Caning in BDSM: The Sting of Power, Ritual, and Pleasure
What Is Caning in BDSM?
In the world of BDSM, caning is a form of impact play where a cane—typically made of rattan, bamboo, or synthetic materials—is used to strike the body. Unlike broader implements like paddles or floggers, canes create a sharp, stinging sensation that can be deeply erotic and intensely psychological.
Caning usually targets the buttocks, thighs, or occasionally the soles of the feet (a practice known as bastinado). While it has historical roots in corporal punishment, today’s caning in kink is rooted in consent, trust, and power exchange.