Today, it seems that tattoos are overshadowing the many different ways people choose to decorate their body. For example, body jewelry has been an integral form of expression for every culture. These traditions have been around for thousands of years.
Throughout time, man has fashioned stone, metal, bone and wood into some of the most fascinating pieces of body jewelry. This act has taken new shapes and forms with some of the examples we encounter on an everyday basis, especially within the younger generation of today. Typically, the four main kinds of body piercing within the United States: ear, tongue, nipple and belly button.
One of the most popular forms of body jewelry display is seen through the piercing of the ears. This is also the most widely accepted form within today's society. It is a practice that is viewed in both the male and female gender, from the elderly to infants. Most times, one or two holes are the standard in ear piercing, making way for a wide range of birthstones, hoops, and stud earrings.
Tongue piercing is rather popular today, especially in the college and music crowd. This is a form of body jewelry that is popular with both men and women, who often boast of not only the appearance of the piercing, but of its purported sexual possibilities. Jewelry, such as studs, hoops and bars are often placed within the tongue.
Although the piercing of the belly button is most common in females, it is not uncommon to find a man or two showing off their washboard stomach with a stud. Some of the body jewelry most popular with this form of piercing is hoops, studs, jeweled decorations, as well as dangling symbols like silver or gold trinkets.
Nipple piercing may sound a bit extreme to some, but it is also a popular form of expression, as well as physical stimulation. Often, a basic loop is involved with this form of piercing, but there are additional approaches to this body art option, such as bars and other decorations. Both men and women partake in this piercing choice.
When choosing to pierce any part of your body, even your ears, it is strongly recommended to take safely precautions wherever you decide to have it done. There are a handful of places that will pierce various parts of your body. The most common place to get your ears pierced is in the mall or within a jewelry store. This is as far as they will go in the body piercing department. To get body parts, such as the nipple or tongue pierced, you will have to seek out a reputable tattoo parlor to have this done.
Body piercing demands a high level of sterilization when having the process done. The act should be completed with someone who has a lot of experience, as well as professional credentials. You don't want just anyone with a sharp needle to do work on your body. The equipment should also be disposable, as well as sterilized. Many people turn to a friend for their first body piercing, but keep in mind that you run the serious risk of developing an infection. Also, be aware that if you do not keep your piercing holes open, they will close and the process will have to be done all over again.
