Why? Because the body needs fuel to maintain a healthy outcome. 

What is really going on with the body? When we endure pain or are put under stress, our body’s natural reaction is to bear down. In the case of getting a tattoo, the first 15-20 minutes of the process your body is trying to figure out why you’re allowing the pain to continue; normally you would pull away from pain. You have to breathe through it and your body will begin to adjust. Sometimes it helps to keep something moving, fidgeting, it lets the body know that you are still in control, doing both will help you get through your tattoo session. It doesn’t mean the pain will go away, it’s a tattoo, you asked for it. 

Take care of yourself before, during, and after. Just like any invasive procedure, you need to make sure that your body is healthy to ensure healthy results. Drink plenty of water the day before and make sure that you eat a healthy meal no longer than an hour before your appointment. Bringing a snack that is high in protein with you to your appointment helps your body to rejuvenate when you and your artist take a break. Sometimes the artist will do routine breaks or sometimes you decide that it’s time based on how you’re feeling during your appointment. Always communicate with your artist on how you feel and inform him/her of any changes. 

During the process of getting a tattoo or piercing the pain/stress will trigger the 10th cranial nerve (Vagus Nerve); this nerve controls all of your major organs, when it is unmanaged and overstimulated it will push warning signs such as sweaty, pale or gray skin, irritability, dizziness, and/or nausea. This is your body’s way of letting you know it may be time to take a break, but if ignored it will lower the blood pressure enough to make the person faint. 

Try to relax, being tense doesn’t help anyone. Listen to your body, this is not life threatening but it can save you from an embarrassing moment.

Yes, tattoos do hurt and everyone tolerates pain in a different way but you need to know how to listen to your body and respond to what it’s trying to communicate to you.

Chrissy Fauls, Certified Trainer 

Red Cross Safety Training, CPR/AED, First Aid and Blood Borne Pathogens

Foods type of eat before getting inked 

Here is a list of 3 different kind of foods that you can eat before getting inked:  

• Salmon
• Avocado
• Broccoli
• Kale 
• Garlic. 

There are so many different types of foods that you can eat before getting inked. Some of these include fruits which are high in vitamin C, vegetables which are high in fiber, and whole grains which will get your energy levels up. If you're about to get inked, it's important to know that there are several foods out there that will help your tattoo fade and look more beautiful.

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