Body piercings have been a popular trend for centuries, with various forms of body art gaining traction in different cultures. Amongst them, navel piercings are the most popular and commonly opted for. Navel piercings have been in vogue since the 1990s and have been trending ever since. In this blog, we will be discussing the different types of navel piercings and their variations.
Navel piercing, also known as belly button piercing, has a rich and interesting history that dates back thousands of years. The practice of navel piercing can be traced back to ancient times when it was primarily used for cultural and religious purposes.
Ancient Egyptian and Roman Civilizations:
Navel piercing was practiced in ancient Egyptian and Roman civilizations. In ancient Egypt, navel piercing was a sign of wealth and status, and only the pharaohs and their consorts were allowed to adorn their navels with jewelry. The Romans also practiced navel piercing, and it was believed to be a sign of bravery, as Roman soldiers would get their navels pierced before going into battle.
South Asian Cultures:
Navel piercing is also a prominent cultural practice in South Asian cultures. In India, navel piercing is an ancient practice that has been around for over 5000 years. In Indian culture, navel piercing is believed to aid in digestion, relieve menstrual cramps, and promote fertility. The piercing is also considered a sacred tradition in Indian culture and is often performed during religious ceremonies.
Contemporary Popularity:
In the modern era, navel piercing gained popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, thanks to pop culture icons such as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, who sported navel piercings in their music videos and on stage. The trend quickly caught on, and navel piercing became a fashion statement among young women.
As navel piercing gained popularity, different types and variations of the piercing emerged. The most popular types of navel piercing include standard navel piercing, reverse navel piercing, double navel piercing, and multiple navel piercing. Each type of navel piercing has a unique placement and jewelry style that adds an extra element of style to the piercing.
Types of Navel Piercings
- Standard Navel Piercing:
The standard navel piercing is the most common type of navel piercing that is performed. The process involves puncturing the skin above the belly button and inserting jewelry into the piercing. The jewelry generally comprises a curved barbell, a ring, or a stud. The jewelry is usually worn for up to six months before it is replaced with another piece of jewelry.
- Double Navel Piercing:
As the name suggests, a double navel piercing is the process of creating two piercings above the belly button. The two piercings can be either vertical or horizontal and are usually separated by a small amount of skin. The jewelry is usually two curved barbells, rings, or studs, and is worn for up to six months.
- Inverse Navel Piercing:
An inverse navel piercing is a unique type of piercing that is performed on the lower part of the navel. The process involves piercing the skin underneath the belly button and inserting jewelry into the piercing. The jewelry usually comprises a curved barbell or a ring, which is worn for up to six months.
- Floating Navel Piercing:
A floating navel piercing is a type of piercing where the jewelry appears to be floating on the skin. The process involves piercing the skin above the navel and inserting jewelry that comprises a curved barbell or a ring. The jewelry is usually worn for up to six months before it is replaced with another piece of jewelry.
- Multiple Navel Piercing:
A multiple navel piercing is the process of creating more than two piercings above the belly button. The piercings can be either vertical or horizontal and are usually separated by a small amount of skin. The jewelry is usually a combination of curved barbells, rings, or studs, which are worn for up to six months.
- T-Shaped Navel Piercing:
A T-shaped navel piercing is a unique type of piercing where the jewelry comprises a curved barbell, a ring, or a stud. The process involves creating two piercings above the belly button and one piercing below the belly button. The three piercings are then connected with the jewelry to form a T-shape. The jewelry is usually worn for up to six months.
- Surface Navel Piercing:
A surface navel piercing is a type of piercing that is performed on the surface of the skin above the belly button. The process involves piercing the skin with a curved needle and inserting a piece of jewelry that comprises a flat disc or a barbell. The jewelry is usually worn for up to six months before it is replaced with another piece of jewelry.
- Bottom Navel Piercing:
A bottom navel piercing is a type of piercing that is performed on the lower part of the navel. The process involves piercing the skin below the belly button and inserting jewelry that comprises a curved barbell or a ring. The jewelry is usually worn for up to six months before it is replaced with another piece of jewelry.
Variations of Navel Piercings
Apart from the types mentioned above, there are many variations of navel piercings. Some of the most popular variations are:
- Dangling Navel Piercing:
A dangling navel piercing is a type of piercing where the jewelry hangs below the belly button, giving the illusion of dangling. The jewelry usually comprises a curved barbell or a ring with a decorative charm, which adds an extra element of style to the piercing.
- Gemstone Navel Piercing:
A gemstone navel piercing is a type of piercing where the jewelry comprises a curved barbell or a ring with a precious or semi-precious stone. The stone adds an extra element of elegance to the piercing, making it a popular choice for special occasions.
- Spiral Navel Piercing:
A spiral navel piercing is a type of piercing where the jewelry comprises a spiral-shaped barbell. The spiral design adds an extra element of uniqueness to the piercing, making it a popular choice for those who want to stand out from the crowd.
- Industrial Navel Piercing:
An industrial navel piercing is a type of piercing where the jewelry comprises a combination of two or more piercings connected by a single piece of jewelry. The jewelry usually comprises a combination of curved barbells or rings, which are worn for up to six months.
- Snakebite Navel Piercing:
A snakebite navel piercing is a type of piercing where two piercings are made on either side of the navel, similar to the placement of snakebites on the lower lip. The jewelry usually comprises two curved barbells or rings, which are worn for up to six months.
- Reversed Navel Piercing:
A reversed navel piercing is a type of piercing where the jewelry is inserted from the bottom of the navel and exits at the top. The jewelry usually comprises a curved barbell or a ring, which is worn for up to six months.
Navel piercings are a popular form of body art that has been in vogue for decades. With various types and variations available, it is essential to understand the different options available and choose one that best suits your style and personality. As with any form of body art, it is crucial to ensure that the piercing is performed by a professional and that the aftercare instructions are followed diligently to prevent infections and promote healing. With the right care, navel piercings can be a stylish and unique form of body art that adds an extra element of personality to your overall look.
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