One increasingly popular sex trend has been making headlines, but it’s not without its potential dangers.
Every year seems to bring along a wave of new intimate lifestyle trends, and 2025 is proving to be no exception to that pattern.
Experts are already pointing out rising interest in ultra-realistic sex dolls, emotional connections with chatbots, and solo polyamory which involves having multiple romantic partners while staying independently single.
But one trend that continues to quietly grow in popularity is called shibari.
Shibari is a form of Japanese rope bondage. The word itself means “to tie,” and the practice involves intricate rope work for both aesthetic and erotic purposes.
According to Goop, this BDSM practice has its roots in Japan’s underground erotic culture, where it began as a deeply symbolic fantasy experience evoking a sense of old-world eroticism.
One person who’s embraced the practice is Amy Winship, who shared her experience with Tyla and opened up about what drew her to shibari in the first place.
More and more couples are branching out in their sex livesGetty Stock Image
She emphasized how important communication and boundaries are in this kind of play, saying: “Consent is really sexy and asking ‘Can I kiss you here’ and ‘Can I touch you like that’ whether you’re engaging in anything from anal sex for the first time or heavier bondage, asking first and talking it through is good to see where your line is.”
As you might guess, exploring this kind of intimate connection does come with a few potential risks. That’s why it’s so important for everyone involved to be aware of the safety precautions beforehand.
Rope burn
When ropes are involved in any type of sexual play, the risk of rope burn is something to watch out for.
According to the Shibari Academy, rope burn is typically caused by high friction between the rope and the skin.
This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as redness, skin irritation, and in more extreme cases, blistering or bleeding.
Circulation loss
If the rope is tied too tightly around any part of the body, it could cut off blood circulation.
The Shibari Academy notes that most people can tolerate reduced blood flow for up to 30 minutes.
However, those with medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes might be more sensitive and could experience complications sooner.
There are risks to be aware of when trying out shibariGetty Stock Image
The Cleveland Clinic explains that signs of restricted circulation include a tingling or prickling feeling often called ‘pins and needles’, unusually pale or bluish skin, cold extremities, numbness, swelling, and loss of sensation in fingers or toes.
Nerve damage
“Nerve damage occurs due to prolonged compression, excessive force, and/or repetitive strain on nerves.” explained the Shibari Academy. They warn that this kind of damage is more likely to happen during suspension-style bondage. Because of this, they strongly advise avoiding suspension unless you’re properly train