The human body has become the "canvas" of creative and ideological desires. The impetus of body piercing started from the tradition of primitive people who used their body for either religious or social purposes. History proves that piercing was important to different tribes and cultures such as Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.

Nowadays, art has made a swift transition from the canvas and gallery, to the body and the street. As the youth continue to develop a great sense of fashion, the society has become more expressive through their clothes and body art. Body piercing is an old yet emerging trend among the youth and middle-aged group, who somehow surpass the conventional means of freeing their intense emotions and raging their rebellious beliefs. For millions of teenagers, body piercing is not only a fashion accessory but a form of expressing one’s "individuality." Wearing a silver body piercing jewelry is a brazen expression of "belongingness" and "acceptance" in a certain taboo.

Though fashion constantly changes, the body-piercing craze will continue to be part and parcel of the youth’s getup. Today, whenever you go to malls or watch television, you’ll notice many people wear their noticeable body piercing jewelry as they would their underwear. It has become a necessity more than an accessory for they feel naked without it. Since body piercing is hip, people have it on their eyebrows, tongue, lips, nipples, neck, and even the genitals. While this might appeal to youngsters, one must not discount the fact that body piercing contributes to serious risks and complications.

Don’t let peer pressure be the basis of a piercing. Weigh the pros and cons of body piercing before deciding to have it. If and when you’re certain already that you want to have body piercing jewelry, go to a store that offers wholesale piercing jewelry, retail piercing jewelry and online piercing jewelry. Take time to research about stores offering these services to prevent possible health complications.

Some parts of the body are vulnerable to infection once the skin is cut. Remember that serious infections can be passed from person to person through needles. These include: HIV, hepatitis, tetanus, allergies, and other skin disorders. If you are sick or pregnant, ask the necessary precautions from your doctor before getting a piercing. Be sure you know where to seek medical help in case a piercing procedure goes wrong and triggers unexpected infection.

Many states in the US impose regulations on piercing shops and jewelry dealers. Although most piercing shops try to provide a clean and healthy environment, some don’t apply sanitary measures thus posing health hazards.

If you decide to get a body piercing, inspect the procedure of the shop that you’re eyeing. Be sure it has a clean and safe environment for its customers.

Every shop should have a sterilizing machine and procedural instruments should be sealed. It's also best to inquire about the types of jewelry the shop offers because some people have allergic reactions to certain types of metals. Before you get a piercing, go to your doctor to check for possible allergic reactions to metal.