A Tingling Guide to Figging (Have Safe, Burning Fun!)

Have you heard of the act of figging? Was it through The Fifty Shades series or maybe through history?

Perhaps, it’s your first time hearing about it!

Well then, it’s quite a gingery topic if you ask us. And maybe it’ll warm you up real good on a cold night when your sexual needs are on overdrive.

In this article, we’ll be discussing about the bold sexual practice of figging, why people like it, and the safety risks surrounding this practice. Alongside this, we’ll teach you how to do it and a few extra tips to remember before getting your roots on.

What is Figging?

Vice defines figging as a sexual practice of “placing a raw-peeled ginger into someone’s anus.” 

Yup, you heard us right. A ginger! But over time, other delicate orifices, such as the urethra or vagina, have been included. Sexpert Juliet Chiara spoke to Cosmopolitan more about this practice, saying that it “creates a deliberate and intense burning sensation”, which is the main point. This rather pleasure-through-pain act is mainly for erotic excitement and humiliation.

Also known as “gingering”, it can be classified as a type of sensation play that can get you all hot. But not bothered everywhere. Hmm well, that may depend on your personal pain tolerance.

Why Is It Called Figging Without Any Figs?

Oh, and you must’ve noticed that we haven’t mentioned figs, like the actual produce such as ginger. Well actually, they’re not involved here. Body+Soul states that gigging is coined from “feague”, or “feaguing”, which references horses wherein their breeder, caretaker, or an equestrian place a ginger up the animal’s anus to appear livelier and make their tails wag higher. This old, non-consensual practice has been recognized as an act of animal cruelty ever since and has been stopped. 

Historically, figging was used as a punishment for slaves from Ancient times, specifically the Ancient Greeks. There were also unsupported historical claims that figging was either a means to punish young school children during the Victorian era or as a kink between couples even then.

But currently, figging is more known under a sexual lens for those who dare love a sting up their *hmph*. The ginger can even be a DIY anal plug if you enjoy backdoor play, a vibrator, or dildo! The choice is yours.

Why Do People Like Figging?

Let’s unlock a few top reasons why people like this tingly sexual practice.

1 They like the burn.

Quite the obvious, but gingers are commonly known for their warming and tingling properties. No matter how it’s ingested, as a drink or an ingredient in a dish, it’s easy to distinguish its properties and taste. Plus, the build-up of figging is gradual. It’ll slowly creep up on your chosen orifice, teasingly prolonging the sensations before they all hit you at once. 

The unique process starts off with warmth upon contact with the ginger and your orifice. Then, once there’s a longer interaction, there are tingling sensations. From tingles, that known burning that the properties of gingers bring erupts and intensifies as it’s the cherry on top of figging.

These tingling and burning sensations can provide a massive amount of pleasure and stimulation to the person being figged, making them like the practice. Regardless of their orifice of choice, how their body feels good when it interacts with the ginger gives them more reason to keep this sexual practice in their list of preferences.

2 They want to try something new.

Everyone gets sexually curious at some point in their life. It’s a normal and natural part of life, so we are consistently (and safely) venturing through our sexuality, sexual interests (e.g. kinks and fetishes), or any new practices we hear of. When it comes to sex or anything related to it, there’s always something fresh and new to explore to avoid boredom and routine.

So with figging, you’re experimenting with the “pain” of a tingly ginger to find and eventually bask in pleasure. There’s sensation play involved, which is a kink on its own. You also don’t need that much equipment other than a properly prepared ginger. Easy so far, right? However, the more often you engage in figging, the more you can incorporate other toys and practices once your body fully adjusts to the stinging sensations. Some examples of practices you can add are spanking and caning aka. impact play.

3 There’s enhanced sensitivity. 

This reason is basically the whole point of sensation play! Figging ignites warming and tingling sensations from the ginger to the targeted body part. Hence, this practice can heighten the sensitivity and bring intense pleasure moving forward through your private time with your partner.

4 There’s a strong release of endorphins.

During any sexual activity, we release endorphins in our body. Endorphins are chemicals that impact our mood, relieve us from any pain, and even promote more pleasure in our body. From the latter, the sex we’re having would feel much better as it continues. And figging is no exception here, even if there’s “pain” from it.

