Body worship is the erotic act of giving focused attention, reverence, or praise to a specific part of a partner’s body, often as part of a Dominant/submissive dynamic. Clinically, it falls under partialism and power exchange, where arousal arises through symbolic or literal acts of devotion.
Common variations include worshipping feet, legs, buttocks, genitals, or musculature. Acts may include kissing, licking, massaging, or verbally praising the chosen body part. Body worship may be ritualised within BDSM scenes or explored as sensual foreplay without power dynamics.
Psychologically, body worship reinforces themes of admiration, submission, or objectification. It may provide confidence and emotional intimacy for the person being worshipped and emotional release or arousal for the one worshipping. For some, it centres on ritual, performance, or identity validation.
Safety considerations include hygiene, mutual consent, and emotional readiness—particularly where vulnerability or degradation themes are explored. Communication around touch preferences and limits enhances the experience for both parties.
Related terms include foot fetish, sensual play, submission, and service kink, all of which may feature in or enhance acts of body worship.
