BACKGROUND

The word daith comes from the Hebrew word “da’at” which translates to ‘knowledge’ or ‘the knowing’. It was created in 1992 by Erik Dakota and a Jewish woman client. She named it “da’at” by reasoning that the piercer must have been extremely smart to figure out exactly how to do this piercing. A true daith must be done in such a way that the bottom part of the ring appears to come directly out of the ear canal.  The technique for this piercing is quite advanced; it requires a specific needle. (Interesting fact: Erik Dakota and his client pronounced it ‘doth’ to rhyme with moth.)

MIGRAINES AND HEADACHES

It seems that daith piercings have helped some migraine sufferers although there is no scientific proof confirming this. There is also a strong belief among piercers and doctors that it may be simply a placebo effect – a strong belief that it can cure you, so it does.  However, we did find one study that had some evidence that daith piercings relieved the symptoms of chronic migraines in at least one individual, and this was believed to have something to do with this piercing occurring on an acupressure point.

PAIN AND HEALING TIME

As with any piercing, the pain is a common worry.  When compared to the helix (at the top of the ear) which feels like a ‘sharp nip’, the daith pain seems to feel more like a dull pressure.  Of course, everyone has a different pain tolerance and it is different person to person.  Still, it is widely agreed that a daith piercing is slightly more painful than earlobe piercings as it’s placed through the cartilage where you will always experience more resistance.  It seems on average, the daith takes six to nine months to fully heal and most can sleep on it within a couple of months. Personally speaking, and because it’s inside the ear, a person can sleep well on their first night.

HISTORY

It is believed the daith piercing has been around for 3,000 years. We set out to find out if the daith works through acupuncture or in some other way and found out a lot about the history.  

In 1951, Dr Paul Nogier ‘mapped’ the whole body to the ear (this is called auriculotherapy – a therapy to relieve pain using pressure points in the ear).  The chinese acupuncturists took that ‘map’ and added it to their own teachings of acupuncture.  Most interesting are the actual pressure/acupuncture points around the daith area – large intestine, small intestine, appendix, esophagus, mouth and anus – none of which have anything to do with the head or migraines.

However, in our search for answers, we came across an article written in 2017 by Dr Thomas Cohn (M.D. of the Minnesota Physical Medicine Blog).  He wrote about ‘headaches, daith piercings and the vagus nerve’, see An Update on Daith Piercings.  After over 18 months of studying the daith, he concludes it is like acupuncture and vagal nerve stimulation. (The vagal nerve – which has a branch near the ear – sends signals back to the brain that could affect neurotransmitters and hormones that lead to headaches.)  

CONCLUSION

Reading the thought-provoking articles, blogs and medical papers brings us to the conclusion that, while a lot of study has taken place on the daith piercing, no definite medical conclusion has been reached.  Fine Line took the time to call twelve of our daith customers who specifically had the piercing done for headaches, and all of those felt their headaches had decreased to some degree. Below are two quotes from happy daith customers:-

Michelle Coe from Durban

“I suffer from a rare syndrome which causes ‘stomach migraines’ and the daith piercing was recommended to me.  My pain was so bad I needed morphine to be brought out of an attack.  Since getting the daith three months ago, I have only had one attack.  Furthermore, when I do get a headache, I just press down on the piercing and it seems to subside.  I believe it has made a difference for me and definitely works for headaches.”

Taryn Fait from Johannesburg

“I’ve had three MRI’s over the years, trying to get to the reason for my constant headaches.  Nothing was ever found. While on holiday in Durban I went for a daith piercing at Fine Line and my headaches disappeared immediately.  However, on my first day back at work my headaches resurfaced, although not as bad. At first I was disappointed, but I’m now grateful that the daith showed me my headaches are caused by stress. I still believe in the daith, though, because the headaches aren’t nearly as bad as they were. I don’t know if this is a miracle cure, but it definitely helped me to a certain extent.”

While Chinese acupuncture is most likely not the reason for relieving headaches, given that the pressure points do not match, there may be something to the vagus nerve which does run up the ear.  This nerve lowers the heart rate and carries a huge range of signals from the digestive system and organs to the brain and vice-versa.  Perhaps the daith piercing simply interrupts that?

Or perhaps the answer lies with the individual alone.

