The History of Ear Stretching

Ear stretching, or "gauging" an earlobe piercing, is one of the oldest known forms of body art in existence. Ear stretching is not new, and is as old as history itself. Ear stretching has been popular for centuries, but this popularity has increased in Western culture in recent years. Ear stretching is also associated with certain social cliques and subcultures. Ear stretching is popular for a number of reasons, but mainly because people are seeking new ways to be different. Ear stretching is still carried out all over the world for a variety of reasons, including those mentioned above.

Ear stretching, whilst a relatively new practice in western civilization, has long been practices for centuries by indigenous tribes from all over the world. While today we have devolved specialized earring for the purpose, this was not the case for indigenous peoples. Ear stretching is popular in Western culture, but individuals modify the ear for many different reasons, including religious, spiritual or just for fun. Ear stretching has been practised for hundreds of years by indigenous people for various rituals in countries like Africa, South America, and most recently exploding in North America and Europe. In many ways this ear stretching is a testament to the ingenuity of these cultures.

Plugs are large-gauge earrings that go all the way through a stretched earlobe. Plugs are the jewelry that a person wears in their stretched earlobes. Plugs are solid, while tunnels are hollow and have a hole that you can see through. Plugs are available in hundreds of different styles, from elaborately carved bone and wood to clear silicone. Plugs are generally solid and you will find them with various designs.

Ear stretching affects the ear tissue in a much different way from traditional piercings. Ear stretching is essentially widening a healed hole in the ear lobe and placing a plug or tunnel in the pierced hole. Ear stretching blow outs are normally caused by stretching to quick, this is why it's imperative to allow plenty of time between moving up in sizes when ear stretching. Many find ear stretching a fabulous way to look different and express their individuality, although it may not be for everybody. This is because ear stretching should not be rushed, lest you cause long-lasting damage to your ears.