In this article, we have studied the potential healing powers and medical uses of tattoos from ancient to contemporary times. Tattoos have existed for thousands of years, but their meaning and purpose vary greatly. For example, ancient Egyptians wore tattoos as protective decorations related to their belief in magic and beliefs. In other cultures, tattooing is a ritual of passing, synonymous with a person’s heritage. For some people, tattoos are purely cosmetic.
However, the researchers discovered another reason for tattoos. It is now understandable that for some people in ancient society and modern times, tattoos have more medical uses. Here, we look at the different medical effects associated with the tattooing process.
ancient forms of medicinal tattoos
The first evidence of medicinal tattoos can be found on Otzi, the most famous mummy in the world. Otzi, also known as the "Iceman", is a 5300-year-old mummy that was discovered in the Alps in 1991. His body has been preserved under the glacier for thousands of years, well preserved, and his body art is still visible.
Otzi's tattoo includes several short lines on his lower back and ankles, and two bands around his left wrist. Interestingly, the tattoo anthropologist Lars Krutak found that 80% of these tattoos overlap with traditional Chinese acupuncture points, especially those used to treat rheumatism and gastrointestinal problems. This shows that Otzi's tattoos are not only for decorative purposes.
After further examination of a 1000-year-old female Peruvian mummy, another example of this seemingly tattooed medical method was discovered. In addition to various symbolic and animal-like tattoos, there is an unusual pattern of overlapping circles on her neck.
Maria Anna Pabst of the Medical University of Graz analyzed the remains and found that the ink in the neck tattoo was not just ordinary soot or soot. Instead, this tattoo contains plant material. Pabst concluded: "If you use different materials, they will have different functions." And because plants were used in ancient forms of medicine, it is believed that the function of this tattoo might be to relieve neck muscle pain.
Among Yupiget women on St. Lawrence Island on the coast of Alaska, healing tattoos were also discovered. Lars Krutak discovered that Yupiget uses a form of tattoo called skin stitching. He pointed out how much of the resulting geometric design lies around the joints. After further investigation, Krutak discovered that whenever a member of the clan sprained a joint, a prick was placed on the swollen area to promote healing. Joint tattoos have also been found among Kayan men and women and Papua New Guinea's inland fragrance crowd.
The connection between tattoos and acupuncture
In each case, tattoos are considered to have certain health benefits-the most obvious is pain relief. Crutak also noticed the similarities between the classic acupuncture points and the locations of these tattoos. Here, we explore the connection between the two.
If you still don’t understand, acupuncture is a free therapy derived from Chinese medicine. This process involves inserting fine needles in certain parts of the body to prevent or alleviate certain medical problems.
Micro-injuries in the skin can trigger several body reactions. Release of neuropeptides such as white blood cells, amino acids and serotonin can down-regulate pain, reduce inflammation, fight infections and increase local circulation when injured. Although the tattooing process is different in several ways, it promotes very similar reactions.
Although tattoos usually involve the use of a machine that pierces the skin with multiple needles at a small depth at the same time, the irritation that occurs can also provide a therapeutic effect. Therefore, tattoos have been compared with electroacupuncture.
A study in the American Journal of Human Biology also found that tattoos can strengthen your immune system. Your body responds to the tattoo process by attacking an unfamiliar substance (ink). In this process, the body produces important antibodies. Over time, these help strengthen your immune system. The body eventually receives the ink, the skin heals, and the tattoo becomes a permanent feature.
Other health benefits of tattoos
In addition to improving immunity, tattoos are also associated with many other health benefits, including reducing stress. Studies have shown that people with multiple tattoos have lower levels of cortisol-stress hormone. In addition, the release of adrenaline and endorphins attached to the tattoo means that some people are actually enjoying the painful process!
In contemporary culture, the medical effects of tattoos usually focus more on improving health than on physical health benefits. Tattoos are ultimately a form of creative self-expression, with various meanings depending on the individual. For some people, tattoos are a decorative way to enhance self-confidence. Others hope to commemorate someone or something meaningful to them through permanent artwork.
Perhaps the most interesting is the increasing use of tattoos to help the wearer overcome past traumas. Tattoo artist Paul Booth explained: “Survival, painful patience and images that ultimately represent your past experience can be cured. The result is that you feel empowered because you have suffered and survived.”
In this sense, tattoos can be understood as a form of alternative therapy, a bit like acupuncture. Except this time, the pain resolved was not physical. On the contrary, the healing power of tattoos comes from helping the wearer deal with deeper emotional pain. As Paul said, in this case, tattoos enhance emotional power by enduring physical pain.
It is this treatment effect that highlights the change in people's attitudes towards medical tattoos. Few people now rely on tattoos to improve their physical diseases, and most people do not believe in the healing power of ancient tattooing practices.
Instead, tattooing is now a way for the wearer to improve the overall health of the wearer. This may be due to the freedom of self-expression or the increased confidence that the new ink brings. However, the medicinal value of contemporary tattoos may be as simple as providing a sealing effect. It now appears that this is the true healing power that tattoos provide to the wearer.