Credits for facts sourced:

• Dr Chris Booth – acupuncturist from New South Wales, Australia
• Kristen Warren – author of The essential point: No, A daith piercing won’t cure your migraines The short answer to this question, unfortunately, is “no”
• Elayne Angel – author of The Piercing Bible: The Definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing (who has performed over 40,000 body piercings and did a study with Kristen Warren on the daith)

Did you know Fine Line Tattoo and Piercing issues Loyalty Cards to our customers?  If you’re becoming a tattoo, piercing or body modification ‘addict’, please ask Naz for your Loyalty Card the next time you’re at the studio.  

Loyalty and gift card customers use their cards in two ways, as set out below:-

Loyalty Points

Customers use their Loyalty Cards to get cash back on all tattoos or piercings done.  5% of the total amount paid for a tattoo or piercing is loaded onto your card and can be used as a savings towards your next tattoo or piercing.  You get money back from Fine Line every time you do a procedure.

Please note: the maximum amount of accumulated cash-back on a Loyalty Card is R1000 – this must be used before building up again. Please also note that cashback cannot be used without your card so always bring it to the Studio with you.

Gift Cards

Gift cards become your Loyalty Card. Remember to ask for a Fine Line gift card from your loved ones for your next birthday or special occasion, then turn it into your personal Loyalty Card.

Savings Card

Your Loyalty Card can also be used as your personal Savings Card simply by paying cash into it at any time.  Cash paid directly into your card does not have a maximum amount and you can save with complete peace of mind.

Thinking of a big tattoo, a piercing or advanced body modification? Deposit cash into your Loyalty Card as and when you wish, adding to your 5% cash-backs, and build up for your personal dream piece.

“Use your card as your secure tattoo cookie jar”

To find out more, contact us via e-mail on admin@finelinetattoo.co.za or call us on 087 700 2695.

There is a big movement currently centered on “Saying no to piercing guns.” These guns cause harm and damage to your ears and can do severe damage to the body. And trust us, we hear you and understand when you say ” Well, I got mine done in the mall and my ears are fine.” But, knowing what we know, and considering the following reasons, we hope this helps you change your mind, and think twice before having someone in the mall piercing your own or your child’s ears.

For those of you wondering why to “say no to piercing guns”, here are a few reasons:

Reason No.1 – Risk of infection and disease.
Because places that use piercing guns are not as regulated as tattoo and body piercing shops, they run the risk of practicing sub-par sanitation. Disease transmission and infection is even possible when using disposable needles when they are not used correctly, or if the operator does not understand or implement standard hygiene practices. Common bacteria and body fluids could potentially come into contact with any area of the piercing gun and then later can be transferred to another client.

Why even take that chance to risk serious infection?

Reason No. 2 – Piercing guns cause blunt force trauma to earlobes.
Most piercing guns aggressively force blunt-ended studs through the tissue of your ears which is painful and unnatural and can cause serious damage. This process simply forces the stud through your ear, wedging the jewelry between irritated and now-inflamed skin.

A piercing professional, such as a certified body piercing specialist, will pierce you with a razor-sharp hollow needle that will safely remove the section of skin with the needle without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. This process is generally less painful than using a piercing gun and will allow for a much more natural healing process.

Reason No. 3 – Lack of piercer training.
Most retail shops offering piercing gun services do NOT have the same health care standards and restrictions as a professional body piercing shop. Many people who have worked in these retail establishments have told us they began piercing after a short amount of training, often only a few hours. This is not enough training or knowledge to ensure proper technique or sanitary precautions adhere to proper healthcare codes.

We are dedicated to providing the most safe and sanitary environment for our customers ensuring that we meet, and exceed, all state mandated health codes. Our body piercers are career-driven professionals who are trained and experienced for your benefit.

Reason No. 4 — Bad jewelry, bad placement, bad experience.
If the first three reasons are still not enough to make you think twice about getting your ears pierced from a non-professional – AKA, anyone who uses a piercing gun – then please consider the other potential issues that may result. Bad or poor quality jewelry may be used or suggested due to the lack of knowledge and experience found in retail shops. Because a piercing is essentially creating an open wound in the ear, you will want to use professional and surgical steel jewelry when first pierced. Often customers will want more fancy or decorative jewelry but, at our shop, we ensure proper jewelry is used at the time of piercing, and proper aftercare information is provided.

Too often we see customers come in asking us to fix a bad or crooked placement of jewelry. The solution is too often the removal of the original piercing, allowing the ear to heal and then re-piercing begins – a process that could have been avoided by simply getting pierced initially by a professional body piercer.

