Thank you so much for your message- I have removed the post featuring said unsafe practice, and apologize to all my followers for the oversight.
I’m incredibly grateful to have such attentive and caring followers helping to make sure this blog does not advocate bad practices, so again, thank you.
– Your Mod
Ehhhhh…. Saying that electroplay above the waist is dangerous and should never be done is a bit of a misnomer.
(Note: I did not have the opportunity to see the original post)
As a rule of thumb for beginners, use of electroplay, violet wands, and TENS units above the waist or on the face should certainly be avoided. Erotic electrostimulation is considered edgeplay. Yes, there is risk involved. Yes, it can be dangerous and has health risks if done improperly. Basic electrical safety applies here, and knowing a bit about that can greatly reduce your risk of things going awry.
People with electrical implants like pacemakers, insulin pumps, and cochlear implants should generally avoid electroplay in general if not entirely. The discharging electricity can cause interference such devices and potentially cause them to malfunction. Those with heart problems or nerve damage should not participate in electroplay as a general rule. Violet wand, depending on the age and manufacturer, should not create a sufficient current to affect the heart, but previous issues and defects in the heart predisposes you to problems.
People with internal metal implants, such as metal knee replacements, metal pins, orthodontic retainers, dentures, or a cranial metal plate, should also avoid electroplay because electrical impulses will arc to metal or other conductive substances. Piercings can also pose problems in terms of arcing, but sometimes that is the desired effect.
Generally, electroplay should be avoided if liquid is present, so that would include breast or other type of cosmetic/reconstructive implants, eyeballs, and most mucous membranes. People who are pregnant should avoid electroplay. Diabetes can also pose problems due to poor circulation and skin that easily bruises, heals slowly, and scars easily.
TENS units can cause electrical burns if not properly adhered to the skin. Violet wands may also cause burns if held in one place for too long. Some people and areas of skin may be more sensitive to burns. Violet wands DO produce full-spectrum light, which contain a small amount of UV, but any burns that you get will most likely be electrical.
For some people, electroplay can exacerbate their symptoms, and therefore they should not attempt it. But for some, it can provide relief from symptoms, a lot of that varies on an individual basis. Electrostimulation devices were originally used as therapeutic devices and even medical equipment, and they were/are in fact used on the chest and trunk area.
However, all of this does not mean that using e-stim above the waist is inherently dangerous and you should never ever do it because you WILL 100% die. If you are playing with someone new or even a regular partner, medical/health or bodily limitations should be on your list of things to discuss before playing. You should also check your equipment for any physical defects that may cause the device to malfunction. And with electroplay that uses an AC plug, its a good idea to use a surge suppressor to prevent current spikes or drops. I am personally an advocate of substance-free playing when it comes to edgeplay (or any play for that matter),
AND as with any kind of edgeplay, learn how to do it properly. Find a mentor who’s been doing this for a while and get some experience from an expert. Become AWARE of the RISKS (R.A.C.K.), learn how to reduce the risks, and learn what to do if something goes wrong.
Sources:
http://www.idahobdsm.com/articles/vw/2.html
http://home.earthlink.net/~violetwands/safe.html
http://www.violetwand.org/violet_wands_tens_units.htm
http://home.earthlink.net/~violetwands/myth.html
http://www.bdsmdebunkingthemyths.com/electroplay.htm
http://www.fad-nc.org/words-of/70-buzz-buzz-zap-violet-wand-play.html
