Body modification has become quite talked about lately and tattooing is one of the beautiful forms of modifying ones body. 

The art of tattooing dates back to the second millenium B.C.  There have been mummies found with tattoos covering there bodies. 

Tattoos can be done in a number of ways.  The most common being with an actual electric gun-type machine that is made specifically for tattooing.  (Some cultures, such as the Japanese, choose to use a hand operated needle to insert the ink into the skin.)  A tattoo gun will drive an ink covered needle into the skin approximately 80-150 times per second.  Much quicker than traditional methods.

In early times, the ink was derived from natural ingredients such as plants.  Now it is mass-produced form several inorganic materials such as titanium dioxide and iron oxides. 

Tattoos are used for many reasons throughout the world.  During the holocaust prisoners were tattooed with numbers for identification purposes.  Some cultures use tattooing as a religious rite of passage into adulthood.  Tattoos can be used for breast reconstruction to make and areola where one is lacking.  Make-up can be permanently tattooed onto ones face.  And, of course, some people just choose to be tattooed because they love the art.    

Alot of today’s society tend to look down on those who are tattooed.  The thinking is still that these people must be in a gang or rebelling against something.  This is rarely the case.  I was actually told by my previous employer that I had to cover my tattoos because it gave the impression of a loose lifestyle and I would frighten our elderly customers.  I have started many conversations with tattooed individuals and discovered that many get tattooed in rememberance of a loved one they have lost or to show an obstacle in life they have overcome. 

The one drawback of tattooing is the fact that there is an open sore and blood involved.  This leaves you at risk for infection and diseases including staph, tetanus, hepatitis and HIV.  You should be sure that your tattoo artist wears gloves and opens all instruments from sterile packaging.  Be sure to keep it clean to avoid infection and don’t let your friends touch it when they want to see. 

Image via Wikipedia

If you think you may want to have a tattoo but are not quite sure, you may want to try an alternative first.  Henna is a dye that is painted onto the skin and can last for up to two weeks.  It will eventually wear off.  As for the real thing you would need to have it removed by laser.  This can be costly and even more painful than the tattoo itself was and it may not be possible to remove it completely.  So make sure that what you get is really what you want because it will be there forever.