How the Japanese Art of Kintsugi helps us embrace imperfections

Imagine holding a broken piece of pottery in your hands. Where most might see a shattered object destined to be thrown out, an ancient Japanese art sees an opportunity for beauty. This art, known as kintsugi, involves mending broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum, transforming the cracks into something uniquely beautiful, and even more precious. If you too are struggling with self-acceptance because of skin imperfections, read on about how Kintsugi can transform the way you live and view yourself. 

An Image of your body, broken

In a world that often glorifies flawless beauty, women (and increasingly men) are facing mounting pressures to fit into a perfect mould. The messages that we receive daily from advertisements and social media tell us that our value is diminished, unless our bodies are perfect. As a result, it can be very difficult to accept scars, stretch marks and other marks that diverge from the norm. Indeed, it hardly matters how we got them -- these visible reminders can be sources of deep-seated insecurity and emotional pain. Now that we are here, imperfect in this perfection-seeking world, what are we to do?

The Philosophy of Kintsugi

This is where Kintsugi, or ‘golden joinery’, comes into play. Kintsugi embodies the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in the imperfect, the transient, and the incomplete. It is about appreciating the natural cycle of growth and decay and recognizing the value in the flawed: including our skin. However, isn’t a blind celebration. Kintsugi wants its objects to be beautiful; it seeks beauty and grace, and sees nothing wrong with such a pursuit. What it stops short of, is seeking absolute perfection. What would happen if you viewed your skin through the same lens?

The Role of Scar Camouflage

One day, you may find yourself seeking ways to feel more comfortable in our skin, without starting a war with every imperfection. Paramedical tattooing or cosmetic camouflage can be a part of this journey, offering a way to blend and soften the appearance of scars and stretch marks without erasing their presence entirely. Just like that of kintsugi, the practice of cosmetic camoufalge requires patience, care, and a gentle hand. Like any permanent procedure that offers full coverage over natural skin tissue, it is crucial to do your own research about the expertise and values of any professional. If you are not sure where to start, reach out to us here to obtain some information about your scars, stretch marks or other marks. Our clinic was born out of a desire to improve patient mental health related to skin imperfections, and there is no pressure to proceed with treatment.

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‘Aftercare’

Perhaps you have already received cosmetic camouflage procedures, or are a happy patient at West Coast Paramedical. Even in these cases, we hope that you continue to perform ‘aftercare’, and not just by following our post-care instructions. Rather, try integrating the principles of kintsugi into your life, which may involve journaling, art, or even trying Kintsugi in Japan (For example, here: https://otonami.jp/wabunka/experiences/en_mutoh-2/ Link not sponsored). These practices can serve as daily reminders that our scars and stretch marks are part of our unique beauty. Finally, as we do at our clinic, surrounding ourselves with visual affirmations of this philosophy -- the kintsugi objects -- can reinforce our journey towards self-acceptance.

Conclusion

Before practicing, all staff at West Coast Paramedical learn about the art of kintsugi. Hopefully, we are able to influence our patients to see their imperfections in the same way: as a vessel of their uniqueness and beauty. By embracing our scars and stretch marks, we can begin to heal from the mental health struggles associated with these visible reminders of our experiences. Just as kintsugi repairs broken pottery with golden seams, we all mend our self-esteem and find strength in our unique stories, one stroke at a time.