View source for SM ← SM Jump to: navigation, search You do not have permission to edit this page, for the following reason: The action you have requested is limited to users in the group: editors. You can view and copy the source of this page: SM, or Sadomasochism is the giving or receiving of pleasure—often sexual—from acts involving the [[sadist| infliction]] or [[masochist| reception]] ([[sadomasochist| or both]]) of pain and/or [[humiliation]]. A subset of [[BDSM]], practitioners of sadomasochism usually seek out sexual gratification from these acts, but can also seek out other forms of personal pleasure. The abbreviation S&M is often used for sadomasochism to indicate ''Sadism and Masochism'', although practitioners themselves often drop the & and use the acronym SM or S/M. Sadomasochism is not considered a clinical [[paraphilia]] unless such practices lead to clinically significant distress or impairment for a diagnosis. Similarly, sexual sadism within the context of mutual [[consent]] should not be mistaken for acts of sexual violence or aggression. The term "Sadomasochism" has been loosely used to refer to the entire umbrella of [[BDSM]], however, this is not at all accurate as SM is only one third of the subdivisions present in the term BDSM. == Best Practices == Always be sure to [[negotiate]] before entering a [[scene]]. Intense and skillful SM experiences may result in [[subspace]] and require [[aftercare]]. [[Best Practices]] indicate not to engage in any sort of SM when: *pregnant *under the influence of intoxicants *on heavy medications and hormones *in a poor mental state *not properly nourished and hydrated *in the presence of [[vanilla]] individuals or children (see [[consent]]) === Good pain and bad pain === Very few who engage in SM enjoy processing all kinds of pain. To eroticize pain generally requires a correct [[low and slow| warm up]] as well as appropriate [[head space]]. Simply stubbing one's toe at random is not likely able to be processed mentally as erotic by most. [[Category:Theory]][[Category: Acronyms]][[Category:Spiritualism]] Return to SM.