Stick and poke tattoos are a way for many to express their emotions. Read on to find out more about the mental health benefits of stick and poke tattoos.
People started getting tattoos for various reasons depending on their culture, religion, beliefs, and fashion sense. In fact, some countries and cultures have been tattooing for thousands of years. For some, it’s been about accentuating their physical features. For others, it’s about paying homage to their gods. And, for the rest, it’s just about liking a particular design.
When tattoos made it to Western culture, they were only worn by seamen and people who were “going against the system”, for example, punks. Today, tattoos are seen as pieces of art and they’re incredibly popular among all age groups and genders. They’re also widely used by people wanting to express their emotions, making them a significant part of people’s mental health.
The Mental Health Benefits of Getting a Stick and Poke Tattoo
There are various different styles of tattooing now available. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the mental health benefits of stick and poke tattoos, specifically.
Offering a Therapeutic and Personal Alternative to Machine Tattoos
Unlike machine tattoos, stick and pokes offer a very therapeutic and personal experience. One of the key reasons is that they don’t come with the typical loud noises associated with a tattoo machine. Furthermore, the process is very slow, making it a lot more relaxing than that of a machine tattoo.
Many stick and poke tattoo artists also design their studios or spaces to be far more relaxing than that of an artist using a tattoo machine. You also have the option to create your own stick and poke designs from the comforts of your home with a professional kit. This is a personal experience that you can share with your friends, allowing you to spend quality time with your loved ones while creating your own unique pieces together.
Regaining Control Of Your Body and Boosting Confidence
People who survive a serious illness often get a stick and poke tattoo to mark this event in their life. It is a way for them to regain full control of their body. This is common among people who survive cancer, depression, and eating disorders such as anorexia. It is a way for them to reclaim their body from the illness that they battled against.
Celebrating an Achievement
A stick and poke tattoo is also a common way for people to celebrate an achievement. For example, Olympic athletes often get the Olympic rings tattooed on their bodies to celebrate their achievements. But, these celebratory tattoos can be used to mark all types of achievements. From completing a university degree to having your first child, the opportunities are endless.
Commemorating the Loss of a Loved One
People often get stick and poke tattoos to pay homage to someone that they lost. The therapeutic and personal feel of stick and poke tattoos are particularly sought after in these instances as these people often want a positive memory of the tattoo experience as well as a high-quality design.
Stick and poke tattoos are often a way for people to close the circle. Many who get tattoos after the loss of a loved one have gone through months if not years of mourning and this is their way of moving forward with their lives after experiencing extreme pain. It is their way of keeping a memory of the person they lost as a sign of strength and support moving forward.
A Way of Expressing Emotions
Oftentimes, it’s difficult for people to express their emotions verbally. Tattoos are an opportunity for these people to open up emotionally. In fact, during a study published in Current Psychology, 175 students were asked about their tattoos. In this survey, 12% of respondents said that their tattoos were a way for them to express themselves emotionally. In fact, many of the respondents valued tattoos for their symbolic meaning, even if they didn’t have one themselves.
The Stick and Poke Method Allows You to Personalize Your Experience By Tattooing With Friends
While you can buy a tattoo machine online to use with friends from the comforts of home, this method is not recommended for people who do not have adequate training and experience. The fast-paced nature of this style makes it more likely for you to make mistakes and, in turn, regret your tattoo, thus harming your mental health.
The stick and poke method, on the other hand, is a slower and safer alternative that allows you to further personalize your experience as you can create new designs from the comforts of your home with friends. It is an affordable alternative to machine tattoos that is far more relaxing and therapeutic. And, thanks to its slower nature, you can take more time creating your tattoo, thus allowing you to truly enjoy the experience.
If you’d like to try creating personal designs at home, why not buy a professional stick and poke tattoo kit? We provide a wealth of comprehensive kits that include everything from health and safety equipment to sterilized needles, inks, cups, gloves, and everything else in between.