Breath play (short holds)

Counted breath holds, a hand over the mouth, or a light open hand on the throat — nose clear, no bag, no cord.

Why people do it

A short, counted hold changes the state of consciousness quickly, and the fear of not being able to breathe is a very direct kind of intensity.

Smallest way in

A counted hold they do themselves, or one open hand on the front of the throat for five counts, nose clear, their free hand on the forearm so they can pull it off.

What to watch

Lift the hand at once for a tap, dizziness or a colour change. Five counts, then a full breath. No bag, no cord, no sealed nose, and never after the hands are tied or when they are alone. Pressure that stays on the neck can kill with no warning.

In the planner

5 different things carry this tag, and switching it off removes every one of them. The mildest of them sits at medium.