Body piercing has received a lot of unfair slack! Yes, infection due to non-sterility during the piercing process can occur. It is up to the individual, however, to locate a safe, sterile piercing facility, and a reputable piercist. Despite popular belief, most infections occur due to poor aftercare of the piercing.
I have five piercings - two eyebrows, my labret ( which is just above the chin ), my nipple, and I recently got my tongue pierced as a b-day present! I only had problems with 1 eyebrow. My body rejected the location of the piercing , and migrated it - forcing it to relocate itself. This caused it to bleed and puss from tearage. Piercing migration is actually quite common, and is often mistaken for an infection. A sign of piercing migration is a little, pimple - like a dot behind the holes of the piercing.
As far as the pain - no, they really didn't hurt. The only one that bled profusely and hurt to the point of almost blacking out ... was my nipple. The euphoria from piercing ( chemicals are rushed into the blood and brain to counteract the bodies trauma ) is amazing. For some, it can even become an addiction.
The art of body piercing is thousands of years old. It originated in tribal culture, and is now found throughout the world. Some people choose to place piercings in certain parts of the body to subtly change the body's energy. Like a semi permanent form of acupuncture. For others, the spirituality of piercing is the ability to express their free will; the free will to adorn their bodies in such a way. Body piercing makes me feel as though I am connecting to the pagan roots of my ancestors. It is a physical way to connect to a spiritual past ... and present.
If you want to know more, the Pan's Grove commercial website ( below ) can sell you the book , Pagan Fleshworks, by : Maureen Mercury, published by : Park Street Press, 116 pgs, bound great, full blown color pictures, softback is only $19.95 US, ISBN : 780892 818099 !
Piercing can lead to discrimination. Discrimination against piercings is rampant. However, controversial to popular belief - body piercing, when done with care and research can be a euphoric, spiritual experience for the mind, body and soul.
Pan's Grove Educational Website
