What Is Nipple Banding, And Is It Harmful Or Dangerous?
At its most basic, nipple banding can best be compared to an experiment many of us did as children.
You take a rubber band (or piece of string) and wrap it tightly around the tip of your finger.
Your fingertip will turn pink and start to tingle. Give it a minute, and it will reach the sort of dark purple color that made your mom panic and insist that you “Stop that!” immediately.
Apply that same idea to your nipples — and that’s what nipple banding is.
The practice of rubber banding nipples is immediately titillating to some, and completely baffling to others.
For men and women alike, however, nipples are an erogenous zone. This means that stimulus on the nipples like touching, pinching, or moisture can elicit a sexual response.
Pretty hot, right?
General nipple play might involve light touching, kissing, sucking, or feather tickling.
On the other hand, some people prefer more forceful stimulation like pinching, nipple clamps, or rubber banding to produce unique sensations or to feel them over a longer period of time.
Nipple sensitivity varies from person to person, so there’s no universally correct way to stimulate a nipple.
That’s where experimentation comes into play.
- Why Would You Put Rubber Bands On Your Nipples?
There are a few reasons why nipple banding is popular; some are medical in nature and others are just for fun.
Medically speaking, nipple banding has been shown in one study to be an acceptable method of addressing inverted nipples in breastfeeding mothers.
Before trying this treatment yourself, however, be sure to consult with a physician.
For pleasure purposes, rubber banding nipples is a topic of intrigue.
Depending on who you ask, nipple banding is either a low-budget or extreme extension of nipple clamps.
Nipple clamps are sold specifically for…well, clamping on nipples. They vary in size and pressure, although they are only supposed to be worn for a maximum of 30 minutes.
In comparison to nipple clamps, rubber bands offer a bit more flexibility because their pressure and intensity can be adjusted over time.
- Is Nipple Banding Unhealthy Or Dangerous?
Inherently? No.
But like most things, understanding the rules and following them carefully is the key to success.
If you’re using rubber bands on your nipples for the very first time, be sure to remain sober and completely aware of your surroundings and yourself.
You do not want to pass out or fall asleep with your banding intact.
The rubber band should never suspend all circulation, cut into your skin, or leave marks afterward.
Nipple banding that is too tight can cut off circulation and cause all sorts of unpleasant problems, including nerve damage.
As advised for nipple clamps, 30 minutes is considered the maximum time for wearing tight nipple bands, with 15 minutes being the safest amount.
Looser bands that apply pressure yet still allow proper circulation may be acceptable for longer, but again, make sure they’re not cutting off circulation entirely.
If you experience extreme pain or find that your nipples are turning more blue than purple — take them off immediately.
- How Do I Try Nipple Banding For The First Time?
Good candidates for nipple banding exclude those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Too much pressure against the breast tissue can cause plugged milk ducts and problems with lactation in those women who are currently breastfeeding.
People with poor circulation should also be discouraged from rubber-banding nipples. Sorry to be such a killjoy, but your safety is important.
Before you begin, it’s advisable to massage your breasts before applying rubber bands.
To get started, try wrapping a rubber band loosely around your nipple. Continue wrapping it to tighten the band, making it tighter or looser over time as necessary.
You can expect to notice changes in your nipple sensitivity almost immediately. You should continue to massage your breasts while the bands are in use to ensure adequate circulation.
Pay attention to your body and remove the bands immediately if any discomfort occurs.
Once the nipple bands are on, it’s time to experiment.
Try putting some fresh air on those nipples — observing local nudity ordinances, of course.
Test out the sensations from your favorite vibrator, or try rubbing different fabrics like cotton, silk, leather, or flannel against your nipples.
Be aware that nipple sensation will intensify over time.
When you’re just starting out, nipple bands should be worn for only 5-10 minutes at a time.
When the banding is removed, you can expect another flurry of sensation as the blood flow returns to your nipples.
Massaging your breasts — and especially your areolas — is recommended to encourage blood flow.
If you decide to explore nipple banding yourself, however, it’s important to pay attention to your body and stay safe while doing so.
Have you ever tried nipple banding? What was it like? If you’ve never tried nipple banding before, are you curious about it?
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