Also, please know that piercing guns should NEVER be used to pierce any parts of the body except an earlobe. Do not use them on your cartilage or other areas of your ear. Ear cartilage can be shattered by guns and many states have added laws to prevent inappropriate use of piercing guns.

Come visit our shop or schedule a consultation. We pride ourselves on ensuring a positive and overall great experience with your piercing, especially when piercing minors. We encourage you to research the location you are using before allowing them to do something as simple as an ear piercing on your child. We also invite you to come in, check out our shop for yourself, bring your child with you, and see how dedicated we are to raising the bar from the stereotypical tattoo and body piercing shop.

This article was sourced from Stick Tattoo with minor amendments made.

Whether you have a micro tattoo, inked all over or getting your first tattoo, it’s important to think about the future.  Try to predict – as closely as you can without being a mind reader – what your tattoo may look like in forty years.  Nobody wants their beautiful ink to turn into a blot that is unrecognisable later in life.

Why choose a professional body piercer?

Below are a few important reasons:

1. 1. The studio environment is the cleanest environment. Professional piercers use aseptic techniques to ensure you are pierced using the safest, cleanest methods.
   2. Professional piercers work with needles, equipment, and tools that have been sterilized to industry standards.

• Incorrectly done procedures could lead to permanent sensation loss, paralysis of the area or excessive bleeding which could be life threatening. See photos below.

1. There is less potential for infection. The piercer takes proper precautions to prevent contamination and thoroughly cleans the piercing area before and after the procedure. This does not remove the chance of infection so make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.  Always do your aftercare as directed until your piercing is completely healed.
2. Experienced piercers constantly work on honing their skills and perfecting their personal piercing techniques.
3. Knowledgeable, trained technicians ensure piercings are properly and evenly placed on the body.
4. Professional piercers have the latest equipment. It is properly cared for and meticulously maintained to prevent problems. The right equipment is crucial if you want your session to go smoothly and the piercing itself to look beautiful.
5. Body piercing shops have a wider selection of high-quality jewelry to choose from.
6. A professional piercer is so much better at identifying potential problems than someone who has no experience.
7. Trained professionals are better at explaining the piercing process before, during and after. They can also educate the client on proper care of the piercing so the wound heals properly.
8. Whichever piercing you want, a trained technician will help give you peace of mind.  This allows you to relax during the procedure.

IMAGES OF PIERCINGS GONE BAD

Types of Body Scarring

Scarification, the practice of purposely scarring skin tissue to leave permanent marks, is a very ancient practice that reaches back to the earliest stages of the human race. This form of body modification has been used in ancient rituals as a rite of passage into adulthood and also as a sign of status and beauty. Historically, being able to withstand the pain of the process was taken as a sign of great physical and spiritual strength. Warriors also received sacred scars to identify them with their tribe, and many bearers also believed these markings had spiritual powers to protect them in battle.

Today, scarring the body is again on the upsurge, practiced as a form of personal expression along with other body arts, such as piercing and tattooing. There are a variety of options for people to choose from in order to attain the level of body scarring they desire. Modern sterilization technology and good after care information assures body art lovers a reliable degree of protection from infection, improper scarring and pain.

Branding

Body branding usually involves striking the skin with specifically-shaped hot metal to form patterns. Like most body scarification techniques, the degree of risk involved with branding makes proper aftercare crucial.

The methods used to brand skin include:

Hot branding: This method involves heating an iron that will be pressed firmly against the flesh to sear in an image or message.

Cold branding: Similar to hot branding, the cold method uses an iron dipped in liquid nitrogen before being applied to the flesh.

Electro-cauterization: This branding method produces very fine results. Lasers are able to cut very delicate lines to create intricate patterns.
Cutting

Body cutting is one of the most common ways to create permanent scars. The process involves making precision cuts in the skin with a scalpel or other surgical grade instrument to create a redesigned pattern or shape. The wound may be cut more than once, depending on the final depth of scarring desired. The deeper the scar, the bolder the resulting mark.

Keep in mind that cutting is also a term used in the medical field to describe a form of self-abuse. This is different than cutting as a means of body modification. Cutting as scarification is generally practiced as a means of achieving a personal goal, whether that goal is art or marking a life event.

