Shaman Modifications was born on October 10, 2007. It was previously Shaman Body Piercing and Modifications in Golden Apple Studio on Austin's infamous 6th Street; with tattooing being added onto the list of many services they offer, Shaman Modifications was conceived.
They moved to a new home located in South Austin just off the southeast corner of Ben White and Congress.
They have some of the most talented tattoo and piercing artists in Austin, TX, and also have some of the friendliest staff. they also have a great knowledgeable of their craft, and they are aware of the importance of return clientele and customer service. Safety and Quality are a couple of important staples which Shaman was built on.
Tattoos and body piercings are just a couple of services we bring to Austin. They offer an extensive amount of body modification procedures such as, large gauge insertion, scarification, branding, genital beading, surface piercings, micro-dermals (or dermal anchors), and more.
They offer a few other services as well and if you have any questions or want to find out about any body modification procedure available for their customers and all you have to do is pay a visit and talk to one of knowledgeable staff members. They will be willing to assist you with the courtesy a customer deserves.
A new piercing should be cleaned one to two times per day during the entire healing period; however, do not over-clean the piercing. Cleaning more than two times per day, unless directed by a professional piercer, can irritate the piercing and increase the time it takes the piercing to heal.
Wash your hands thoroughly with antimicrobial or antibacterial soap before touching the new piercing at any time, especially when cleaning. Allow warm water to bathe the piercing to loosen the discharge that has crusted around the jewelry. Using antimicrobial, germicidal or antibacterial fragrance and color-free soap, form a lather around the piercing. Slide the metal through the piercing, making sure the soap reaches inside the wound. Afterwards, rinse well, continuing to slide the jewelry. This process removes dirt and bacteria from the piercing which may cause infection.
Salt Water Baths
Sea salt water baths are preferred for oral, facial and body piercings. Infinite Body Piercing recommends ¼ teaspoon in a regular sized cup or a pinch of sea salt in a shot glass. Tilt the glass against the skin around the piercing so your body forms a seal. Let the water sit around the period for a few minutes, soaking into the wound. Sea salt baths are also very calming to sore piercings, particularly genital piercings.
Oral Piercings
It may not be the best idea to swish your mouth out with soap to clean a tongue piercing or to clean the inside of your new labret piercing. Instead, oral piercings can be cleaned with an antibacterial mouthwash that does not contain alcohol. If you have just received a new oral piercing you may also swish with warm salt water. Oral piercings must be cleaned every time you eat, drink, smoke, kiss or give oral sex.
The Association of Professional Piercers says it is vital to replace the original jewelry used in oral piercings because the piercing jewelry is longer than the standard jewelry. Failure to replace the jewelry can lead to expensive oral problems such as chipped teeth. The jewelry can be replaced once the swelling goes down and should be replaced by a professional piercer because it will still be during the healing process.
Healing Times
Facial Piercings and Oral Piercings
Eyebrow – 6 to 8 weeks
Septum – 6 to 8 weeks
Tongue – 4 to 6 weeks
Beauty Mark – 8 to 10 weeks
Nose – 6 months – 1 year
Lip/Labret – 8 – 10 weeks
Cheek – 3 – 4 months
Body Piercings
Belly Button – 6 months – 1 year
Female Nipples – 6 months – 1 year
Male Nipples – 4 months – 6 months
Female Genital Piercings
Inner Labia – 2 – 4 weeks
Outer Labia 2 – 6 months
Clitoris – 2 – 4 weeks
Clitoral Hood 2 – 6 weeks
Male Genital Piercings
Prince Albert 4 – 9 weeks
Scrotum 6 – 10 weeks
Don’ts of Piercing Aftercare and What to Avoid
When cleaning your piercing do not using rubbing alcohol. The substance is too harsh for a new piercing, will delay healing and dry out the skin around the piercing. Hydrogen peroxide and antibiotic ointments are two other first aid kit necessities to stay away from.
Hydrogen peroxide not only kills bacteria but will also kill the healthy cells your body is try to build to heal the piercing. Antibiotic ointments, such as Neosporin, are petroleum-jelly based, which prevents water and helpful cleaning solutions from reaching the inside of the piercing.
The blockage provides a warm, moist environment conducive to the growth of bacteria. The label also warns not to use on puncture wounds, which is precisely what oral, facial and body piercings are. Ear piercing solution should never be used on any other type of piercing. For on-the-go cleaning, try individually wrapped saline pads sold at local pharmacies.
