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What is primal play?

The term 'primal play' is popping up everywhere recently. Kinkurious? Here's what it means.

Reading time 2 min read ~400 words
Written by Isobel Clark Sensuali editorial team
Last updated 24 June 26 Reviewed quarterly
Evidence 0 cited sources Peer-reviewed where possible
what is 'primal play'?

We recently spoke to ambassador WrestleTanya about the services she offers on Sensuali, where she mentioned her love for primal play. The term has recently been gaining attention in our increasingly sex-positive society. Here’s what it means. 

What is primal play?

Rooted in the raw and instinctive aspects of human nature, primal play embraces an animalistic style of intimacy. It’s a practice that taps into our primal instincts, transcending conventional notions of lovemaking. It embraces a raw approach to physical intimacy, where partners connect on a deeper level through uninhibited expressions of desire and passion.

Primal play enthusiasts believe that by shedding societal inhibitions and embracing their most authentic, animalistic selves, individuals can experience a heightened sense of liberation and closeness with their partners.

 

Is primal play similar to pet play?

No, not really. Primal play isn’t another word for pet play, because it doesn’t involve us ‘pretending’ to be other animals. Instead, primal play is about simply remembering that we as humans are animals in our own right. In other words, it’s not about putting on an act, but actually letting go of the ‘act’ that we play as human beings in modern day society and embracing ourselves as simply creatures of this world. 

 

Is primal play part of BDSM?

The power play that forms the basis of BDSM can be easily incorporated into primal play because our animalistic side is very linked to power and survival. Many primal play lovers incorporate a predator/prey dynamic as chasing or being chased can really kick in our instinctive behaviour.

Other words used for the predator in primal play are ‘hunter’ and ‘alpha’. However, this kind of BDSM is unlikely to involve chains and whips, as it’s all about using what we naturally have, that being, fists, nails, teeth…you get the picture. 

 

What does primal play involve?

First, it’s about getting into the mindset. Some people find ways to get super horny beforehand so that once they are into the ‘play’ they are very ready to completely let loose. Others find the best way to connect with their instinctive self is to meditate or do breathing practices. 

Once you’re in the thick of it, primal play can be pretty chaotic. It’s very much like normal sexual activity, but it can involve scratching, biting, grabbing, grunting, hair pulling, smelling and tasting. It’s very sensory and, you guessed it, primal.

Due to the intense nature of primal play, two of the most important things in the process are getting consent before you let loose, and a good aftercare session once you’ve calmed down. If primal play sparks your curiosity, always make sure to incorporate these elements into the action. 

 

Discover unique experiences similar to primal play on Sensuali today.

 

First published 17 July 23
Last updated 24 June 26
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The Author

Isobel Clark

Isobel is a writer and creative based in Paris. She has been working with Sensuali since 2022 and is deeply passionate about eroticism, kink, the feminine experience of pleasure and its place in art and culture. Originally from a Northern UK seaside town, she is naturally…

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