Erotic electrostimulation (abbreviated e-stim and also known as electrosex) is a sexual practice involving the application of electrical stimulation to the nerves of the body, with particular emphasis on the genitals, using a power source (such as a TENS, EMS, Violet wand) for purposes of sexual stimulation. Electrostimulation has been associated with BDSM activities, and erotic electrostimulation is an evolution of that practice.
Safety
Electricity can be dangerous, and it is extremely important to respect it and to play within your skill set. It only takes one second for an electrical pulse to cause burns or permanent damage, and even less time to stop a heart. If you are willing to play cautiously and within your skills, like other things we do, electricity can be fun and safe.
E-Stim devices are not for use by or on anyone with implanted electronic devices (pacemakers, defibrillators, drug pumps), heart problems, heart disease, epilepsy, brain disorders, nervous system disorders, a history of strokes, or seizures. Not for use by pregnant women, or women who might be pregnant.
Current passed through heart, neck, or head can be fatal!!
Electrical stimulation should not be applied across or through the head, directly on the eyes, on the front of the neck, (especially the carotid sinus), or from electrodes placed on the chest and the upper back causing electricity to pass
through the heart (back to front).
A few cases of accidental death as a result of autoerotic electrostimulation that have been reported. Most involved self-made devices, and had current passing through the chest intentionally. In one case reported in the press, a man from York, Pennsylvania was sentenced to 20–40 years in prison for third-degree murder and reckless
endangerment after killing his wife with electrostimulation to her nipples directly from a power cord he stripped and plugged in. He used the exposed wires for electrical play! (Common Sense isn’t common!)
History
Electrostimulation was first reported in the 1800s using vaginal probes.
Modern [ electrostimulation first became recognized during the 1950s with the introduction of a device called the Relax-A-Cizor, which was originally designed to stimulate the muscles of a relaxing subject using electric currents as a means of "passive exercise". Such power sources are still in medical use today and are known as EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) units. Some people soon found alternative uses for the Relax-A-Cizors by placing the contacts on sexual parts of the body.
By the 1970s, medical TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) units were also being used for electrostimulation. In the 1980s the first devices were manufactured specifically for erotic electrostimulation. These were called purpose built boxes: The Titillator is believed to be the first of that kind. In the 1990s companies like Eros Tek was born. They introduced microprocessors, and audio programs to take sensual electrical play in new
directions.
Types of power sources
Medical power sources
TENS and EMS units are frequently used as erotic electrostimulation power sources. EMS units are designed to cause muscle contraction, where TENS units are for nerve stimulation.
Body toning and massage units - An increasing number of "body toner" or "electromassage"-type power sources are being marketed. Though lacking in options compared to the more expensive specialized units, these have proven to be an inexpensive method for entry level practice.
Homemade power sources - These can be dangerous! First the device can supply too much power. Second the insulation of most devices would not be adequate for safe play.
Electrodes
The conservative rule for electrostimulation is 'only below the waist', though few follow this recommendation.
For erotic electrostimulation, there are typically items designed to be applied to the genitals such as vaginal plugs and shields, anal plugs, probes to directly stimulate the prostate, testicle rings, CBT boards, cock rings, urethral probes, and other items for penile application. The pads used with TENS units are also used in the sexual application of electrostimulation. There are also electrified nipple and breast electrodes available, but there is light disagreement within the e-stim community about their safety because of the very conservative rule the most commonly held consensus is 'only below the waist'.
Violet wands
A violet wand typically consists of a hand-held "wand" made of plastic case which encases the mechanical (tesla coil) or solid state components; a power cable, a collet and a cone. The collet is inside the cone end of the Violet Wand and is where glass and metal probes are inserted to be used with the wand. The cone is there to prevent sparks jumping from the collet directly to subject. Violet wands can be used anywhere on the body except the neck and
head area.
Lubrication
The skin should be clean and dry. Lotions will inhibit conductivity. Electroconductive gels can play an important role in the success of erotic electrostimulation since it strengthens the sensation. Water-based lubricants also work, but are less intense. Do not use any lubricant that contains silicone since it is an insulator and hence reduces
electrical conductivity and could also be damaging to silicone toys.
Sex
If you put a pad on you and one on your partner, you can touch to make the circuit anywhere on the body. As an example, if you each have a pad attached to your inner thigh, and you choose to have PIV sex, it will complete the electrical circuit via the genitals!!
Recommended Reading: Shock Your Sex Life & Erotic Lightening
Where the Current Flows
The general principle of all electrical play is quite simple. Every device features two electrodes, respectively connected to the positive and negative pole of the power source: when you connect them by placing them onto a common conductive surface, the current flows between the pads following a roughly linear course.
Electrical toys are normally applied to the skin, which is not all the same. The thickness of the epidermis varies between different body parts, and several characteristics can influence its electric conductivity; for example the moisture and salinity of sweat, or the presence of hairs impeding consistent contact. This means that the same electric pulse can have quite different effects depending on the targeted area, to the extent that it may feel imperceptible on one point but unbearable on another. Understanding which are the most sensitive parts is intuitive:
Thick and dry skin (e.g. a calf) is sensitive.
Thin and dry skin (e.g. the inner thigh) is more sensitive.
Wet or sweaty skin is about 10% more sensitive.
External mucosa (e.g. the glans) are much more sensitive.
Internal mucosa (e.g. inside the vagina or ass) are extremely more sensitive.
Skin injuries (cuts, abrasions, etc.) resist current around 90 times less than healthy tissue, and should never be included in electrical play.
The passage of electricity through muscle causes an involuntary contraction. These spasms are a key aspect of electrostimulation. If the twitching muscles are the ones in the genital area, the effect can be rather interesting and pleasurable, since a series of pulses causes a strange deep massage with masturbating effects.
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