As much as possible, avoid stress, nicotine, alcohol and caffeine, all of which will slow the healing process.
Piercing Aftercare Tips
If it becomes necessary to change your jewelry during the healing process, go to a qualified jeweler. Trying to change it yourself may lead to your piercing healing crookedly.
Remember to carry a clean, spare ball sized for your piece of jewelry in case yours breaks because it can take a manner of minutes for both new and old piercings to close.
Genital piercing is a form of body piercing and is considered a form of body modification. It involves piercing a part of the genitalia and subsequently inserting and keeping a foreign object in the opening until the wound heals. This forms a tunnel of skin around the foreign object, thus creating a suitable place for wearing different types of jewellery. In the United States, it is illegal for anyone under 18 to have one. Laws in other countries vary.
Types of Female Genital Piercings
1) Isabella piercing is a female genital piercing. This extremely deep clitoral shaft piercing starts below the clitoris and just above the urethra, and then goes up through the clitoral shaft and exits at the top of the hood (where the entrance hole is for a Christina piercing). This piercing was first documented in issue 17 of Piercing World Magazine. As an Isabella piercing intersects the shaft of the clitoris, some piercers maintain it has the risk of nerve damage. Nerve damage can result from piercing a clitoris that is too small or from piercing through the shaft of the clitoris and through the dorsal nerve. Piercing through the shaft of the clitoris can also result in excessive bleeding and blood loss to the clitoris. This is an extremely rare kind of piercing, and like most female genital piercings this is also highly anatomy-dependent. Healing time is 2-3 months. The Nefertiti piercing was invented in response to the inherent dangers involved with the Isabella piercing.
2) A clitoral hood piercing is a female genital piercing through the clitoral hood surrounding the clitoris. There are two main types of hood piercing, the vertical clitoral hood piercing and the horizontal clitoral hood piercing. As the name indicates, the difference is in the direction the piercing is oriented in the skin above the clitoris. Neither of these piercings penetrates the clitoris itself.
Like most genital piercings, these piercings have relatively short healing times, due to the amount of blood flow to the area. During the healing period however, the piercing is a wound and can increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
3) A Christina piercing, also known as a Venus piercing, is a female genital piercing. It is located where the outer labia meet, below the pubic mound. Unless the recipient has an extremely sympathetic anatomy, Christinas are usually considered surface piercings and have a high rejection rate. Due to anatomical variation, it is not possible with every woman. The piercing does not facilitate sexual stimulation and can be found uncomfortable when pressure is applied, for example when wearing tight pants.
4) Labia piercings are one type of female genital piercing. This piercing can be placed either through the labia minora or the labia majora. They are one of the simpler and more common genital piercings performed on women, and are often pierced in symmetrical pairs. Like all genital piercings, depending on jewellery and placement, they may provide additional stimulation to one or both partners during sexual intercourse.
5) A triangle piercing is one of several forms of female genital piercing. The piercing passes from side to side, beneath the base of the clitoral hood tissue where it meets the inner labia and under the clitoris. In addition to serving as adornment, it increases the intensity of sexual stimulation, particularly during sexual intercourse. The name is derived from the tissue where the labia meet the clitoral hood, which looks like a triangle when pinched. This is the only genital piercing that can stimulate the clitoris from behind it, although it does not pass through the clitoris or the clitoral shaft. It is said to be one of the more painful genital piercings because it passes through so much tissue and so many nerves.
Most women do not have the proper anatomical features for this piercing. It requires that the back of the clitoral hood extend outward from the body somewhat.
6) A fourchette piercing is a female genital piercing. It is a piercing done at the rear rim of the vulva, in the area of frenulum labiorum pudendi. Many women do not have a pinchable flap of skin in the area, and are not suited for this piercing. If the correct anatomy is present, placement and piercing tends to be relatively easy.
7) A Nefertiti piercing is a female genital piercing that is a combination of a vertical clitoral hood piercing and a Christina piercing. Healing can be lengthy due to the amount of tissue the jewelry must pass through. Flexible bars are recommended by professional piercers for jewelry due to pressures that could be put on the piercing by being passed through so much flesh.
