r/ashtanga
waist tattoo healing and practice modification?
This is Ashtanga Yoga Tech Support. Real questions from the yoga community, answered.
The Question
hey guys, I got a side torso tattoo that sits on top of my hip bone up to my ribs a week ago. It’s at the flaking stage and doesnt hurt. So I’m wondering what postures (primary/secondary) should I avoid/modify? And do those with tattoo healing experience, how did you deal with the healing process? Thanks! submitted by /u/LazyIndependence3444
— via r/ashtanga
Our Response
Alright. You're a week in, it's flaking, doesn't hurt. That's good. You're basically there.
Main thing: don't rub it off on the mat. That's your enemy. Not the poses themselves.
Primary series — watch Marichyasana D. That binding compresses right where your ink is. Same with any deep twist where you're wrapping around yourself. Just back off the bind a little. Keep your shirt on if you need a barrier.
Secondary — same logic. Pasasana, Krounchasana, anything that smooshes that side body.
Skip Mysore rug burns. If you're sliding around in navasana or doing weird mat friction, just… don't.
The flaking stage is delicate. You don't want to scrape it off early. Let it fall off on its own.
Keep practicing. Just give it space. Another week and you're golden.
And maybe lotion it after practice. Not before. You'll slide everywhere.
That's it.
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