Bastinado

"Bastinado" refers to the act of striking or whipping the soles of a person's feet, also known as foot whipping or falaka.

The practice originates from a historical form of corporal punishment used in various cultures, notably in the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Europe.

In a kink context, bastinado is often employed as a form of impact play or sensation play. It involves a consensual power exchange between partners and should be performed with careful attention to safety, as the soles of the feet are sensitive and contain numerous small bones that could be injured.

For example, in a BDSM scene, a dominant might use a thin, flexible implement such as a cane or a riding crop to lightly tap or whip the submissive's bare soles. The submissive's feet might be bound or otherwise immobilized to heighten the sense of vulnerability and control.

The sensations produced can range from mild discomfort to intense pain, depending on the force used and the individual's pain tolerance.

As with all forms of BDSM play, bastinado should be performed under the principles of "safe, sane, and consensual" (SSC) or "risk-aware consensual kink" (RACK).

This includes pre-scene negotiation, explicit consent, understanding of the risks involved, use of safe words, and aftercare.

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