8) Princess Albertina is a female genital piercing, where a ring enters the urethra and exits through the top of the vagina. Anne Greenblatt describes the Princess Albertina as another "relatively new and experimental piercing. "Its name comes from the fact that it is analogous to the male Prince Albert piercing." This is a relatively rare piercing, as placement is difficult and the potential for urinary tract infections may be increased by this piercing. This piercing requires the bearer to have a large enough urethra for it to be viable. This piercing can be extremely sexually stimulating, as its presence stimulates the nerves of the urethra during intercourse or masturbatory activities. It is an advanced piercing and many piercers may not be willing or able to perform it. As noted above, the primary concern with this piercing is that it can lead to an increase in urinary tract infections. While many male genital piercings are transurethral, the longer length of the male urethra reduces the risk of urinary tract infection due to transurethral piercings. In addition, the urethral sounding play often used to enlarge the urethra can be dangerous if done improperly. The presence of this piercing can alter or divert the flow of urine from the body and may require extra attention during and after urination.
9) A clitoris piercing is a piercing through the clitoris itself. It is a relatively uncommon piercing and is often confused with the more common clitoral hood piercing, which pierces only the hood of the clitoris. Depending on the anatomy of the individual, they can be oriented either vertically or horizontally. This piercing, like male genital piercings which penetrate the glans penis, can be extremely sexually stimulating. This piercing requires that the piercee have a large enough clitoris to make the piercing viable.
To see a few examples of Female Genital Piercings click on the link below.
Female genital cutting (FGC), also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), female circumcision, or female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), is any procedure involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs "whether for cultural, religious or other non-therapeutic reasons." The term is exclusively used to describe traditional or religious procedures on a minor, which requires the parents' consent because of the age of the girl. When the procedure is performed on and with the consent of an adult, it is generally called clitoridectomy, or it may be part of labiaplasty or vaginoplasty. It also generally does not refer to procedures used in sex reassignment surgery, and the genital modification of intersexuals.
FGC is predominantly practiced in Northeast Africa and parts of the Near East and Southeast Asia, although it has also been reported to occur in individual tribes in South America and Australia. Opposition is motivated by concerns regarding the consent (or lack thereof, in most cases) of the patient, and subsequently the safety and long-term consequences of the procedures. In the past several decades, there have been many concerted efforts by the World Health Organization (WHO) to end the practice of FGC. The United Nations has also declared February 6 as "International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation".
Different terms are used to describe female genital surgery and other such procedures. The terms female genital mutilation (FGM) and female genital cutting (FGC) are now dominant in the international community. Practitioners commonly prefer the term female circumcision (FC). Groups that oppose the stigma of the word "mutilation" prefer to use the term female genital cutting. A few organizations have started using the combined term female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). All terms are currently still actively used.
The WHO defines Type I FGM as the partial or total removal of the clitoris (clitoridectomy) and/or the prepuce (clitoral hood); see Diagram 1B. When it is important to distinguish between the variations of Type I cutting, the following subdivisions are proposed: Type Ia, removal of the clitoral hood or prepuce only (which some view as analogous to male circumcision and thus more acceptable); Type Ib, removal of the clitoris with the prepuce. In the context of women who seek out labiaplasty, there is disagreement among doctors as to whether to remove the clitoral hood in some cases to enhance sexuality or whether this is too likely to lead to scarring and other problems.
The WHO's definition of Type II FGM is "partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora. When it is important to distinguish between the major variations that have been documented, the following subdivisions are proposed: Type IIa, removal of the labia minora only; Type IIb, partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora; Type IIc, partial or total removal of the clitoris, the labia minora and the labia majora.
The WHO defines Type III FGM as narrowing of the vaginal orifice with creation of a covering seal by cutting and repositioning the labia minora and/or the labia majora, with or without excision of the clitoris (infibulation). "It is the most extensive form of FGM, and accounts for about 10% of all FGM procedures described from Africa.
Infibulation is also known as "pharaonic circumcision". In a study of infibulation in the Horn of Africa, Pieters observed that the procedure involves extensive tissue removal of the external genitalia, including all of the labia minora and the inside of the labia majora. The labia majora are then held together using thorns or stitching. In some cases the girl's legs have been tied together for two to six weeks, to prevent her from moving and to allow the healing of the two sides of the vulva.
Nothing remains but the walls of flesh from the pubis down to the anus, with the exception of an opening at the inferior portion of the vulva to allow urine and menstrual blood to pass through; see Diagram 1D. Generally, a practitioner recognized as having the necessary skill carries out this procedure, and a local anesthetic is used. However, when carried out "in the bush", infibulation is often performed by an elderly matron or midwife of the village, without sterile procedure or anesthesia.
