The Modern Primitive Movement. Part II: Branding

The Modern Primitive Movement. Part II: Branding

The Modern Primitive Movement
Part II:
Branding

This is the second posting in the Modern Primitive Movement series (See prev. Posting). '

Branding is one of the more extreme and primitive methods of body modification and decoration. The mere thought may make you squeamish. If this is the case.. leave now... and under NO Circumstances check out the attached You-tube clip showing branding via 'electrocautery.

Branding has been a method of human body modification and decoration, throughout the world for centuries. Branding has various meaning in tribal societies .. punishment, a mark of adulthood, a mark of ownership. It is a method of marking adopted by some fraternities, members of the Modern Primitive Movement and of course, some members of the D/s, BDSM lifestyle.

So, for those with a fascination with branding generally, here are a few pointers before you start:

• People are not cows. They do not have hides. Branding people is very different from branding cows.
• Branding is a 3rd degree burn that cauterises the nerve endings.
• Home made brands and branding is a really bad idea. Using bent paperclips and coat hangers have resulted in the metal alloy coating becoming lodged in the burn, requiring medical attention. So DON"T TRY THIS AT HOME!!
• First do some research. Ask questions and ensure that the brander you choose is suitably qualified. Request to see their portfolio.
• Discuss with your chosen brander the design and placement of the brand.
• Select an area of the body that is not bony, is fairly flat and not close to any body organs.
• Remember when designing your brand that tissue burned to third degree will expand, or spread from 300-500%

Most branders will have a preferred method. These are the main three:

1) Strike branding is heating up small strips of stainless steel and applying them to the skin in a designated pattern. This form of branding is what most people tend to think of when the word "branding" is mentioned.

2) Electrocautery is performed by using a Thermo Cautery Unit, the same thing you would see in a hospital's invasive surgery ward. The medical application of this machine is to stop bleeding by cauterization during invasive surgical procedures so the patient does not bleed to death on the table. This unit heats up to approximately two thousand degrees Fahrenheit. At that temperature, it creates an instant third degree burn. Designs can be a little more intricate with this method, and curved lines are easier!! (*see You-tube demo)

3) Moxabustion is placing incense on the skin and allowing it to burn until extinguished in the flesh. For this type of branding, practitioners useTibetan or Japanese incense, due to the fact that the stick of incense is pure incense and not incense around a wooden stick.

In all three methods of branding, the temperature is so hot that the nerve endings are seared, making it typically less painful than getting a tattoo in a similar area of the body.

So, whether you are pledging to a fraternity, seeking a different form of body decoration or are a keen kajira, branding may be for you. But whatever you do... seek the right advice and DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!

pic: cautery branding method. www.allaboutelwood.com/body_branding.htm