Now, tell me about your mother

While Freud encouraged his patients to explore their suppressed Oedipal complex, he neglected investigating an entirely different mummy relationship.

Mummification, a specialised bondage, involves the entire body being wrapped tightly until immobilised. Holes, including one for breathing, are then cut to allow access to areas, such as the genitals. Used in BDSM 'play', the aim of the game is restriction of movement and dominance/submission.

While traditional bondage involves ropes and ties, they don't allow for the feel of complete encasement, so a variety of materials are used by the afficianado, such as duct tape, bandages, plaster of Paris, pantyhose or cling film (aka saran wrap) .

Yes, I hear you gasp, cling film. Makes me kind of glad I don't do sandwiches. I'm not sure I will be able to look at a pack up in quite the same way again. However with it being so readily available and relatively inexpensive, it's the perfect choice for those experimenting with these sensations. Plus, I'd imagine that it wouldn't wax your body hair in the process like duct tape might...although I'm not sure that would be a good thing if your real turn-on was pain!

A variety of materials and tools are available for the connoisseur to explore this BDSM niche. With vet bandages, clingfilm and pallet wrap available in the colours of the rainbow, I am reminded that as with any fetish, all senses must be stimulated and a mummy in hot pink duct tape would certainly do that for most people!

DVDs, JPGs and forums on this subject are plentiful on the net. Sites such as Mummification Sex provide their members with a vast library of images and film covering every taste in sensory depravation.

However, some tastes are more specialised than others. Ulrich Harburste is a man with a distinct and unique fixation - indeed, his is a very specialised fetish. The author fantasises about clingfilm play with his 'monochrome buddha', Roy Orbison.

In February, Ulli released a book, Novel of Roy Orbison in Clingfilm and has a website devoted to his interest in the Pretty Woman crooner. Harburste's tales have developed such a cult following that musician Dr Snooks has put one of the stories to music - definitely worth a listen!