A reverse infibulation can be performed to allow for sexual intercourse or when undergoing labor, or by female relatives, whose responsibility it is to inspect the wound every few weeks and open it some more if necessary. During childbirth, the enlargement is too small to allow vaginal delivery, and so the infibulation is opened completely and may be restored after delivery. Again, the legs are sometimes tied together to allow the wound to heal. When childbirth takes place in a hospital, the surgeons may preserve the infibulation by enlarging the vagina with deep episiotomies. Afterwards, the patient may insist that her vulva be closed again.
Women who have been infibulated face a lot of difficulty in delivering children, especially if the infibulation is not undone beforehand, which often results in severe tearing of the infibulated area, or fetal death if the birth canal is not cleared (Toubia, 1995). The risk of severe physical, and psychological complications is more highly associated with women who have undergone infibulations as opposed to one of the lesser forms of FGM. Although there is little research on the psychological side effects of FGM, many women feel great pressure to conform to the norms set out by their community, and suffer from anxiety and depression as a result (Toubia, 1995). "There is also a higher rate of post-traumatic stress disorder in circumcised females" (Nicoletti, 2007, p. 2).
A five-year study of 300 women and 100 men in Sudan found that "sexual desire, pleasure, and orgasm are experienced by the majority (nearly 90%) of women who have been subjected to this extreme sexual mutilation, in spite of their being culturally bound to hide these experiences."
There are other forms of FGM, collectively referred to as Type IV, that may not involve tissue removal. The WHO defines Type IV FGM as "all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, for example, pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterization. "This includes a diverse range of practices, such as pricking the clitoris with needles, burning or scarring the genitals as well as ripping or tearing of the vagina. Type IV is found primarily among isolated ethnic groups as well as in combination with other types.
The story goes something like this. Before his marriage to Queen Victoria in 1825, Prince Albert pierced his penis as a way to help hide the unsightly bulge it made in his fashionably tight trousers. His member was then “dressed down” a pant leg and the “dressing ring” was fixed to a hook to hold it in place. Unfortunately, like so much of the information surrounding genital piercing, this story is little better than hearsay.
While genital piercings have become increasingly popular with the mainstream appeal of body modification such as tattooing, very little serious medical information exists on the risks, or even benefits, of genital jewelry. As a result, many people find out the problems associated with these piercings the hard way.
To help shed some light on the underworld of penis piercings, below is an illustrated list of the various types of piercings followed by some of the potential risks.
TYPES OF MALE GENITAL PIERCINGS
Ampallang/Apadravya: A straight barbell is pierced horizontally (ampallang) or vertically (apadravya) through the head of the penis, passing either above, under, or through the urethra.
Dydoe: One or more curved barbells or rings is pierced through the edge of the penis head.
Foreskin: The foreskin of an uncircumcised penis is pierced with a bead ring or circular barbell one or multiple times.
Frenum: Behind the Prince Albert, this is the second most popular male genital piercing. A straight barbell, curved barbell, or captive bead ring is pierced through the flexible skin on the underside of the shaft. Variations include: 1.) Lorum Piercing—the piercing is positioned at the base of the shaft, near the scrotum, and 2.) Frenum Ladder—a row of several frenum piercings.
Guiche/Perineum: A captive bead ring is pierced under the scrotum, near the anus.
Hafada/Scrotum: A piercing on any part of the scrotum.
Prince Albert: A barbell or captive bead ring is fed through the urethra and pierced through the bottom of the penis. A reverse Prince Albert involves the piercing exiting through the top of the penis.
Pubic: A captive bead ring is centered atop the shaft at the base of the man’s penis to stimulate a woman’s clitoris during deep penetration.
RISKS The most important thing you can do when getting a penis piercing is to find an experienced piercer who is licensed and reputable. Unfortunately the body modification industry isn’t regulated as heavily as it should be. As with any other piercing or tattoo, getting your body art from an unlicensed artist greatly increases your chances of catching a serious infection or communicable disease. An experienced piercer can also cause irreparable damage to one of the most sensitive, and important, parts of your body.
