With Halloween right around the corner, we here at Tabooless figure it would be very fitting to focus on one of the spookier kinks that exists. With that being said, let’s delve deep into the dark desires of vampirism!
Believe it or not, real-life vampires actually DO exist. Well, those who partake in the vampire lifestyle that is. These individuals may not burst into flames via sun exposure, nor are they likely to turn into bats come nightfall, however one particularity that they all share in common is their unique desire to consume human blood.
The vampire lifestyle, which has been rapidly growing within the past decade, is an alternative lifestyle whereby individuals, referred to as vampires, partake in the practice of drinking human blood. The reasons for this bizarre practice differ from class to class. That’s right, there are different types of vampires. These variations of class are determined by the reasons behind their desire to consume human blood. Each different class drinks blood in order to experience and achieve different and unique sensations.
Types of vampires
There are three main categories of vampires. Others exists as well, however, they often fall into subcategories of the main three.
Firstly, we have Sanguinarians (from the Latin word sang meaning blood). Sanguinarians are those who consume blood in order to absorb the energy of the individual they are drinking from, thus gaining a sense of vitality via another’s life source.
Secondly, there exist psychic vampires, those who, similarly, satiate themselves on blood for the purpose of attaining nourishment from the psychic or auric energies of others. This branch of vampirism is similar to the first, yet slightly more spiritual; psychic vampires believe that the psychic energy of others is needed in order to balance out their own spiritual energy. Despite the eroticism that is often associated with vampires, both these branches of vampirism are not at all sexual in nature. However, there is one group that intermingles the consumption of human blood with sex. That branch, of course, is the one that we will be focusing on today. These vampires are fittingly referred to as blood fetishists.
Blood Fetishists are sexually aroused by either consuming another’s blood, or by feeding someone else (i.e. having someone drink their own blood). To many, the thought, sight and even the smell of blood is enough to make them feel lightheaded and nauseous. So, what is it about blood and vampirism that is so appealing to some? Appealing enough that individuals will conform to a specific and outlandish lifestyle. As with any unusual kink, we are left asking the question, “why?” What is it about vampires that, for many, is just so damn sexy?
Why so sexy?
Well for one, vampires have always been depicted in literature and media as being extremely seductive and enticing individuals.
One of their “powers,” if you will, is their ability to place others into a trance-like state through their hypnotic gaze. This siren-like ability of hypnosis has obvious sexual connotations. Placing someone under your spell through seductive eye contact is pretty hot. Not to mention that, once under your spell, they are completely submissive to your every wish and desire. This aspect of domination and submission is quite often the subject matter of vampire erotica fanfiction.
The act of feeding in and of itself is also quite erotic when you think about the process of it. The penetration of the fangs, the closeness of the individuals and the exchange/swallowing of bodily fluids cannot be seen in any other light other than erotic. Thus, it is hard to argue against the fact that everything about vampires screams sex! Yet what is it about the actual blood that turns people on?
Clinical vampirism or Renfield Syndrome
The obsession with drinking human blood is referred to as Renfield syndrome or clinical vampirism. If you are familiar with Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula, you may recognize this name. Fittingly, the disorder is named after the fictional character R.M Renfield. In the novel, Renfield was an inmate in a mental institution, hospitalized because he suffered from delusions which would compel him to eat living creatures in order to obtain their life-force via their blood.
Renfield syndrome can be, but is not always, related to blood consumption in order to obtain sexual gratification. Veritable sources and reports of human blood-drinking behaviors in regard to sex can be found in psychiatric literature from as early as 1892.
Clinical vampirism is also observed in many sexual and violent crimes. Perhaps the most famous example of this is the unsolved case referred to as the Atlas Vampire murder. In 1932, in the Atlas area near Stockholm Sweden, a 32-year-old sex worker by the name of Lilly Lindeström was found murdered in her apartment. She was found face-down on her bed and had died from blunt force trauma to the head. A bloody soup ladle was found next to her body. Upon further investigation, the coroner’s report had determined that Lilly’s body had been entirely drained of its blood and it is assumed that the killer had been drinking her blood out of the ladle.
Blood: the primal life-source
There are several different theories as to why individuals may be so intensely attracted to blood. According to Galen Fous, a sex therapist and fetish educator, the attraction to blood may stem from a primal instinct that is shared amongst humans. Sex and blood are undoubtedly primal in nature.
Blood is the life-force that keeps us alive. With each pump of the heart, blood flows through our vascular system nourishing and feeding our cells and tissues. Blood is also associated with primordiality in terms of the female menstrual cycle. When a young woman begins to menstruate, it is nature’s way of indicating that she is ready to procreate.
Intimacy
Aside from the physiological relation between blood and the heart, metaphorically, the liquid is also associated with the romantic organ. In terms of intimacy, allowing another to extract and consume our life-source requires a large amount of trust to be shared between participants. Not to mention that its red color serves as the color of lust and passion. And for this reason, blood is probably the most intimate fluid that can be shared.
The life and death aspect associated with the substance can be quite the titillating notion for many blood fetishists. There are several kinks that play on the notions of pushing the limits of life and death. Similar risky behaviors can also be seen through certain types of BDSM, edge play, knife play and auto-erotic asphyxiation.
But should we drink human blood?
Now even though you or someone you know may find blood consumption arousing, does this mean that you should go ahead and drink away?
Well, regardless of the answer, people will always continue to do whatever it is they want to do. Especially when it comes to sexual fetishism. However, it is always important to do your research and vigorously investigate the potential risk factors associated to a given practice before partaking in it.
In brief, the short answer to this question would be NO. Consuming human blood in large quantities can actually be toxic and extremely dangerous. This is because blood contains very high levels of iron and, while iron is necessary, in large doses, it is possible to experience an iron overdose. The human body has difficulty in excreting excess iron. Therefore, ingesting a large amount of the iron-rich substance can lead to a myriad of health issues such as liver damage, fluid buildup in the lungs, dehydration, low blood pressure and nervous disorders to name a few.
In small doses, however, and if the blood is completely free from pathogens, there wouldn’t be much harm in the occasional teaspoon or two. This being said, it is still not recommended. Interestingly, it is generally safer to drink or ingest (via raw meat) a small amount of animal blood rather than human blood. So if you’re really craving a sip, opt for the animal version of the substance.
Aside from hemochromatosis (i.e. excessive iron intake), perhaps the most obvious risk associated with the practice would be the transmission of viruses. Particularly, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. If you drink the blood of an infected person, you could end up contracting the same disease.
It is highly important to ensure that you and your partner have been properly tested negatively for these diseases before indulging in blood fetishism. Also, do not simply take one’s word for it. Especially if you are going to share blood with a new partner, make sure to ask to see documentation and proof of their results. Even though one may feel fine and not yet express any symptoms, this does not mean that they are free from the disease.
Be careful!
All in all, if blood consumption is what turns you (and there’s nothing wrong with that!) simply make sure to be as careful as possible.
Feast on your partner in moderation and take special care not to cut too deep when using sharp objects to extract the blood. It is recommended to partake in the practice with the least amount of people as possible. In other words, blood-sucking swingers wouldn’t be the best of ideas.
As with any risky kink, the utmost precaution must always be upheld in order to ensure the safety of yourself and others around you. With that being said, if you do decide to partake in a bloody sip, enjoy! And happy Halloween!