Needle Play

Quick Introductory Notes about Needle Play, by Marilyn (30-May-09)

Preparation:

Needles generate quick and deep endorphins, so go slowly and don’t be afraid to stop at any point
Use gloves; double gloves are good especially if there is concern about transmission of blood-borne disease
Gloves should be snug-fitting to allow fine movements
Cover all surfaces that might get blood on them: use chux, tarps, etc. Remove clothing, or don’t mind if it gets bled on.
Set out all supplies beforehand, so you don’t have to handle containers with blood on your hands. Or change gloves frequently.
Have an open sharps container right at hand; don’t improvise with a soda can or anything else
Have a plastic trash receptacle right at hand
Other supplies: paper towels, gauze pads, alcohol wipes
Be sure you have sufficient light; although dorky, a forehead lantern works well
Position the bottom either lying down or sitting up, whichever is comfortable and affords the best access to the area to be pierced. Sitting up will generally get better blood drips, for those who like such things.
Do not uncap needles until ready to insert
Clean the area to be pierced before starting; generally alcohol wipes suffice

General Info

Use sterile syringe needles (not the syringes themselves), easily purchased online at (some) medical and veterinary suppliers
The larger the number gauge, the thinner the needle. 25 gauge is a good start, 18 gauge is generally thought of as “big”, and generally only serious masochists like to play with 14 gauge.
1-½ “ long needles are the easiest to work with. Shorter needles (1” or even down to 5/8”) are nice for decorating or in small areas. Longer needles are harder to work with but can also add interesting dimensions, but are sometimes harder to obtain.

Technique

Hold the bevel towards the body and enter the skin at a slight angle
Keep the needle relatively parallel to the skin, and come up to the surface when you like. More “secure” pierces are best to be ½ inch or more.
Be very careful of the needle coming out – keep your hands away to avoid needle sticks.

Creativity

Be creative with designs, including angles, and colors of needle hubs
If the piercee will be mobile after the piercing, cork the ends of the needle or “tuck in” to the skin
To beat on the needles, cover with several layers of Saran Wrap, not the microwaveable kind which is porous. This will protect your toys and your hands.
To pull on the needles you can use dental floss (Glide) or thick elastic ribbon or rubber bands.
To decorate the needles, use small bells, feathers, or ribbons wrapped around
Play with the needles by tapping, twisting, pulling back and forth (without removing)
Add a “zing” by dabbing the insertion points with alcohol

Removal

Blood doesn’t usually come until removal
Place removed needles directly into sharps container. DO NOT re-cap or place elsewhere.
Remove along the same plane as insertion for the least amount of pain
Twist while removing for more pain
Twist the needle to perpendicular while removing to get the most pain
Rubbing the holes with alcohol will make them burn and bleed
If the piercee will be among people, cover wounds with gauze, bandages, or thick clothing (once no longer bleeding)
Piercee should monitor healing and apply antiseptic as needed. Pierces may bruise before healing