bondage: Safety[/about]



(This entry in the BDSM Dictionary incorporates text from the [url=http://www.londonfetishscene.com/wipi/index.php/Strappado]Strappado[/url] article in Wipipedia.)

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