5 It’s associated with BDSM.

Once again, with the pain in pleasure in figging, it’s something that people with an avid interest in BDSM would like. For example, there can be power exchange involved in figging. There’s a dominant who’s in control of how the ginger shall please, tease, or “torture” their submissive. As for the latter, they give up power as they are okay with feeling “vulnerable” to such arousing sensations. Roleplay that involves the Dominant/Submissive dynamic can be added here too. 

Safety and Health Risks of Figging

It’s a no-brainer that inserting ginger into your body can have some risks linked along with it. Learn more about those risks through this informative section.

1 The ginger is not properly prepared. 

Preparation is an important step, especially when insertion is involved. That way, you won’t get hurt.

In the case of figging, the ginger can get stuck if the base isn’t constructed right. Since the ginger is a root plant, it doesn’t have the usual structure of any sex toy, so carving and cutting it manually is important. If you want it in the shape of an anal toy, ensure its base is flared for easy removal. We don’t want a lost ginger within your body during the session.

Another way to get hurt from lack of preparation is not skinning it right. It can painfully scrape your genital area, making the practice of figging not as enjoyable as you would’ve hoped.

2 The way the ginger was used is wrong.

The last thing you want from figging is losing the ginger in your chosen orifice if the pace of penetration is wrong. By setting the penetration as deep and strong, it can destroy the ginger from the inside, which makes it hard to retrieve and remove. All of this, even if the base you crafted is flared! 

Thus, you should insert the ginger at an easy and reasonable distance. The penetration is light and careful, so the one being figged doesn’t get hurt and enjoy themselves without any worries.

3 There’s a possibility of bacterial transmission.

Any sexual practice such as figging involves the insertion of an object that carries the risk of bacteria, which makes one prone to its transmission within their body. Hence, it’s important to clean up before and after figging and practice proper hygiene habits too. By cleaning up, we mean that you shouldn’t forget to wash your hands, the ginger that’ll be used, and the part of your body where the ginger was inserted afterward. And oh, don’t even think of double dipping.

4 People have varying pain tolerances.

Everyone’s pain tolerances are different, wherein some can handle it better than others. Some are more sensitive and more cautious. With a sexual practice like figging where sensations are involved, figuring out your pain tolerance is crucial. That way, you’d know your limits and boundaries. 

And while you’re at it, this practice must be done in moderation. Leaving it for too long can inflame the person being figged.

5 Ginger can spark an allergic reaction. 

Indeed, it’s possible for some people to be allergic to ginger and any of its properties. The allergy can range from mild to severe reactions, leading to overall discomfort and irritation upon body contact or ingestion. It’s important to know your allergies so that if you’re more aware of whether or not figging is a sexual practice, you can venture on. Nobody wants to have and deal with an inflamed body part after sex.

Figging 101 – How To Do It?

This step-by-step guide is for partnered figging, although a majority of tips mentioned here can apply to solo figging as well.

1 Do your research.

Aside from this informative guide that we’ve curated about figging, this sexual practice is not something to take lightly. It requires a lot of preparation and knowledge beforehand so that the parties involved can have a smooth experience. With that, take a deep dive along the internet after reading this guide for further information on the risks, sensations, and more about figging. Knowledge is power, after all.

2 Talk to your partner about it.

If you’re keen on embarking on this sexual practice with your partner, it’s important to tell them. Having open and honest conversations about sex with each other makes it easier to communicate your needs and desires without feeling shy or hesitant. That way, you’d know more things about each other. So in this case, it’s figging. Tell them what it’s about and why it interests you.

Give them time to think about it, and accept whatever answer they give you. What’s even more important here is to get each other’s clear, enthusiastic, and verbal consent before doing anything.

3 Pick the right ginger.

Oh, the main component of figging! Ensure to select a ginger root that is fresh, smooth, and firm. It should also be unpeeled to remain fresh for a long period. But when you’re ready to play around with it, it must be peeled properly and cut suitable to avoid sharp edges.

4 Prepare it properly.

As mentioned earlier, the ginger should be cut and carved correctly. A kitchen knife shall be okay to use during this process. Round any edges you can see as well so insertion won’t cause any pain or damage to the person being figged. 

