Dare to Try and Explore — the Joys of Figging
If you haven’t heard about figging, don’t worry. It’s not a wide-spread kink like bondage, but it is somewhat known in some social circles. If you don’t know what it is — strap ON, you’re in for a wild ride.
What Is Figging?
Those who love nothing more than to mix pain and pleasure will tell you that figging is a practice that combines the best of both worlds. It burns like a fire that rivals the pits of hell in us while bringing us heavenly pleasure at the same time.
But, let’s move on from the romance novel metaphors and get down to the nitty-gritty. What is figging anyway?
Figging is the practice of peeling a ginger root and inserting it into an anus or a vagina. Sounds great, right?
If you’ve ever eaten ginger on its own, you’ll know that it’s a really spicy root. It’s hot, and it burns a blazing trail down your chest when you swallow.
Now imagine that in your private regions. Is that something you’d be willing to try?
If the answer is ‘NO” then you’re missing out. Here’s why figging is the most tantalizing practice that deserves all your attention!
Sounds Intriguing, but Why Even Try It?
Figging was (surprise, surprise) a form of punishment in Ancient times. Ancient Greeks dabbled in some pretty weird things, so it’s no wonder that they thought of this particular practice.
The feeling of ginger seeping its fiery juices directly onto the sensitive skin of an anus or a vagina was a mild or even an extreme and cruel punishment meant to restrict people’s movements.
Today, figging is a fairly known practice within the BDSM community due to the burning sensation. However, even people who only dabble in mixing pain and pleasure should consider figging as a nice little experiment.
Who knows — it might turn into a more than a one-time thing!
The best part about figging is that you can control the effects by leaving the ginger root in for a short or a long time, depending on the outcome you’re going for.
However, you can also remove it fairly quickly while still being able to feel the consequences during intercourse. The burning sensation will stay with you for quite some time.
Is It for Everyone — Who Likes Figging?
The obvious answer is — no. Not everyone will appreciate the fine art of figging.
But, those who do are most likely bonafide (or secret) pain lovers. Those who enjoy pain will love figging. The oh-so-familiar burning stretch of anal intercourse will be heightened with figging.
What’s more, figging is an ideal way to experiment with pain and pleasure, because you don’t really need that much equipment.
Many kinks require additional tools like toys, ropes, and other materials you have to get beforehand. For figging, all you need is a willing partner and a well-sized ginger root that you’ll quickly fashion into a dildo, a butt plug, or a small wedge that will stimulate the clitoris.
So, figging is an excellent choice for those who are adventurous, like pain and are short on toys or ideas.
As mentioned before, figging is a rare practice. What’s more, it became almost a forgotten practice lately.
With the various devices available on the sex toy market, it’s no wonder that the simple ginger root has been forgotten. However, if you’re looking to go old-school and try out some Ancient Greece kinky stuff, there’s nothing better than figging.
Figging 101 — How Do I Approach It?
While choosing a perfect piece of ginger root for figging, try to find one that has several “fingers.” That will make fashioning a dildo and a butt plug much more manageable.
It also leaves some room for error. If you accidentally mess up and make the dildo/plug too small, too wide, or it breaks in your hand, you’ll have plenty of roots to spare.
Choose Wisely
It’s also crucial that you choose a root that hasn’t been cut. Buy a whole root, because if it’s cut beforehand, the juices are much less potent and the burning sensation will be mild at best.
Furthermore, make sure that the fingers of the ginger root are long and thick enough. Otherwise, they might snap while you’re trying to fashion them into a dildo or a butt plug. What’s more, if they are too thin, they might snap while inside of you.
If you’re only looking to stimulate the clitoris, then the size won’t matter, but it’s a reasonably crucial factor for dildos and butt plugs.
What’s more, it’s especially important that you leave enough room to make a base. If you’re making a butt plug, you don’t want it to slip in and get lost. That will quickly turn playtime into “we have to go to the ER” time.
You can use a kitchen knife to peel the root and shape it into the desired toy. Don’t leave any skin, as it will prevent the oil from doing its magic.
Make sure to round the edges, so they don’t rip your skin while going in. However, make a small groove at the base of your toy that will act as a flared base that will prevent the root from slipping in. It will also make it easier for you or your partner to pull it out.
Always Go Slowly
And the final step is, of course, inserting the newly crafted toy. Be warned — lubricant will significantly ease the ginger while it goes in, but we don’t recommend using it.
The lubricant will dilute the ginger oil and diminish its effect. Therefore, it’s best to go with good old saliva when it comes to lubrication.
What Sensations Can I Expect?
Well, don’t be surprised if you don’t feel anything at first.
As your skin warms the root and stimulates the release of oils, you’ll start to feel a slight warming effect. However, after a while, the warming will slowly but surely transform into a blazing heat and then, finally, into a burning sensation.
Bear in mind that not all ginger roots are equally potent. What’s more, once the peeled layer of ginger dries out, the oils will stop to seep out, and the sensation won’t be as powerful as it is in the beginning.
In these cases, you can pull the toy out and peel off another layer, to prolong your fun.
The Long-Lasting Burning Pleasure
The burning effects of the root can last anywhere from 5 minutes to several hours. Depending on skin sensitivity, root potency, and how quickly and effectively you managed to fashion the toy.
Although the sensation on its own is more than enough for some people, others like to engage in activities while ginger is still inside of them. That’s because any clenching and squeezing of the root will increase oil production and, thus, the strength of the burning sensation.
Some like to have intercourse or a spanking session. It all depends on personal preference, of course, and the way you want to mix your pain with pleasure.
Engage the Root
For females, trying out a clitorial stimulus is an excellent way to ease into figging. Oral stimulation and vaginal figging are also a fan favorite combination.
While figging is most commonly a form of anal play, anal intercourse often follows it. However, keep in mind that this can be quite painful.
If your pain threshold is low, the long-lasting burning effects after you remove the ginger root might make intercourse difficult.
Is It Safe?
All forms of pain play come with risks, and figging is no different.
We already mentioned that there’s a strong possibility that the ginger root might slip all the way in and get stuck. You can prevent that by carefully fashioning a flared base. However, make sure that the base is wide enough.
Play on the Cautious Side of Things
It’s also crucial that you insert the ginger dildo/butt plug slowly, so the root doesn’t snap inside of you or your partner.
Ginger will be somewhat slippery, so the insertion should be easy enough, but make sure you ease it in carefully.
You can use saliva as a lubricant or even real lube, which will undoubtedly make things much more comfortable (although it might diminish the effects)
The final and most obvious risk of figging is the irritation itself. The staple burning sensation due to natural ginger oils might provide more than you bargained for.
Namely, make sure you wash your hands after handling the ginger root or wear gloves while doing so. Ginger oils can severely irritate or even damage your eyes and other sensitive spots if they come in contact with it.
So make sure you handle both the root and the actual pain-play carefully.
Irritation — the Goal or a Nasty Side Effect?
Irritation of the rectal or vaginal tissue is also a real concern. Well, it’s actually a goal of figging, but everyone handles pain and irritation differently. Therefore, if you’re a novice, don’t go all in and regret it afterward.
Ease yourself in and try the ginger oil on some less sensitive (and crucial) areas before you try figging itself.
Rub some ginger oil into the crease of your elbow, for example, and wait a bit to see how your body reacts to it.
If you flare up or get results that resemble an allergic reaction then, hey, maybe figging isn’t for you.
However, if you enjoy the burn and relish in the possibilities this little experiment provides, then you just might have found your new favorite pass time.