Odaxelagnia : the lip biting pleasure of vampire play

In this article the LOVE Team is going to explore the origins of this fantasy to understand what makes it so intense and discover how to participate in vampire play in a safe way. Prepare to be plunged headfirst in this sensual universe, and be careful as we might bite!

Odaxelagnia describes the attraction to or excitement felt by being bitten or biting someone during a sexual encounter. This paraphilia, or kink, can present itself in a more modest way (light pinching or biting), or in a more obvious way (more substantial pressure).

For sure! It might even be the perfect way to begin or to explore a more ‘gentle’ version of BDSM. What’s important is discussing it beforehand with your partner, talking about each other's limits and desired intensity. Compared to other forms of BDSM, bites can be easily integrated into your regular routine as long as each individual's comfort and sensitivity is respected.

We owe a lot of our fascination with being bitten to pop culture. From gothic classics such as Dracula all the way to modern series that touch on the theme of vampires, the idea of a ‘blood filled kiss’ is omnipresent and is linked to the sensual yet forbidden aspect of the act itself. In our collective imagination, biting is linked to power, domination and the idea that there can exist an almost mythical connection between two beings.

This fascination can be seen also in the ways we approach intimacy: giving in to the temptation of a bite means toying with the limits between pain and pleasure, a thin line that can increase arousal.

Sensory stimulation: The lips, tongue and teeth are equipped with many nerve endings. One little bite or pinch is capable of giving way to a stream of sensations, ranging from a gentle tickle all the way to the brink of pain, that is quickly replaced by a rush of endorphins.

The psychological factor: Biting your partner or being bitten is linked to the feeling you get when you break the rules. Here, you stray away from a simple touch in order to venture into much more primitive territory, where adrenaline and curiosity mix with sensuality.

A game of power: Bite or get bitten, predator or prey. This can, depending on one’s preferences, reinforce the feeling of domination, submission or complicity, whilst still being part of shared pleasure.

Before diving right into it, take a minute to discuss with your partner. Which parts of the body should you focus on and which parts should be avoided? What level of intensity is each participant ready to endure?

• The neck: A sure winner due to the heightened level of sensitivity of the area as well as its highly erotic nature.
• The ears: The skin here is thin, a light pinch is enough to arouse the senses.
• The shoulders and upper back: The perfect place for a stronger bite. Keep in mind the risk of leaving visible marks.
• The thighs: A very sensitive area of the body, perfect for testing intensity levels.
  

Start slowly. Even a simple pinch of the lips or a light suck is enough to waken the senses.

Take your time increasing the pressure. Don’t start by immediately ‘chomping down’, allow the level of pleasure to slowly rise, and make sure to keep checking up on your partner’s reactions.

Play around with the pressure. Alternating between kisses and bites increases the contrast between soft and spicy.

Good communication, well-defined rules and a few simple precautions will ensure you enjoy your experience to the fullest.

Like any other ‘intense’ kind of practice, biting can come with risks (infections, bruises etc.).

Dental hygiene is imperative for this reason, make sure to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, or use mouthwash beforehand. It’s equally important that the skin is not broken; avoid biting down too hard so blood isn’t drawn.

It’s recommended that you and your partner choose a safeword, this will help to limit pain and indicate when to stop in case things go too far. The safeword chosen must be easily understood by both parties, if someone uses the safeword then all actions must be stopped immediately. This way nobody feels overwhelmed or forced to do something they’re not wanting to.

1. Role play: Put on some fake teeth and dark makeup to immerse yourself fully into the vampire fantasy. You could even try a predator/prey type situation inspired by the fantasy world.
2. Accessories: Use candles for dimmer lighting, prepare a playlist with music that will get you into the mood (gothic style music for example)
3. Sensual scene setting: Start off with a gentle massage, then gradually work in little bites here and there as desire increases.
   

Biting offers an emotional and sensory outlet that brings us close to our natural instincts. Straying away from classic touching is a great way to experience different sensations and to break away from routine.

Nevertheless, people’s physical and psychological limits must be respected. Nobody should feel forced into a situation, nor should they be subjected to any non consensual pain.

If you’re feeling deeply uncomfortable, uneasy, or if this fantasy is becoming overwhelming to the point of affecting your everyday life, it may be advisable to discuss this with a professional (a sexologist or psychologist for example), who can give you specialist advice.

Odaxelagnia, or the art of erotic bites, can be a highly sensual, intimate type of play, as long as it’s well communicated in a consenting, well-meaning environment. Be brave and speak about it with your partner, explore the different ways to integrate biting into your sex life and don’t be afraid to take your time.