Body piercing is a form of art that has been around since the ancient times. It means different things in different cultures and societies. Piercing is actually a form of body modification. It is extremely popular in today’s times and a lot of fashionable people, whether young or old, are known to pierce their bodies.

Body piercing is done by inserting a needle in a part of the body, which creates a small opening. A piece of jewelry is used to adorn it. In earlier times, body piercing was very common in tribal and ancient societies and it was only since the 1970’s that this art form gained mainstream acceptance.

Different people pierce their body for different reasons, usually for religious, cultural, style and secular purposes. Needles are still used for body piercing though advanced methods are also being used side by side. Piercing guns, dermal punches and the indwelling cannula method are some of the methods used. Piercing body parts is not exactly a painless process. In fact it can be quite painful and even cause certain infections. If you are wondering what can be pierced, here are the most common body piercing done the world over.

Ear piercing: This is the most common kind of piercing done on the body the world over. It is very common in Asian countries such as India where it is difficult to find a girl or a woman without an ear piercing. Though it is more prevalent in women, some countries have men sporting these piercing with a lot of ado. Piercing was mainly done on the earlobes, but nowadays it is not uncommon to find people who have piercing all over the ears. Gay men are known to pierce their right ear to let the world know of their sexual orientation. Lots of different kinds of ear rings can also be found to adorn ear piercings as well, from metal, wood and precious stones. Since the process is simple, the healing time is usually over in a week.

Nose piercing: This kind of piercing is quite common though women are found to do it more often. Either side of the nostrils is the most common place women get nose piercings done. In some societies people believe that nose piercings makes child birth easier. Some women are also seen having nose piercings in the center of the nose, i.e., the diving wall. This kind of piercing is also known as nose spetum piercing and may lead to infections.

Belly - button piercing: This kind of piercing is very popular with girls all over the world. Very few men are known to have it done though. Belly - button piercing is quite a painful process and may take up to 6 months to a year to be completely healed. The healing period may be a very uncomfortable and painful experience. Use of soaps and ointments in the area is to be avoided. Belly - button piercing may also give rise to infections easily.

Of course there are many "other" body parts that can be pierced but you will have to use your imagination for those.  Local Body Piercing shops can provide you with all of the details you need, including cost, pain, and more.