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Beginner

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 6:18 pm
by alishas21
Hi all, I am new to this site and to stretching and need a little guidance. I have been reading a lot of the topics on here but I want to make sure I do this right. Basically I want a step by step directions on the stretching and after-care. I want to do the stretching slowly myself rather than go to a piercer since I only plan to go to maybe a 6g. I think I mostly get it but there are a few things I am not clear on for example massaging your ear lobes with oil, when am I supposed to do that? Or how long should I let it heal before I go up another gauge?
I already know the basics, like don't use alcohol or peroxide to clean your ears, acrylic plugs during healing and skipping several gauges is not recommended. Also my ears have been pierced since I was a baby so they are fully healed.
Thanks!

Re: Beginner

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 8:49 pm
by corazon_de_oro
Going to a piercer for stretches is a bad idea anyway since they can't feel your pain/listen to your body like you can. So you're on the right track already. :) To answer your questions...
-Oil massages are meant to loosen up your ears to make future stretches easier, moisturize, and break down scar tissue. They should only be done on well-settled stretches since the rubbing can irritate a fresh stretch. So I'd recommend waiting about a week after you stretch to start massaging them, and don't do it if you have any pain or soreness.
-With stretching it shouldn't really be "healing" as much as giving your ears time to loosen up to accomodate the next gauge. Most people should wait about 6-8 weeks between sizes, but you may need to wait longer if you have any pain or resistance.

Re: Beginner

Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2011 10:47 pm
by alishas21
Thanks for your help. As for the stretching itself, basicly clean everything and use some vitamin e oil or something to oil the taper and plugs and have it it? I also herd it is recommended to do the stretching after a shower so the skin is loosened?