General care: Most all of these piercings come with a minimum of one week without sex as exchanging body fluids, sweat, and sex friction is a great way to develop a nasty infection. If untreated, a serious infection can result in permanent tissue damage or, in the worst case scenario, amputation or death. Even after this initial abstinence period, you should exercise extreme caution when having sex. You should wear a condom even with your monogamous partner for as long as the piercing is still healing: anywhere from 4 to 12 months. Oral Sex: Until the piercing is fully healed, any body fluids such as saliva or sweat can cause infection. If engaging in oral sex, you should wear a condom and otherwise clean yourself regularly with antibacterial soap.
Difficulties with Safe Sex: Until the piercing is fully healed it will offer an open wound that leaves your penis more susceptible to infections and STDs. Even after the piercing is healed, any slight tear during sex will open up the problem anew. Also, some believe that shaft piercings, particularly barbells, increase the risk of the condom catching on the metal and tearing.
Urethra/Urination: The good thing about get a piercing that passes through your urethra is that your urine acts as a sterilizing agent, helping to clean the wound. However, even though the Prince Albert is the most popular penis piercing, these deep piercings come with a number of problems. Some men with a Prince Albert prefer to sit when they urinate to reduce the dribble and splatter effect the piercing has on their urine stream. This piercing also has the potential of angering your partner who has to deal with your urine splattering the toilet seat. Once the piercing is removed, it’s common for the urine flow to be diverted through the hole left by the jewelry. Some men merely cover this flute hole with their finger until it heals. Others may have to seek a minor plastic surgery to permanently close the gap. These piercings can also cause a narrowing of the urethra due to scar tissue, making it more difficult to use the bathroom. Urethra piercings also come with an increased chance of urinary tract infections.
Ripping and tearing: The motivation behind many of these piercings is to increase sexual pleasure for you and your partner by increasing friction. Unfortunately this same friction can cause the piercing to tear the skin or be ripped out. Shallow piercings like the Frenum and the Dydoe are particularly susceptible to being ripped out during rough sex. However, even a piercing as deep as the Prince Albert can get caught and cause a tear. In addition to unsightly and pragmatic scar tissue, if the bead end of a barbell comes undone during sex, the barb can inflict serious puncture wounds on you or your partner.
Erectile tissue: If the piercing accidentally goes too deep, it can damage your erectile tissue. This may result in a curved erection or increased difficulty getting and sustaining an erection. Scrotum piercings: Any male genital piercing that is not on the shaft of the penis is particularly prone to infection due to increased perspiration and a lack of ventilation. The Guiche, which is positioned between the anus and the scrotum, is especially at risk. Also, this type of piercing isn’t recommended for anyone who sits for much of the day, as this may irritate the piercing. While the scrotum offers plenty of places for a piercing, it is extremely important that the piercing be shallow and not puncture the scrotum sac, as this will dramatically increase the chances of infection.
To See Photos of Male Genital Piercings Click on the link below.
"A lot of people who are interested in body modification but have careers, families; they get curious about modifying their body, but don't have to worry about how people will react," said Matt Funaiole, a body piercer at Imperial Body Art.
In an interview with WebMD.com, Elayne Angel, a professional piercer in New Orleans and Medical Coordinator for the Association of Professional Piercers, reported that most people get genital piercings to bring increased stimulation for both parties during sex.
If the idea of piercing your "Johnson" makes your head spin, don't worry. According to Funaiole, it's actually more awkward than painful. Most men aren't used to having their package handled by a stranger, much less having it pierced.
Funaiole also said the frenum and Prince Albert are the two most common types of piercings. The frenum piercing is located on the underside of the shaft, and is usually perpendicular to the frenulum. The Prince Albert goes through the frenulum and into the urethra.
"Most people who do get below-the-belt piercings are comfortable with their sexuality," Funaiole said. "A lot of piercings increase sensitivity. Sometimes it's just strictly ornamental to decorate the area."
If genital piercings are properly done and cared for, the risk of infection is low.
"Both male and female anatomy has lots of blood flow to the area," Funaiole said. "Fluid exchange during the healing process is the biggest problem. Use protection."
Funaiole also advised that people be cautious of where they go to get pierced.
"If a piercer says they're a certified body piercer, they're lying," Funaiole warned. "There is no such thing."
If your pain threshold is low, but you still want to sparkle up your manly bits, there is the option of penazzling — adding jewels to decorate the area around the penis. Vagazzling was originally endorsed by Jennifer Love Hewitt, but has been adapted to fit males, too. They can be applied at a salon or at home.
