Shibari Academy

Box ties in Shibari create a box or rectangular frame shape, usually by binding the arms behind the person's body. This technique is a Shibari foundation and is used in many ties of varying complexity (See Gote Shibari, Star Harness with Arms, Hexagon Chest Harness, and Hishi Chest Harness).

Most people with average shoulder and back flexibility can comfortably hold this position. However, if you don't stretch after arm workouts, you might find it a bit challenging. A good practice for all Shibari enthusiasts (and all adults in general after a certain age) is to stretch daily to maintain and improve flexibility.

In Shibari, there are two main types of chest harnesses: those that restrain and those that don't. Within the category of chest harnesses that restrain, we can divide most of them into two subcategories: Those that tie only the wrists and those that tie the wrists and arms. 

The Cross-Chest Box Tie is a solid introduction to ties that bind both wrists and arms. When tying the arms, cinches are used to securely fasten the ropes and bind more strongly. Adding cinches provides an additional layer of restraint that can be soothing and highly desirable. 

Ask your partner how this tie feels when compared to chest harnesses that only tie the wrists such as the Half-Diamond Chest Harness. Which one do they prefer? How does adding the cinches change their experience? The more questions you ask the deeper your experience will become and the stronger the bond between partners becomes.

Have fun tying!

Eve