Skin Removal or Peeling

Skin peeling is also a common form of body scarification. The practitioner uses surgical scalpels to slice away and remove sections of skin with the aim of creating a sometimes detailed design on the body. For best results, artists typically remove only a minimal amount of skin while stressing the importance of good aftercare to maintain both skin health and design integrity.

Additional Methods

For body art lovers who like to push even further out of the box, alternative methods of body scarification do exist. Other ways to define your individuality by scarring the skin include:

Tattoo Machine: This method includes etching or abrading the skin with an sinless tattoo machine to form a pattern or design.

Injection: This is a risky process that involves injecting noxious chemicals just under the skin to create random scar designs.

Abrasive: The artist grinds away areas of skin with a rotary tool to form precision patterns.

Scar Enhancement

Any type of scarring can be enhanced by lightly rubbing tattoo ink into the fresh wounds. Another method for enhancing a scar is to rub ashes into the completed cuts to impart color to the scars.

Enhancement should only be done by a professional who knows how to prevent infection from setting into the scars using these methods.

Scarification Reasons

Some view scarring as art while others view the practice as barbarism. To the person choosing to be scarred, both the practice and the result can have deep significance.

Ultimate Challenge

For those seeking to push themselves to the limits, enduring the pain of scarring presents one of the ultimate challenges in life. Once the veil of fear and pain has been passed, the bearer often feels euphoric and invincible to the daily rigors of life. How can anything else compare to the intense physical test just experienced?

Memorial or Tribute

Others choose scarring as a means to memorialize a significant life event, such as a birth or a death. And then there are people who simply find scarring attractive and appreciate the artistry involved to create lasting patterns in flesh. It can be an alternative to standard tattooing or a complementary practice. Scarification provides more visible results on dark skin tones than standard tattoo inks.

Scar Aftercare

After scarring, it is very important to take proper care of the wounds.Proper care and disinfection will lower the risk of infection and by protecting the scars, you will get a better final result.

It will take about three weeks for the area to fully scab over, with complete healing usually occurring around five to six weeks.

Use Only Licensed Practitioners

To be as safe as possible, scarring should only be performed by a licensed professional body artist, who can usually be found through your local tattoo shop. All the same sanitary procedures should be observed as for tattooing to prevent the spread of bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. All surfaces should be freshly disinfected and all tools should be freshly removed from sealed autoclave bags. Your practitioner/artist should wash thoroughly immediately before getting started and wear gloves and a surgical mask during the procedure.

Choosing to Scar

No matter what a person’s motivation is, scarring is an intense experience and not for the faint of heart. If the opportunity arises, watch someone else being scarred first to make sure you’re ready to handle the experience yourself.

Article Reference:

http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Scarification

Healing Process of a Tattoo Explained

Ask five different tattoo artists the best aftercare measures to help a new tattoo heal, and you’ll likely get five marginally different answers. Everyone seems to have a favorite regimen and favorite products to speed the process along. You may even get conflicting advice about what will help or hinder your fresh tattoo from settling in and healing, so you need to have some idea of the ideal conditions needed for skin to renew itself.

Skin Healing 101

When you get a tattoo, your skin is pierced hundreds, if not thousands, of times. This creates a series of minute puncture wounds that need to be cared for and protected if they are to heal without scarring or becoming infected. Wounds heal from the bottom up, and from the edges inward, so you may notice the bottom and edges of the tattoo healing first.

If your tattoo artist has the right touch, your fresh tattoo will likely be dry and relatively clear right after the procedure. However, very shortly you’ll begin to notice a sort of light dew begin to emerge from the tattooed area. This dew is technically called “exudate“, and it is a natural moisturizer that helps your skin to heal itself.

Typically, small dots of red or brown begin to appear in the exudate, and these are bits of blood that become mingled with dead skin cells to form scabs. Scabs have long been thought an important part of any healing process; however, they are not conducive to the healing process of a tattoo. Scabs tend to prolong the healing process because they trap dead skin cells on the surface, and the skin has to work harder to renew. Scabs can also lead to scarring. Remember how your parents used to tell you not to pick at a scab? It’s still good advice. Picking at a dried scab can lead to fresh wounding and eventual scarring. Under the circumstances, it’s far better to prevent a scab from forming in the first place.

Helping Your Tattoo Heal

By keeping your new tattoo clean and taking proper care of it, you have the best chance of avoiding infection and helping it to heal.

