About
INK MEDICINE
Ink Medicine is a tattooing process that is loaded with healing intention. It is about embracing the inherent fear associated with pain and turning it into a tool of empowerment. It is about making a talisman of your body by inscribing it with sacred symbols through an elevated process of pain management. In this process, unhealthy thinking patterns can be observed and consciously challenged.
An indelible symbol applied to the body through the acceptance of a painful process elevates the mind. The body has natural mechanisms to help us through the pain. A sort of natural suspension of mind takes place. Therein lies the realm in which protective layers of response have the potential to be more deeply understood and old patterns changed. When pain is consistently accepted through positive intention, it can be transformed into personal power in all aspects of our lives. Each of us has many layers of defensive thinking to pass through. These layers are like shields we have created in defense of pain, emotional and physical. With each layer let go, the light of the soul shines through ever brighter!
This tattoo will make the body itself a talisman of transcendence through pain. There are many modalities that accelerate the discovery of the Self. I believe this is one of them, but the only one that will leave you with a permanent visual reminder of your strength and your commitment to being your best self.
THE PROCESS:
UNRAVELING: BREAKDOWN OF INTENTION/DESIGN CONCEPT
APPLICATION OF TATTOO
INTEGRATION
UNRAVELING: INTENTION/DESIGN
The UNRAVELING, is an interview in which we will explore the intention of the tattoo through a series of questions. It may feel a bit like a therapy session. Please know that I am NOT A LICENSED THERAPIST and this is not a substitute for therapy. But understanding what you are moving through and how you would like to improve yourself are essential insights for me to do my part in this treatment. It will help me build your image into a unique message to your higher Self. Whenever you are caught up and forget, your tattoo will always serve as a reminder to stay in your power!
You may have an image in mind or not, but it’s best not to have a very fixed idea of the final outcome. This session will focus on determining placement and building a design together that captures the intent of the change or improvement to be accomplished.
APPLICATION OF TATTOO
The physical tattoo can be done immediately following the unraveling if the design is relatively simple enough to be tattooed in about 1-3hrs. This is my preference as the intent is exposed at this point. If the idea will require more time to research and design, it can be done in a follow-up session, within a week of the unraveling. Ultimately the tattoo design will come from you as it is drawn out through the unraveling. Each design will typically (though not necessarily) contain a literal central image combined with symbols from various cultures and practices as they relate to the healing intent. The design may contain symbols from traditions such as alchemy, astrology, tarot, reiki, eastern or western mythology, religion or something entirely personal. The central image maybe organic in nature such as an animal, flower or plant or may contain an element like water or fire. It may also be inorganic such as a dagger, a compass or gears. It can be anything that holds Truth. Essentially the image must be something that holds personal meaning to the one wearing it. In any event, these symbols can vary widely according to what the unraveling reveals and what imagery you, as the client, have in mind. Each design will be very personal. The image will typically be designed simply enough to be tattooed in about 2-3 hours (6”-8”dia.) though there may certainly be exceptions especially for those looking for more considerable work.
Pain management techniques will be suggested and strongly encouraged to get the most benefit from the treatment. I have been attuned to Reiki level 2 and will perform some light energy work before, during and after the tattoo to encourage healing. Previous experience with meditation, yoga or other spiritual disciplines can be helpful tools for you in this process!
INTEGRATION
The third session is an optional follow up (about 2-4 weeks after) and may last 30-60 minutes. It may be virtual or in-person. This is to review what came up emotionally and physically as the tattoo was healing. This session may also include a touch up to the tattoo if necessary. This will help integrate what was learned or seen in the tattooing process and help establish what healing has taken place. This will also provide feedback so that I might better develop and evolve this practice.
PRICING
A $400 deposit is required. This covers the unraveling session, design of the tattoo and first hour of the tattoo session. If additional time beyond the first hour is required to finish the tattoo, a rate of $175 per hour will be charged until completion.
Session 3 is free of charge.