Healing Tattoos - By Stacie-Rae Weir
A tattoo on its own holds no magic power. There is nothing in tattoo ink that preforms miracles; that magic is held in the hands of the artist, the eyes of the wearer and the intention of the process. Otzi, the iceman, found frozen and intact in 1991 in the Otztal Alps, is adorned with over fifty tattoos. A series of dots and dashes were found on different areas of his body. It didn't take long to figure out that these areas were also(now proven by science) major meridian points used in acupuncture, and also locations of Otzis health ailments. So, even though we believe tattoos die with us, they may actually carry remnants of evolution. Otzis tattoos prove to modern medicine that not only is acupuncture way older than we thought, but tattoos were used in acupuncture process to heal and alleviate pain.Modern tattooing can also hold this power, if the tattooer wields this power with integrity and respect. We can honor sacred intentions and bring forth this ancient form of visual magic. Nowadays, it's about making a mark to remind us that "we beat whatever tried to conquer us." The power of this is great. Seeing a beautiful piece of art where scars once were can change the way the wearer sees themselves. This can change the way they view their world. Powerful.
The opposite of this is also true. If the tattooer does not understand how to finesse the fragile damaged tissue, they can very easily cause even more damage. Underskilled tattooers can create a situation where that survivor loves her body less rather than more. The professional must take this responsibility very seriously.
If you've been through trauma that has altered your physical appearance, a few hours with an amazing tattoo artist is a game changer. This may seem like a small thing, but offers a massive shift in personal perception. Very much like the ancient Japanese practice of Kintsugi, where you repair a broken item with gold, making it stronger and even more beautiful than it was before. The broken parts become the beautiful parts, inspiring how we live and heal.
Want to see the life-changing tattoos by Stacie-Rae? Check out her Instagram: @stacierae_a.r.t