Scab Prevention

According to Tattoo Artist Magazine, it’s important to avoid scabs while allowing your new tattoo to heal. The trick to preventing scabs is to keep the wound moisturized so the healing exudate is better able to carry out its job. The fresh tattoo should be lightly and gently cleansed to assure there are no harmful bacteria present, and then a light coating of ointment should be applied over the ink. Here is where many tattoo devotees deviate on what you should use. Many people prefer to apply an antibiotic ointment to provide a protective layer that seals exudate in and germs out. Antibiotic ointments are indeed useful for about the first four days, but after this they can actually prolong healing.

Some tattoo artists recommend applying petroleum jelly, even though others say that this type of product can leach ink from a fresh tattoo. According an article on tattoo aftercare on Fox News, it’s best to use the antibiotic ointment for the first three to five days while the punctures close, and then follow up with a standard mild ointment such as a moisturizing cream recommended by the tattoo shop.

Medical professionals recommend a triple antibiotic ointment to help prevent and heal skin infections, and this type of ointment can be a good choice for tattoo aftercare. Not only does it have triple antibiotic properties, but it is available over the counter, has a low risk of allergic reactions, and is easier to apply than some other types of ointments (such as A & D ointment for example, which has a thicker consistency and may be painful to apply if not warmed beforehand).

Washing and Disinfecting

Although keeping your fresh tattoo disinfected is definitely part of any aftercare routine, it’s important not to go overboard. Too much washing depletes the exudate, and it can actually dry out your skin and create more flaking and sloughing than you would normally expect.

Washing should probably be kept to about twice a day unless there’s an obvious problem, and only the mildest non-scented soap or antiseptic wash should be used. Always dab the skin, taking care not to scrub. This will help to gently remove scab particles without causing further damage. Pat the tattoo dry with a fresh paper towel and apply your chosen ointment just thick enough to create a barrier without looking like you just frosted a cake.

Bandaging

It’s standard procedure at most tattoo shops to cleanse, moisturize and seal a fresh tattoo with plastic wrap, bandage or wound gel before the client leaves the shop. This is your tattoo artist’s way of ensuring you leave the shop in good condition, and after that you’re basically on your own unless you need follow up advice.

This initial protective seal really only needs to be left on until you reach home. After that, you can remove the plastic, bandage or wound gel, although you may want to leave it in place for a few hours to keep the moisturizer working and keep any dust or dirt away from the sticky surface. Once you remove the seal, observe the area and gently dab away those tiny dark specks that lead to scab formation. Eventually, the specks will stop rising to the surface, and you can re-apply some ointment to protect the area. If that’s not an issue, just keep the tattoo moisturized with the lotion the tattoo artist recommends to you, and keep it clean.

At this point, it’s really only necessary to protect the area with plastic during showers, and overnight to keep the bedding from rubbing and/or adhering to the wound. Make sure you remove the plastic, bandage or wound gel immediately upon showering or rising, and then cleanse the skin and re-apply more ointment.

How Long Does Healing Take?

Initial healing take place in the first four days. During this time, your skin has created fresh cells just below the surface of the dead and damaged ones. Keeping the area moisturized with natural exudate and ointment allows healing to proceed quickly. You should continue to apply ointment for a good seven days; after this you can switch to a general skin moisturizing product, taking care to treat the area gently every time you touch it.

The entire healing process of a tattoo should take about three to four weeks, if you have followed up with proper aftercare as recommended. If you have any doubts about how well your tattoo is healing, either check back with your artist or head straight for your family doctor.

http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Healing_Process_of_a_Tattoo#KEaUgb1j6YVyTA7D.14

The very mention of this appeared to give some people a bit of a shock – but given that I have piercings in my nose, ear, tongue and nipples, I’m not sure why it was such a surprise to discover that I had a full set.

So what makes people want to pierce their most sensitive areas? Chelsea Bunz is a professional piercer and also the person who did my own VCH – this woman has seen more of me than pretty much anyone other than my boyfriend.

I think genital piercing has always been popular – it’s just discussed more openly these days, which makes it increasingly acceptable to the mainstream. People from all classes and professions have them – you’d be amazed at some of the outwardly unlikely people who have ‘secret’ piercings.

Everyone has genitals and part of my job is to help relieve people’s nerves – being horrified at seeing a ladygarden would not be useful! I honestly don’t view them any different to an ear.

I’ve seen bad piercings – bad placements and badly fitting or poor quality jewellery. I spend a lot of time helping people who have had bad experiences in the past.

