INK AS MEDICINE: How Trauma-Informed Tattooing Can Heal the Body, Calm the Mind, and Reset Your Stress Response
Ink as Medicine: How Trauma-Informed Tattooing Can Heal the Body, Calm the Mind, and Reset Your Stress Response
By Eric Glas
Discover how therapeutic tattooing can support trauma recovery, PTSD healing, and nervous system regulation when integrated thoughtfully with professional mental health care.
A Groundbreaking Approach to Somatic Healing
Ink as Medicine explores the powerful intersection of trauma-informed healing and therapeutic tattooing. Drawing on neuroscience research, ancient healing practices, and modern somatic therapy principles, this book reveals how intentional body modification can help survivors of trauma reclaim their bodies and reset dysregulated nervous systems.
Whether you’re recovering from PTSD, considering scar cover-up tattoos, exploring self-harm recovery options, or simply curious about body-based healing approaches, this comprehensive guide provides the scientific foundation and practical guidance you need to approach therapeutic tattooing safely and effectively.
What You’ll Learn
Inside this evidence-based book, you’ll discover how the tattooing process triggers endorphin release, cortisol reduction, and immune system activation that support mental health recovery. You’ll learn why voluntary pain in safe, controlled contexts can help trauma survivors restore agency over bodies affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, medical trauma, or self-harm.
From 5,300-year-old therapeutic tattoos on ancient mummies to cutting-edge applications in modern medicine, Ink as Medicine traces the long history of tattooing as healing practice while providing thoroughly modern, trauma-informed guidance for today’s recovery journey.
Body Reclamation Through Chosen Pain
Learn how to find trauma-informed tattoo artists, plan meaningful designs that truly serve your healing, and integrate tattooing with therapy and other recovery practices. Discover the somatic trance state that calms anxiety, the neuroscience behind scar transformation, and practical self-assessment tools to determine if therapeutic tattooing is right for you.
This book is essential reading for trauma survivors, mental health professionals, tattoo artists, and anyone interested in embodiment practices, polyvagal theory, or alternative healing methods that honor the deep connection between body and mind.
Compassionate, Research-Based Guidance
Unlike inspirational memoirs or one-size-fits-all approaches, Ink as Medicine offers grounded, honest exploration of both the profound potential and clear limitations of therapeutic tattooing. Author Eric Glas emphasizes that tattooing supports—but never replaces—professional mental health treatment, providing a balanced perspective on when body modification can facilitate healing and when other approaches are needed.
Ready to explore how trauma-informed tattooing might support your healing journey?
Available now on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback formats.
