Ink Therapy: How Tattoos Can Be Therapeutic
There are a lot of people with ink who say that their tattoo was therapy in some way. Yes, with a needle puncturing your skin 50 to 3,000 times a minute, you may think that those saying the pain is therapeutic are part of a club you don’t want to join. However, there is some scientific and anecdotal evidence out there suggesting that tattoos can make you stronger. So, is there such a thing as “tattoo therapy,” and can getting inked truly be therapeutic? Let’s find out.
What is Tattoo Therapy?
Tattoo therapy is a phrase used to describe a transformative process that often happens to those who receive a tattoo for various personal reasons. When you put a meaning to your tattoo—whatever that meaning may be—the process of getting inked can help relieve some emotional or psychological damage. For example, someone who recently lost their father might get a note he had written to them tattooed on their upper arm as a reminder of his life. Someone who survived cancer might get a tattoo commemorating the day they learned they were cancer-free.
In other words, sometimes mental pain is soothed by seeing something symbolic etched permanently into your skin.
How Pain Can Be Therapeutic
The reason why tattoos have this beneficial effect on the mind, body, and soul is because of the pain involved. Getting tattooed does something to the brain. Beginning with the anticipation phase of receiving a tattoo, your brain is washed in adrenaline and dopamine. For some, this cocktail of anticipation can result in feelings of excitement or fear. You feel like you are riding a roller coaster for the first time or meeting the love of your life.
You watch the stencil go on, the artist works to find the right placement, and then you sit in the chair. All the while, the meaning behind this tattoo is cycling through your mind. Then the needle touches your skin. At the shock of sudden pain—whether you have a low or high pain tolerance—your brain produces even more adrenaline. This happens because your body is attempting to mask some of the pain.
Shortly after that comes a surge of endorphins, the same ones that boost your mood after a satisfying workout. Similar to morphine or codeine, endorphins have a powerful effect on your mind. They make you feel good. It’s a natural high, if you will. In fact, because of this boost of endorphins, it has been noted that individuals with multiple tattoos have a greater ability to cope with stress.
This mixture of adrenaline, dopamine, and endorphins is so potent that you may even experience greater satisfaction with your life after getting your tattoo. Regardless of what you have experienced, you will feel better after getting inked. It is also easier to understand why some people get hooked on getting tattoos.
Should You Get a Tattoo For Therapy?
If you are looking to get inked as part of a healing process, there are some things you must consider before making an appointment at a local tattoo shop.
Tattoos are a powerful form of emotional expression. Through art, you can convey your thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences. By undergoing the tattoo process, you may even face your fears, especially if you have dealt with something traumatic in the past. Furthermore, as you sit through the session, you have something to focus on, whether it is working through the pain or simply reflecting on everything that brought you to that moment. For many, tattoos can lead to a sense of epiphany.
When you consider these benefits, it may seem like getting a tattoo is an ideal way to overcome your personal challenges.
However, you must also consider the drawbacks and risks. There are many people who get tattoos over their self-harm scars as a way of reclaiming their bodies, of boosting their confidence. Yet, there is always a risk of becoming reliant on tattoos as a form of self-harm. If you have a history of that, you may want to explore other outlets.
You must also weigh the cost and the permanency of your decision. Is it worthwhile? Will you regret it down the road? If you are unsure, consider speaking with a professional tattoo artist about your options or why you wish to get a tattoo. This could help clear up any concerns.
Looking to Get Inked at Oracle Tattoo Gallery?
So, what do you think? Is “tattoo therapy” for you? There is no denying that getting tattooed can be a transformative process that brings about feelings of empowerment, relief, and even a natural high. Ultimately, if you are considering getting a tattoo for therapeutic reasons, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons and seek guidance from a professional tattoo artist to make an informed decision that aligns with your personal goals and needs.
Whether it is your first tattoo or your twelfth, Oracle Tattoo Gallery is the place to go. Our artists are talented in a broad variety of tattoo styles. We welcome you to our shop in Bensalem, PA. Give us a call today at 215-638-1601 or fill out the contact form to schedule your consultation. It’s time to get the tattoo you’ve always wanted.
