B is for Body Modification (Piercing, Tatooing, Scarring, Branding, Corsetting)
Body modification ranges from the mundane ankle tattoo to more severe markings such as brandings, to implants and beyond. Many BDSM couples use piercing, tattooing, branding or scarring as a bonding between the partners—for instance, often a piercing, brand or a tattoo is placed by the Dominant on the submissive during/for a collaring. People desiring a further depth to a specific role in their relationship often might use more severe body modification such as implants or corseting to alter body structure.
Piercings –Piercings can range from facial (eye brow, ear, nose, tongue) to belly button to nipples to genitalia. The purposes of piercings can be to increase eroticism or for simple beauty. Many testify that a good tongue piercing can increase the intensity of fellatio or cunnilingus because of the added stimulation on the genitals. Nipple piercings, usually initially barbells or rings, can take up to a year to heal before they are ready for “play” such as adding weights. Genital piercings, such as piercing female clitoral hood or the male penis head, can permanently increase stimulation of the pierced area. The biggest risks with piercings are improper healing, infection and tearing. It is important to be pierced by a reputable place (ask them for client references, pictures of previous piercings, licensing, etc) that is clean, sterile and knowledgeable. If the area does not heal properly, removal of the piercing is often required.
Tattoos- Tattoos are a very visible, classic symbol of ownership and commitment by D/s couples. Often, a submissive will get a tattoo of their owner’s initials, and the Dominant and/or submissive also might get a tattoo symbolizes their relationship. Tattoos are desirable because of their permanency and their ability to be placed anywhere. Keys to remember when getting a tattoo is that the “pain” associated with the tattoo will be proportionate to the location of the tattoo and the complexity of the design (incl. color). If you are unsure of the permanent nature of a tattoo, you might first experiment with a henna tattoo to see if you like it. As with piercing, always get your tattoo done by a reputable source. Healing will include applying a “goo-like” substance to the tattoo to prevent skin cracking and aid in the healing process. Tattoos take anywhere from 10 days to 10 weeks to heal, depending on the type and location of tattoo as well as the individual’s healing process.
Branding – Branding is an ancient form of body marking, in which a hot metal rod with a design at the end is heated in the fire and then applied to the skin. The rod sears the design into the skin by burning the skin. Brands are extremely dangerous and should only be done by an experienced professional. Brands are often used in the Gorean subculture to mark slaves (kajira). In addition to the immediate pain of the heat of the rod, healing results in a series of scars and new skin layers. It is extremely important to properly care for a brand, as it can lead to immediate bacterial infection if not treated properly.
Scarification –Often done during knife, needle or blood play, scarification can be permanent or temporary, depending on the depth and location of the scar. Scarification is often used as an alternative to tattooing because of it’s accessibility and simplicity. Scarification also tends to “blend in” better than the black lines of a tattoo. It is important to watch for infection post-scarring and ensure that the skin heals properly.
Other body modification, such as corseting, has historical roots in various cultures around the globe and can be more of a long-term process to obtain the desired results than piercing, tattooing, branding or scarring.
Great Links to Check Out:
http://www.bmezine.com/ -- an online photo gallery and magazine for all forms of body modification. Not lifestyle-based
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_modification --a basic wikipedia article on body modification
http://www.leathernroses.com/general...sm.htm#marking --a few articles on the psychology of piercing & it’s use in Lifestyle
http://www.corsetheaven.com/corsets/...erm_corset.asp --A US/UK/Euro site with great information on corseting
http://www.museum.upenn.edu/new/exhi...modintro.shtml --UPenn gives a brief history on body modification in world cultures
