gauging ears

so I started gauge my left ear about 5 months ago. It is now at a size Double 0. It seems as though more and more people are doing this to there ears. I have had no problems with infection or tearing, but I know some people who have had bad ear problems after stretching their ears. The way I recommend stretching your is using a taper. and slowly working it in week by week. I like to tug on my ear a little every day, it seems to help with the stretching process. also when I go to put new jewelry in i will take a hot shower and tug on my ear in there. it seems to make your ear a little more elastic. I am just looking for other tips on how to stretch ears, etc. Let me know what you think!