BDSM Torture is usually referred to as Sado-masochism (S&M), and involves a submissive or slave, and a Master, Mistress, or Dominant to inflict pain the recipient.

Sado-masochistic play involves the use of various objects to inflict pain in order to receive pleasure. Subs will often endure the pain as part of the play in order to achieve a mental feeling reported as ‘sublime’.

Play can involve, whipping, biting, spanking, tickling, and manipulation of the nipples and genitals. While sexual intercourse, or the use of erotic toys and in fact the idea of ‘rough sex’ contains elements of sado-masochism, it is not a requirement for a session.

Sadism describes the feeling that those who inflict pain receive pleasure from the act, however in S&M play or bondage, consent is required for legal reasons, and in fact some jurisdictions and countries will not allow consent as a legal defence against bodily harm.

Masochism is the definition given to those who receive pleasure from the pain being inflicted. In terms of psychology the receptors in the brain often mix the pain and pleasure thus allowing pain to be felt as pleasure for the submissive.

Much of how the play is dictated is from the slave beforehand as rules and guidelines and often a ‘safe word’ is created to ensure safe and consensual play. However when a session begins, it is the Master or Dominant participant who controls the power, and much of how they enjoy the activities is based off of the reactions of the submissive receiving stimulation.

M must be carefully carried out, as it is relies heavily on stimulation of the brain. Precautions must be taken to avoid any problems as a result from too much stimulation to the brain, or injuries that could become permanent from play. In extreme cases, if a slave is under too much mental duress, while they may not want to stop the action, could potentially suffer from mental stress once the session has been completed. The aspects of Sado-Masochism are changing in medical terms as psychologists now look at it only as mental condition if combined with a personality disorder.