When I tell people I work in wellbeing they often ask what exactly that means. When I explain that I am a shibari facilitator and rope artist it causes a few raised eyebrows.
People sometimes question the inclusion of this practice under the “health and wellbeing” umbrella.
When people hear the word “shibari” a lot of different things will cross their mind.
Usually, these thoughts will fall somewhere between Fifty Shades of Grey, and beautifully lit artistic photos of a slim female model suspended in rope. Now, whilst these impressions are accurate in a lot of ways, they don’t tell the whole story in terms of the full sensory range that shibari and rope bondage can have. There is a very fair and valid argument for including sex and intimacy practices under the wellbeing banner, but what about when you put those elements to one side? Is there a broader range of benefits that can be explored?
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the benefits I perceived, I sought the perspectives of a diverse group of individuals with varying levels of experience in shibari. Conducting an anonymous survey, the findings revealed an overwhelmingly positive response, with 92% reporting a favourable experience. Notably, 85% described it as “relaxing,” while 77% characterized it as “blissful.”
Examining the impact within the 24 hours following the experience, 77% reported positive improvements in their emotional state. Of these, 62% exclusively experienced positive feelings, while an additional 15% encountered largely positive emotions with a trace of anxiety or sadness. Intriguingly, 8% enjoyed the activity in the moment but felt emotionally fragile afterward.
Moreover, 38% expressed the belief that shibari might aid in achieving better sleep. Within this subset, 85% identified as individuals grappling with stress, anxiety, or depression. Notably, 91% of these individuals attributed positive effects to shibari, asserting its potential in alleviating the symptoms of their mental health challenges. This dual emphasis on relaxation and mental well-being underscores the multifaceted positive impact that shibari appears to have, as attested by the experiences of the surveyed individuals.
Shibari invites us to reconsider its holistic contributions to overall health and satisfaction, expanding our understanding of well-being beyond preconceived notions.
Main – Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
