Vomit Play (Rainbow Showers)

Vomit Play (Rainbow Showers)

Vomit play (Rainbow Showers)is sexual play that involves vomit.

The Appeal:

• The Taboo: As vomit is not culturally valued, those that engage in play with vomit may find they become aroused due to breaking cultural taboos.
• Humiliation Play: Those who choose to be vomited upon may get turned on by the humiliation of the act. Those who choose to vomit upon another may be aroused by humiliating someone else.
• Sounds: For some, the arousal from vomit play comes from the noises that are made during the process of vomiting.
• Physiological Feeling: For the partner who is vomiting, there can be arousal felt due to the physiological feeling of release.
• Other Factors: Other factors that may induce arousal during vomit play are the smell, temperature, colors and texture of the vomit.

Safety: Although there is little known about the effects of vomiting on someone else, continuous vomiting (vomiting on a regular basis) can result in stomach acid eating away at teeth, and tissues in the mouth, throat and stomach. Because of the negative consequences of stomach acid on the body, the ingestion of vomit during play is not recommended. Additionally, continuous vomiting can result in malnutrition and dehydration which can lead to hair, skin, nail, and cardiovascular complications. For these reasons it is important to make sure that proper diet and fluid intake are followed before and after play. Overuse of vomit-inducing agents like ipecac can lead to disorders of the muscles and heart.

Important Note: It is essential that players establish consent and discuss boundaries before engaging in any type of sexual play.

A Normal Variation of Sexual Expression: Although culturally, vomit play may be considered abnormal, the only ‘normal’ element in the realm of human desire is variation — every human being will express their needs and desires in different forms. If the play is being done in a consensual and non-coercive manner, then it is simply another variation in human desire, regardless of how it fits in with societal taboos or expectations of normalcy.

Counseling: Because vomit play is a part of natural variation within the realm of human desire, counseling is not necessary if the players do not feel it necessary. However, if counseling is sought specifically to understand more about the desire, or for any sort of issue (sexual or non-sexual) where vomit play may come up, it is important to seek a sex-positive counselor or therapist as they are specifically trained to create a comfortable space in which to discuss the activity.

When to Be Concerned: Although engaging in vomit play itself should not be a reason for concern, there are certain behaviors that may necessitate professional help. If you or a partner are engaging in any of the following behaviors, it may be time to seek the help of a sex-positive counselor or therapist:

• If you find yourself fixated upon the play, obsessing over the play, or missing out on everyday activities (i.e. work, school, social activities, etc) to engage in the play.
• If you need to engage in vomit play (including simply thinking about it) to feel fully sexually satisfied.
• If you find yourself being coerced into engaging in the play when you don’t want to.
• If you find yourself coercing others to engage in the play.
• If you find yourself feeling resentful, angry, upset, mad, annoyed with your partner because she won’t either try vomit play, or will only engage in the behavior once or twice a year.