Suspension piercing risks and benefits

In recent years, suspension piercing, also known as body suspension or hook suspension, has found a curious audience that is growing more popular across Australia. It is not for the meek; this extreme form of body modification is now a popular and empowering way for the individual to demonstrate their individuality, spirituality, and courage. Body suspension now takes place from the underground art scene in Sydney to performance spaces in Melbourne, and is evolving into a symbolic moment of liberation and self-awareness.

The art and meaning behind suspension piercing

Suspension piercing involves temporarily piercing hooks through the skin and suspending or lifting a person’s body using those hooks. Unlike traditional piercings and unlike what might sound like decorative hooks, they are part of a rigging system that allows a person to be lifted partially or fully off the ground.

It must be done with utmost precision, cleanliness, and skill. It is performed by professional piercers, who are highly skilled in piercing but also have knowledge of rigging safety.

Key facts

• Hooks are inserted in areas of strong skin – typically in the back, chest, and legs.
• Suspension lasts a very short time of anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes.
• Suspension can be performed inside or outside, depending on the rigging system.
• Infection, or tearing, can happen, so proper sterilisation and aftercare are key to avoiding problems.

The origin of suspension piercing

Suspension piercing has roots that are both historical and cultural. It is not a new practice; in fact, it can be traced back centuries to rituals from Indigenous and tribal communities across the ages.  

• Native American traditions: The Mandan tribe engaged in a spiritual ceremony called the O-Kee-Pa, suspension from hooks being one entry rite or a rite of purification.  
• South Asian rituals: The Thaipusam festival in India sees participants pierce their bodies and suspend themselves as a way of paying devotion to Lord Murugan.  
• Modern revival: Enthusiasts of body modification revived suspension, from suspension performance art to spiritual exploration to challenging themselves in the closing decades of the 20th century.  

Today, suspension piercing is engaged in by individuals throughout the world, even by people in Australia, who see suspension not merely as performance, but as both art and transformation.

What exactly happens during a suspension piercing?

Suspension piercing is an involved, multi-step process that requires an experienced team of professionals to be performed in a pristine and risk-free surroundings.

Step-by-step breakdown

1. Initial setup and contamination control – The dermis is scrubbed very well, and then the hooks’ exact position is indicated by delicate markings. The locations are influenced by the person’s anatomy and weight factors.
2. Hook insertion – Sterile hooks of a large diameter are put through the dermis. Hook insertion can be painful, but it is typically relatively brief.
3. Rigging setup – The hooks are hooked up to ropes or wires that are connected to a suspension rig or frame.
4. Material hoisting and hanging operations – The individual is gradually raised off the ground, usually only a few centimeters to start. Some will hang completely suspended for a few minutes to a couple of hours.
5. Maintenance and extraction guide – After the experience is over, the hooks are removed from the skin, wounds are cleaned, and the individual is monitored for any immediate reaction.

Types of suspension positions

Multiple types of suspension piercings create entirely different experiences and aesthetics. 

• Back suspension: Hooks are inserted into the upper back, allowing the person to hang upright in a vertical position.
• Chest suspension: Hooks are put through the chest and lift the individual front-on. 
• Coma suspension: Hooks are placed so that the individual lies horizontally and is looking up.  
• Superman suspension: Hooks are placed along the back and allow the person to be face-down and positioned like Superman or similar.  
• Knee or leg suspension: Mainly used in performance art contexts, this style suspends the individual in an upright position from their knees or legs. 

Each one of these approaches creates a different mix of pain, pressure, and emotional release; each one will change the session from one session to the next. 

Why are Aussies drawn to suspension piercing?

Suspension piercing has not yet reached mainstream society in Australian culture; however, it has garnered interest in the stranger subcultural (alternative) communities. 

Heartfelt and spiritual cleansing

For many, the presenters who undergo suspension often say they feel like they are free of burdens (fear, pain, and control) and can let go of those standards, which can provide emotional and spiritual release. Once their body gets used to being lifted, the individual describes a euphoric calmness. 

Creative independence and self-expression

In cities such as Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, suspension is usually exhibited from body-mod events or performance art. Suspension plank not only requires endurance, but it is also an art form that combines beauty, movement, and emotional content.

Personal challenge

Australians who enjoy pushing the boundaries,  whether it’s extreme sports or fitness tests, often say that suspension is a dual test of mental focus and physical ability. Some people say it’s about endurance, being present, and pushing your own limitations. 

Trusted safety and industry standards in Australia

Safety is not optional with suspension piercing. In Australia, only professionals who are trained and licensed should carry out suspension piercing. Equipment should all be sterilised for medical use, and the environment should be controlled.

Safety checklist

• Use hooks that are single-use, sterile.
• The studio is abiding by the health regulations in the area offered by your local centre.
• The rigger or piercer can show evidence of experience with body suspension.
• Always ensure there are emergency processes and first-aid plans in place.
• If you have a history of skin disorders (including sensitivity), heart disorders, or bleeding disorders, it’s best to get a medical check-up beforehand.

Suspension can cause dizziness, bleeding, or fainting. It is advisable to have a team of trustworthy people to assist you, and you should not try suspension alone.

How to prepare for a suspension session?

Good preparation makes all the difference in having a safe and meaningful experience as opposed to having a risky one. 

Before suspension

• Have a small, easily digestible meal a couple of hours prior to your session.
• Drink plenty of water and ensure you have a full night of quality sleep.
• Avoid any alcohol or drugs in the 24 hours before suspension. 
• Dress in relaxed, breathable attire that allows easy movement.

During suspension

• Focus on constant, slow breathing and staying mindful.
• Talk with your piercer and rigging team.
• Trust the process and your body’s limits when suspended.

After suspension

• Treat all hook sites with saline solution or antiseptic (e.g., Tea Tree Oil or Witch Hazel).
• Take a week off from swimming or soaking in water.
• Look for redness, swelling, and/or discharge from your hook site or from a piercer’s tool that was used.
• Seek medical attention if you notice a fever or severe pain.

Common myths about suspension piercing

Myth: It’s only for shock value.

Reality: Many individuals engage in suspension for emotional healing, artistic expression, or spiritual development instead of to shock others.

Myth: It’s exceedingly dangerous.

Reality: Provided that it is done by trained professionals in a sterile environment, the risks are similar to other larger piercings and are manageable.

Myth: It leaves massive scars.

Reality: Provided that it is done with proper aftercare and hygiene, marks tend to fade over time and become barely detectable.

Myth: Only “extreme” people do it.

Reality: Individuals who engage in suspension come from varied experiences, professions, lifestyles, and interests, including artists, professionals, students, or athletes, and are there for a variety of reasons, maybe out of curiosity or self-meaning.

Is suspension piercing right for you?

Suspension piercing is not for everyone, and that’s OK. If you are simply curious, do a thorough self-exploration by asking some honest questions: 

• Am I mentally and physically prepared for this experience? 
• Am I fully conscious of the consequences and risks here?
• Have I located a licensed, reputable practitioner in Australia? 
• What am I seeking to gain from the experience, release, art, challenge, or something deeper? 

If you have clearly defined answers to these questions and have done your due diligence, then suspension could be a safe and empowering way to explore limits. 

Conclusion 

Suspension piercing lies where art, endurance, and spirit meet. For Australians undergoing suspension piercing, it is more than just the act of hanging from hooks; it is a connection: to your body, to your mind, and to the community around you.

When done with care, it can be a life-changing moment of strength and self-exploration. It should always be done with respect and caution and under the guidance of a professional. Whether you came to a performance or you’re about to undergo your first suspension, keep in mind the act of suspension, however you experience it, is an inner transformation as much as it is expression.