Piercings aren’t at all unhygienic, most people who have them are sensible and know how to care for them and I always discuss aftercare during consultations. Most people have already done some research or have other body piercings.

They are aware of how to care for both the piercing and the jewellery and do a great job in doing so.

Piercings do not spread STIs or increase the chance of catching one – unsafe sex does that.

I would say the majority of people have piercings for themselves, but sometimes you do meet people who want to improve their love lives. No professional will undertake any piercing if they think the client is being over encouraged by a partner.

I also wouldn’t do any piercing unless the anatomy is correct for that particular piercing and safe.

For me personally, it was sheer aesthetics – I just like how it looks. Even if I was the only person who ever saw my piercing, I’d like it in the same way that I like having painted toenails – something pretty for my own personal pleasure.

And clitoral piercings can enhance sensation, because of the metal bar that’s pretty much constantly in contact with the surrounding nerve endings. It’s sparkly and it feels good – what’s not to like?

Some people have more profound reasons for piercing. Lynne is 35 and from Cumbria – she told me the thoughts behind her own decoration.

Initially I think I wanted a VCH because it was a bit ‘out there’ and I like to try unusual things.

But when I made the decision to actually go ahead with it, it was as a kind of declaration of self-love. I have had some significant issues with sex and sexuality throughout my life and am constantly trying to teach myself to overcome that. So having what is possibly the most sexual body part I have pierced was basically a massive ‘f*ck you’ to my demons.

As for how it feels? Amazing. At first I found it very strange as I could feel it all the time. I nearly took it out after a few days because it was quite triggering being turned on so much. But over time it has only been a positive thing.

It’s a lot easier for me to become aroused now, which for me is a MASSIVE deal. I also actively use it for stimulation as it provides a different kind of feeling.

It’s a personal accomplishment for me and really has been part of my self therapy – with the added bonus of having a sparkly foo!

There is a great deal of satisfaction to be had from taking control of our own bodies and decorating them however we please.

BUT WHAT ABOUT MEN?

Whereas clitoral hood piercings only go through the thinnest of tissue (and even labial piercings are fairly simple), male genital piercings involve a bar being placed right through the penis. Ouch.

By far the most common piercing for men is the Prince Albert (PA), named after Queen Victoria’s consort, who was alleged to have had just such an adornment – the story is undoubtedly false but the name has stuck.

The PA consists of a heavy-gauge curved bar (or ring with a ball-closure) entering down the urethra and coming out through the underside of the penis, just below the ridge where the glans joins the shaft. A far less common version is the ‘reverse PA’, which again enters through the urethra but exits through a hole pierced through the upper side of the glans.

I have far more knowledge of these piercings than most people as my own boyfriend has both. I personally love them, but I know he did them for himself (although he did ask me beforehand if I would mind him adding the reverse PA, and rightly so – let’s face it, I’m the one who has to deal with all this metalwork in the bedroom).

I asked him what the appeal was of piercings that would seem to many as being quite extreme.

I had my PA done at the age of 23 after splitting from a girlfriend. That one was bravado, I guess – and for the record it didn’t hurt much.

It’s been a slippery slope ever since! Apart from the PA and reverse PA, I also have a scrotal ladder as well as pierced nipples and various dermals. As a life model it certainly raises eyebrows on occasion.

I can’t really explain why the process is enjoyable, but a large part of it is connected to a personal mastery over fear, as well as the endorphin rush.

I asked Aidan Johnson from Adorn Body Art about the technicalities of male piercing.

The reverse PA is quite rare actually, because it’s pretty brutal. And it takes a while to heal. But the PA itself has always been popular – in fact body piercing itself is pretty much as old as humanity itself. Tutankhamen had his navel pierced.

With some male genital piercing I do have to ask fairly intimate questions about the client’s sex life – you shouldn’t have an apadravya piercing if you’re into anal sex for example, as it could cause serious damage to your partner.

If a couple both have piercings then I talk things through with them so that they’re compatible.

There’s a lot you can do with male piercings and they’re not at all harmful if they’re cared for properly. And we use much heavier gauge jewellery on men – you don’t want to end up with a ‘cheese wire effect’ on your penis!

Genital piercings are particularly popular with men in high power professions – it’s something hidden away that no one can see but they know is there.

One last point – NEVER ever attempt a genital piercing yourself.

