What is play piercing?

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, defines play piercing:

Play piercing, needle play, or recreational acupuncture is body piercing done for the purpose of enjoying the experience rather than producing a permanent body decoration. Needles, sharpened bones, or other tools used in play piercing are usually removed from the body when the episode is complete, allowing holes to heal over. Those who engage in play piercing may do so for self-expression, as a part of a ritual imitating mock tribal cultures, for the purpose of spiritual self-discovery, for sexual pleasure, for simple entertainment, raising awareness or relieving boredom.Play piercing as part of a BDSM scene can produce an intense natural endorphin high which can last for hours and can induce orgasm in many of the people who experience it. The experience of multiple piercings in an erotically or spiritually charged context is qualitatively very different from the experience most people have had with phlebotomists in medical settings, in part because the needle is placed 'through' the skin at a tangent so that both ends are accessible, rather than 'into' the skin.Play piercing should always be carried out using new sterile hypodermic needles or acupuncture needles, and preferably on skin which has been cleaned with an antiseptic such as alcohol or povidone iodine (which is a potential allergen), by people who have been properly trained. Improper technique can result in the transmission of bloodborne diseases (due to needlestick injuries, for example) or puncture wounds, but if done correctly there is far less danger of injury or infection than from being scratched by a cat due to the depth of insertion being controlled and the use of a sterilized needle.Needles may be arranged in aesthetically pleasing configurations such as a smiley face, may be laced together like a corset, or may be used to sew on temporary decorations such as bells using sterile thread. Twisting of the needle(s) or pulling them away from the skin will also result a different type of sensation.

Play piercing. (2007, June 25). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 22:15, September 15, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Play_piercing&oldid=140589118

Who should pierce?

Only a trained professional play piercer should do the piercing. See Disclaimer page.

Does it hurt?

Yes, and that is partially the point. But not as much as you think it will. Case in point; my boyfriend was terrified of needles. But the first time I pierced him, he said, "That's it? That didn't hurt much!" And after a couple more piercings, you couldn't wipe the smile off of his face. Overcoming a fear of needles can be an admirable landmark in one's life. Many people find that the physical high following the piercing caused by the release of the body's endorphins is a very plesurable experience.

Will the piercing leave a mark on my skin?

Only for couple of days. Below is a picture one day after piercing, and then one week after piercing. The reason that the needle does not usually leave a permanent mark is because hypodermic needles are beveled, or curved, and are designed to make a single cut through the skin, as opposed to a hole. If properly pierced and cared for, the two ends of the cut heal seamlessly. As you can see in the 1 day after piercing picture below, the small pimple is larger than the needle mark.

Isn't play piercing dangerous?

It can be if not done properly by a trained professional and if an infection occurs. However, please see this Wikipedia excerpt taken from the definition of play piercing above: "Improper technique can result in the transmission of bloodborne diseases (due to needlestick injuries, for example) or puncture wounds, but if done correctly there is far less danger of injury or infection than from being scratched by a cat due to the depth of insertion being controlled and the use of a sterilized needle."

If you experience severe pain, bleeding, or show any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or prolonged soreness, immediately consult a physician. But by all means, don't sue me (see Disclaimer page) because all proceeds made from Piercing Beauty go directly to fund my Biotechnology Grad school education, so I don't have any money left over anyway. ;)

Is play piercing self mutilation?

This is a question best answered by you and your doctor. Many people play pierce to experience a nautural endorphic high, for a sensual enlightening, to feel the body's full range of feelings. However, if you feel that play piercing would be detrimental to you in any way, do not participate in it.

What area of the body should be pierced?

The ONLY area of the body that should be pierced is the shallow area of the skin that can be pulled up between two fingers, skin that is not near any mucous membranes. Make sure that there are NO blood vessles, muscle, tendons, bones, or any body tissue other than skin being pierced.

How long can the piercings be left in?

It is not recommended that piercings be left in over 12 hours. Remember that play piercing is temporary piercing. If you experience severe pain, bleeding, or show any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or prolonged soreness, immediately consult a physician.

Do you take requests for custom desings?

Yes! Please email me with special requests and I will do my darndest to accommodate them.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to write, or ask your doctor.

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Sir Skip Dog, the piercing Genius, for introducing me to the pleasures of play piercing.
Most of the technical information and instructions you see on this site came from his piercing workshop at the Lair De Sade.

I am also forever grateful to Andy for being my pincushion to practice on, and for his constant encouragement to get Piercing Beauty up and running.