If you’re eager for anal play, ensure that the base is flared for easy insertion and removal. Similar to an anal plug. Then if the ginger is used inside the vagina, the size or structure shouldn’t matter as long as you’re comfortable and there are no blemishes in the ginger. But if you’re crafting a DIY dildo or vibrator out of ginger, make use of your given sex toys for reference.

5 Take your time with insertion.

Once the final form of your gingery toy is done, it’s time to play. Regardless if it’s your first or twentieth time engaging in figging, it’s key to move slowly upon sliding the tapered side of the root inside of you. Don’t force anything, and catch your breath as you adjust to the feeling and girth. If any discomfort arises, remove the root and halt everything.

6 Observe each other’s reactions.

If ever things work out as you adjust to the root, take this moment for the gradual effect of the ginger. Let those tingling and warming sensations erupt slowly, and allow yourself to react honestly. If you’re the one figging your partner, notice how they react to the sensations. That way, you can monitor their experience and make any necessary adjustments when you see any possible discomfort from them. Have a safe word prepared beforehand as well when things become too intense.

This step can also determine the duration of the figging session. Some people like short yet strong sessions, while others like it longer to further amplify their sensations. It all depends on personal preferences here too. In addition to this, people can add other activities when they’re more experienced with figging to spice things up even more.

7 Be careful with the removal.

When you’re ready to eject the ginger from your body after receiving your needed pleasure, it should be done slowly and carefully. The same pace as how you inserted it earlier. It also helps construct a safe plan to gently remove the ginger to avoid discomfort or irritation afterwards. Make sure to breathe properly when you remove it.

8 Don’t forget aftercare!

As the ginger is out, it’s time to provide comfort and care for one another. Especially to the person who was figged to calm down their senses after such an intense experience. That’s where sex aftercare enters the chat, which marks the final stage of sex and is often disregarded. But we’re telling you right here and now that it’s a crucial step. It’s a way to reaffirm your trust in one another and cater to your emotional well-being. 

9 Clean up after.

A part of aftercare, but it definitely deserves its own highlight. Figging can get messy as it’s a root with a distinct smell, leaving oils and more traces wherever it’s applied or ingested. As much as possible, clean up by washing your hands diligently and the body part where figging occurred.

10 Debrief with each other after.

Communicating with your partner never stops before and during the figging session. Whether it’s your first time or not, discussing your thoughts and opinions about the session is helpful. Talk about what went right, what can be improved, and even what other activities try to do alongside it when you’re more experienced in figging.

Safety Tips Before Engaging in Figging

Now, hold your horses and gingers. No, we’re not referencing the former act of cruelty either. Before getting down and busy into figging, we have a few safety tips to remember to have a fun experience for those involved.

1 Constantly communicate with one another.

Emphasizing this again. That way, you and your partner are constantly on the same page.

2 Know and establish your boundaries.

Your personal and sexual boundaries are things that you need to reflect on as you learn more about figging. Once you figured them out, voice them out to your partner (if partnered figging) so they’re aware and won’t cross any lines.

3 Go to the bathroom beforehand.

We don’t want any unnecessary accidents beforehand. IYKYK.

4 Respect each other’s pain tolerances.

Everyone’s pain tolerances are different from one another. Some can feel pain easily, while for others, it’s a slow yet gradual build-up. Or what might feel good for one may be excruciating for the other. So with a bold act such as figging, paying respect to each other’s pain tolerances is crucial. 

It’s because it creates a safe and positive environment for the parties involved. Consent must be at the center of this experience as well. 

5 Try alternatives.

The sexual practice of figging can be and feel intimidating. Yet if you’re still interested in trying it, you can venture slowly through ginger oil, temperature play for either cool or warm sensations, or lubes infused with menthol qualities. Those alternatives can still heighten your senses without any produce going up your body.

Takeaway

And that’s a wrap on our beginner’s guide on figging! This tingling sexual practice may have a questionable (and rather cruel) history, but now, consent is an important factor here. With the proper preparation, following the listed instructions, and knowing its risks, figging can be an enjoyable sexual activity for individuals and those playing solo. So make sure to use your ginger right!