Sensation play

Sensation play, also known as sensual play or sensory play, is an act where senses are engaged in various ways to heighten erotic pleasure and induce sensuality[1].

Sources: grade B×1, grade C×4. Last checked 8 October 2026. What the grades mean

It is meant to impart pleasurable and arousing sensations upon a partner, usually during an intimate interaction[1]. Unlike mental forms of erotic play such as power exchange or sexual roleplaying, it is generally pleasing and light, and it deliberately engages the five senses[2].

The term can work as an umbrella, with the harsher pain play and the gentler general sensory play as subtypes, and an individual may prefer one or the other[2]. Many couples who would not consider themselves active in BDSM know sensual play, for example silk scarves, feathers, blindfolding, tickling, erotic music, ice and massage oils[2].

Dr Celina Criss is quoted as saying that pain never needs to be involved in sensual sensory play, and she points instead to gentle touches, flavours, scents, different kinds of light and soundtracks[2]. Hand holding, fingers running through hair and a partner's scent are given as further examples[3].

In BDSM, sensation play can also involve sadomasochistic or pain play, which applies carefully controlled stimuli so that the body reacts as if it were hurt[4]. This is described as usually done to release pleasurable endorphins, and the dominant introduces and controls the sensation for the submissive[4].

Sources

1. Source grade C8 ways to increase sensual play in the bedroom By Jenni Holdsworth from Independent Online . South Africa. September 11, 2018. Retrieved 8 June, 2023. iol.co.za (via Wikipedia: Sensation play)
2. Source grade CA beginner's guide to sensation play By Gigi Engle on Mashable . mashable.com (via Wikipedia: Sensation play)
3. Source grade CWhat Is Sensation Play? By O.school. o.school (via Wikipedia: Sensation play)
4. Source grade CWeiss, Margot (2012-12-02). Techniques of Pleasure . Duke University Press . ISBN 9780822394914 . (via Wikipedia: Sensation play)
5. Source grade BDrouin M, Hernandez E, Machette A, Garcia JR, Boyd RL. An exploration of marks/injuries related to BDSM sexual experiences. Sex Med. 2023. doi:10.1093/sexmed/qfad020

Grades: A systematic review or official classification, B peer-reviewed study, C expert or community organisation, D practice from the community without research. How we grade sources.

Every claim was checked against its source before publication. Last checked 8 October 2026.