Yes, there are home kits available online and no, you should never use them. Read up on it, find a good studio and put yourself in the hands of a professional.

Then lie back and admire your glittery bits.

(http://metro.co.uk/2017/03/14/genital-piercings-arent-as-scary-as-you-think-heres-what-to-expect-from-them-6478526/)

AMERICAN STATISTICS ON GENITAL PIERCINGS

Self-Reported Characteristics of Women and Men with Intimate Body Piercings

The current discussion concentrates on the data subset of 37 subjects who specifically self-reported only genital piercings. General demographic information includes 15 females and 22 males; age range 18 to 59 years; residence across 16 states; 84% Caucasian; and 54% single. Almost half had completed some college and a quarter had an undergraduate degree. While 63% of respondents reported church attendance when growing up, now they rated their current religious faith in two distinct groups, either moderately strong to very strong (39%) or moderately weak to very weak (39%). Most (84%) reported good to excellent health with many (73%) having annual physical examinations.

Over half of the respondents (53%) obtained their genital piercing in their home region and paid between $40 and $75 for the piercing. Thirty-eight percent reported no bleeding during the actual piercing event. Pain during the procedure ranged from a small (39%) to a large amount (22%). Healing time was not asked.

Participants were asked if they considered themselves to be risk takers. One subject said “sometimes” yet another stated “I take calculated risks, not stupid ones.” As to actual high-risk behavior, only 8% reported drinking or using drugs before their genital piercing procedure (routine alcohol consumption was not asked). A subject commented that it was the “policy of the artist to prohibit alcohol as it thins the blood.” Almost half (49%) of the participants reported no cigarette smoking; however, 30% smoked one-half to one pack or more daily. Caliendo et al. (2005) have already reported that these respondents denied STDs, HIV, hepatitis, recurrent enlarged lymph nodes, allergies, or urinary tract infections.

While this population is unique just by having genital piercings, Caliendo et al. (2005) felt the sample did not reveal great differences from mainstream society. One subject explained:

I have three adult daughters (who are also pierced and tattooed) plus two grandchildren. We all have respectable jobs — I worked for the state for 6 years and also have my degree in British & Russian history. We aren’t deviants — we’re all well-educated, family people who just live an alternative lifestyle.

Many replied, as one subject stated, “my piercing was my own desire and decision w/plenty of deliberation (over a year)”; another said “I wanted one for a long time, but it was only a few minutes when the opportunity presented itself.” Another subject, a health care worker, stated:

My piercings have not affected my career. I do not discuss or bring up the topic of [genital] piercings with my patients or co-workers. My tongue piercing is far enough back that it does not inhibit my speech and is not easily seen. My tattoos are also covered and not noticeable.

The three frequently reported purposes for obtaining their piercings were sexual expression, sexual enhancement, and uniqueness (Caliendo et al., 2005). One woman said, “I’m more sexual than I use[d] to be.” Another subject expressed his feelings this way:

In general, I feel good about my genital piercing. I had to enlist assistance of my partner to change out my first barbell, because the balls were screwed on too tight. Other than that, I haven’t had any problems. I feel it has enhanced the degree of sexual pleasure I experience alone, or with a partner. My piercing experience was a declaration of independence, and freedom of expression, regardless of what anyone thinks of my piercing. I got it for me. It was the first decision I got to make alone. When I turned 18, my body was finally mine. I got to decorate it as I see fit. It’s like moving into your own place for the first time. I can hang pictures, posters, repaint, and it’s all mine. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to share my piercing experience.

A female stated:

My genital piercing has made me more interested in sex, and I enjoy it a lot more. It doesn’t ever bother me, most of the time I can’t even tell it’s there. I also like the fact that if people know I had one they would be shocked. When you look at me, you can’t see any tattoos, just my earrings and nose ring (when I wear it). A lot of people, like the people I work with, think I’m “sweet and innocent.” My piercing has completely changed my sex life. I’m willing to experiment (to an extent), and I’m just more open.

Aesthetics also seemed to surface in the subjective data with both genders. The subjects spoke of “seeing it and liking it,” “I liked the way it looked,” “I wanted to visually enhance my vaginal labia,” and “want[ing] to be unique.” Another called his piercing a “new accessory for an old toy.”

