Tattoo is a fantastic way to showcase on your body what you believe in. It is for the brave hearts not only because the tattoo stays on your body for the rest of your life but also because one has to go through grave pain while getting it done. It is definitely not for those who have fear of needles and blood. However, if you have the courage to go under the needle in spite of all of these fears then you are also nothing less than a hero. Even though getting a tattoo might be an exciting idea but the pain attached to it kills the excitement at least till the time you are getting it done. However, intensity of pain differs from person to person. Some experience a negligible pain while getting it done and others are crying their lungs out while going through the pain of those needles poking all those sensitive part of your body.
Pain is in the Mind
Understand that all the pain is in the mind. Pain is the signal given by the brain to you when you go through something you do not like. Therefore, the more you fear, the more pain you might experience. The pain is less for people who have a strong mind. Therefore doing some exercises to strengthen your mind before your appointment might help. You can try meditation and yoga to calm your nerves.
Divert your Attention
The more you think of the pain while getting the job done, more pain you are likely to suffer. Therefore, take all the steps to divert your attention. If you are going for the first time to a tattoo artist to ask a friend to accompany you who can help divert your attention. Alternatively, you can also carry some music or your Ipod to listen to some music while going through the needle pokes. You can carry stress balls or eat a chewing gum or candies to divert your attention too.
EFT
EFT helps a great deal in releasing pain. EFT is called emotional freedom technique. When you get unbearable pain, close your eyes, concentrate on the pain area, and give it a definite shape, size, color and intensity on a scale of one to ten. Once you have acknowledged all of this just take two deep breaths and witness the magic wash your pain away. Read more about EFT in detail using various resources available on the internet before you go for your session.
Watch or do not Watch
For some people it helps to see the area, which is being worked on, while others cannot bear the sight of blood and needles. This is something you will have to decide when in the room. It differs from person to person so do not go on the suggestion of your friend who has just got a tattoo done.
Take a Break in Between
If the tattoo session is too long, then take a break in between for two minutes before resuming the session. You might feel it is uncomfortable to break the flow of the tattoo artist. However, they are equipped to restart the work and it is normal for them to see people taking a break for a few minutes especially when the pain becomes unbearable. Therefore, they would be comfortable with you taking a break for few minutes unless of course the break happens too many times.
Eat Healthy Food
Scientists say that eating healthy food before the tattoo session helps in bearing the pain borne during the session. Food also nourishes the mind giving it strength to endure the pain. However, some people believe that consuming alcohol before the session might help you in bearing the pain. This is a big myth. On the contrary, alcohol acts as a blood thinner and leads to more outflow of blood when the skin is cut open during the process. Also contrary to the popular belief that taking painkillers before the tattoo session reduce inflammation of skin, the pain killers are infact blood thinners that lead to excessive outflow of blood. In some countries, it is banned for a tattoo artist to work on the body of someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Affirmation
Positive affirmations have always helped in dealing with all kinds of pain. Therefore, it is useful when getting a tattoo also. Make some positive affirmations for yourself and repeat it a few days before your appointment with the tattoo artist. Nevertheless, make sure that you do not have any negative words in your affirmation like pain, not, will not etc. Replace the word ‘pain’ with ‘feel good’ or something positive.
Expect the Pain
It is often said that when you are prepared for the worst, the worst is usually good. This applies here also. If you know what to expect it prepares your mind to go through the pain. In addition, it helps you in keeping your body more still when the tattoo artist is working on your body. When the body is still, the tattoo artist can work faster and with more precision. Therefore, not only are you likely to experience less pain, the artwork is going to come out much better if you do not move.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises helps a great deal in not thinking about the pain. While taking deep and slow breaths try to concentrate on the breath rather than the needle and pain. Secondly, think of the needle poking as sensations rather than pain. This is because pain has a negative impact on the mind and it wants to run away from it. Sensation on the other hand, makes your mind go in the direction of exploring or discovering something never experienced before. Additionally, close your eyes while breathing and visualize the finished artwork on your body. Visualizing how the finish artwork will look, will divert your attention from pain to pleasure.
Lastly, getting a tattoo is all about wearing the right attitude. Do not shy away from pain, as it is inevitable. Rather focus on what is the new art that is inked on your body and get ready to embrace it.