Knowing The Risks Of Tattooing

An increasing (and somewhat alarming) number of young people all over the world are jumping on the body modification band wagon by getting a tattoo. It became popular in the nineties and has been growing in popularity ever since. It is now estimated that around one in three Americans under the age of 25 have at least one tattoo. Now I'm not anti-tattoo I don't have one, but I don't mind other people having them. What does concern me is the lack of research people do before running to the local tattoo shop and getting a permanent body modification.

Pretty much everyone who hasn't been living under a rock for the last few years knows that they should use a reputable tattoo artist with high standards of cleanliness. However, for most people that is where the research and safety precautions end. What most people do not realise, is what exactly is being injected under their skin. Tattoos have their origins in tribal cultures where the dyes were made from natural ingredients such as plants, but modern day tattoo inks are composed of unknown combinations of metallic salts such as oxides, sulphates and selenides, and even plastics. A recent report by the European Commission revealed that up to 40% of the organic colorants used in tattoos are not approved for use on skin and around 20% of inks tested contained carcinogenics. Some chemicals were actually intended only for printing. In America, the FDA regulates cosmetics worn on the skin, like make up or sun screen, but they do not regulate the potentially toxic ink we have injected under it during tattooing. How does that make any sense?

There are many reported cases of allergic reactions to tattoo inks and there is also the added risk of the unknown effects of metal salts being injected into the body. Cases of psoriasis, dermatitis and even tumors have been linked to tattooing. I guess the bottom line is that unless you are fully aware of and prepared to deal with the worst case scenario, leave body modification alone.

Tongue Piercings The Risks

Piercings are a statement. Conducted by experienced professional piercers they usually cause few problems, however, performed poorly, they can have devastating physical consequences. What you need to pay particular attention to are the risks associated with tongue piercing.

The risk does not begin after the piercing, but much earlier: in the piercing studio itself. Is the hygienic equipment? If the piercer maintained, he emphasizes a hygienic procedure for piercing? The studio is rather "dingy"? Particularly important is: Does he use utensils, disposable utensils or reuseable, which must be disinfected? Reuseable utensils require expensive equipment sterilization, which some studios may not want to purchase. Take care and do not be afraid to ask! If the piercer is knowledgeable about the risks and possible side effects this clears up and possible risk and complications can be avoided from the beginning.

Usually the one being pierced sits on a chair while the piercer marks the position on the tongue and secures it with a clamp. The piercing itself is performed with a needle and catheter tube. It is important to make sure that the piercing is positioned between the tongue muscles in the middle of the tongue, without injuring the frenulum, and without that it will damage the teeth broadly. In the first day there is a great deal of swelling, therefore, is first used in a long barbell in the tongue, which after swelling subsides will be replaced this with a shorter one.

Many of the larger blood vessels in the tongue to make the tongue piercing quite complicated, so specifically stated to have it carried out only by experienced piercers.

The risk of infection is minimized if the piercer makes sure that the surrounding tissue was disinfected and thoroughly cleaned, then must be maintained until two minutes for the disinfectant to work - only then may the piercing be performed. Nevertheless, after the procedure, even days later, an infection can emerge. Typical symptoms include redness, warmth of the surrounding tissue, swelling, pain and limited function of the tongue. In rare cases, taste buds may be damaged. In extreme cases, loss of taste, but usually is "only" reduces the intensity of flavor. With a complete loss of taste hardly to be expected, since most tongue piercings are pierced in the middle. There are only very little or absolutely no taste buds. 

Listening To Our Bodies

I always strive to maintain a fairly healthy lifestyle. I don't smoke, I rarely drink and recently I cut caffeine out of my life. When I first became interested in natural health, I was amazed at how diet can really change our lives. Our bodies are amazing and to be honest they might just be the only tool we need to keep ourselves fit and healthy! I have long since given up expensive gym memberships and exercise equipment. They can't provide anything better than my own body can! I run, go swimming.. and if I need to lift weights? I compromise by using items from around the house. One of the most interesting things I have come across is how our body tells us what we should eat and when – all we have to do is listen to it!

Have you ever really craved a certain food? We hear of pregnant women saying this all the time, but in truth we all experience cravings from time to time. It is usually a sign that our body is deficient in a certain nutrient. Our body knows it needs a top up and it tells you by making you desire foods containing it. It's actually fairly amazing to think that our bodies are capable of such things. The same applies when monitoring your diet. We do not need fancy diets or eating plans. Our body knows what it needs, it can tell us when it is hungry and when we are full. All we have to do is start listening to our own intuition and ask ourselves 'am I really hungry?' or 'do I really need a second slice of pie?'. All of the information is right there waiting for us if we were only willing to listen.