Almost all of the subjects reported a daily skin care routine for their genital piercings as washing with antibacterial soap and water in the shower at least once a day, then rotating the jewelry, followed by another washing and rinsing. “I wash as I always have” was a common report. Most made comments such as, “You need to keep your hands off the piercings — that’s what causes problems.” Emphasis also was on a thorough cleaning around the genital area following urination and bowel movements. Many of the subjects reported only removing the piercings to change the jewelry, or as one reported, for short periods of time such as for the “metal detector at the airport, surgery, and a MRI at [the] hospital.”

Heavier grades of jewelry (up to 1.75 inch thick) are recommended for genital sites to support the surrounding tissue and “avoid rejection, migration, or tearing” (Armstrong, 2004 p. 50). Respondents reported wearing jewelry with gauges ranging from 2 to 14. The smaller sizes represent very heavy gauge (typically used for males), while the larger gauges tend to be used for female piercings. One subject described what could happen if a heavy enough gauge is not used:

“I got pierced by an ‘apprentice’ and he used the wrong gauge…18-gauge ring which turned out to be too small in diameter to pierce that kind of flesh. Thus 2 years later…the hole had stretched to about a 12 gauge or more…some piercers call that the piano wire effect.”

Of the men (n=22) in this data subset, 17 (77%) had a Prince Albert piercing. One stated:

I personally have…a Prince Albert (PA)…It is very pleasurable for both partners during intercourse as for a male it rubs and pulls on the head of the penis and for the female adds a rigid rubbing sensation and fullness…many tell me they love their PA penis piercing except for one minor thing. During urination while standing you must hold your thumb over the point where jewelry enters the penis behind the glans, as the pressure of the urine stream will force some urine out of a small opening occasionally spraying their shoes.

Three of the males combined their Prince Albert piercing with an ampallang and apadravya (see Figure 1). Another described a frenum ladder of six barbells running horizontally toward the scrotum. No artificial penile nodules or beads were reported.

Of the 15 women with genital piercings, seven had clitoral hood piercings, while six combined clitoral hood piercings with labia piercings. One woman reported that she combined genital piercings “as a way of honoring my sexuality.” Another stated, “My piercings (labia and clitoris) gave me a feeling of control in my life when I needed it.”

(http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/541798_5)

However, for a circumcised guy, all is not lost.  Quite by accident I read about the effect that the Dydoe Piercing has on circumcised men. The Dydoe Piercing is not suitable for everybody as you really need a well developed corona of the penis (ridge/rim), but to those it suits it is a God send, or should I say a Jehovah send. The piercing is supposed to have originated within the Jewish community. Due to the ritual circumcision of all males within the Jewish faith, it would be no real surprise that it came from them. The Dydoe Piercings are said to restore the sensation to the glans. This may well be true for most, but as with some other piercings it is not always the case. Again, it all depends on how sensitive your corona is.  Personally the effect was immediate and mind blowing.  Even the same day when there was quite a lot of sensitivity from the actual piercing the sensation in the corona was remarkable.  

It is said to be one of the most painful piercings for men.  Considering the life changing effect it had on me I would sit through those few seconds of pain again and again.  In my case it was definitely a case of “no pain, no gain” except the the gain from the Dydoe Piercing outweighs the pain by miles!

The daith piercing is the piercing that runs on the innermost fold of the cartilage, the crus of the helix. It is generally performed using a 16 gauge captive bead, segment or a curved barbell. First performed by Erik Dakota in 1992,over the years it gained popularity due to its unexposed placement and obscurity, however the recent boom in daith piercings can be largely attributed to the articles claiming it has migraine healing properties.

A good while back I was entirely sceptical of this piercing, and always advised against getting it for migraine relief as opposed to aesthetic appeal. In time I came to realise how counterproductive this would be for any relief (or even partial relief) of a migraine, as if there was any basis to the theory, I would be denying my clients an easy way of reducing extreme pain while getting a great looking piercing.

Whether it cures migraines or not is still up for debate.  There has been no clinical studies that would allow us to say it definitely does or doesn’t work. I have received a great deal of positive feedback from clients, along with some negative feedback however.. The primary reason given for the piercing’s numbing properties are that it stimulates certain nerves, much the same as acupuncture.  However the counter-argument being that a healed piercing wouldn’t have this effect. The secondary argument being placebo effect and the healing capabilities of the mind. If this were the case I would not imagine as many positive reviews as it has garnered.

From being highly cynical of them, I know I would try it if I ever suffered from migraines, if it didn’t work for me I would still have a cool piercing.