Did you know that nose piercings originated in the Middle East where its
first known documentation was made around 4,000 years ago? Even The Old
Testament of the Bible mentions this form of body art. And since the
Mughal rule, it has been associated with the Hindu culture too.
Piercings are quite common around the world, and the West is not that
far behind. Of course, with trends changing every few hours, some things
often come back in fashion. The same can be said about nose piercings.
This type of body modification doesn't appear to be a major change, but
it does alter the way we appear around others. The piercing doesn't
require any coverage and can be flaunted by both men and women. And if
you're wondering how to go about it, then we've got the answers right
here.
Where to Pierce
Left Side Piercing
Often times, the left side of the nose is the most preferred side for
piercing. According to Ayurveda, the left side of the women's nose
corresponds with their reproductive organs. When the nose is pierced, it
helps in reducing the pain during childbirth and may have some positive
effects on conditions like endometriosis.
Right Side Piercing
Some say, if you are a guy, you need to pierce your left nostril and
girls pierce their right nostril. However, it is thought if the guy
wears it in the right nostril he is a gay and girls wearing it on the
left are lesbians according to western culture. But, do not take this
too seriously, wear it where you want left or right. It is your priority
and comfort that matters.
Septum Piercing
Apart from the traditional left or right side, the other area you can
opt for is the septum. The septum is the area at the bottom of the nose
that is hidden and can only be seen from the underside. The jewelry that
can be used for this area are straight barbells that are about 14
gauge, circular barbells that are also of 14 gauge with a 3/8 inch
diameter or 14 gauge septum retainers.
Nose Bridge Piercing
Piercing on the bridge of the nose is another wild and a rebellious way
to express themselves, for the MTV crowd. Bridge is the area where the
nose meets the forehead. While piercing the bridge, the nose ring passes
through the skin only, not the cartilage. For bejeweling the bridge,
one should opt for straight barbells that are 16 or 14 gauge in
thickness.
Piercing the Nose
Normally, the side of the nose is made up of cartilage enclosed by skin
is the most favored area. One can go in for nose studs that are plain,
jeweled, circular, spiked, flat. You can even use rings of 18 or 16
gauge for bejeweling your nose. It depends on personal choice and
preference. Many say left side of the nose, according to the Hindu
tradition. Young Hindu girls are known to pierce their nose before their
wedding and wear a nose stud. Some Indian brides wear nose rings and
attach a fancy chain to the nose ring joining the left earning as a part
of bridal jewelry. This piercing before the wedding is not just a
tradition or a part of the bridal make-up. It has its basis in Ayurvedic
medicine. Whatever may be the truth, many people believe in this
Ayurvedic explanation and go in for left side of the nose for piercing.
It is seen that the North Indians prefer piercing the left side of the nose where as the people in the South, prefer right side. There are some cultures, wherein, women are seen with piercing on both sides of the nose. If there are no cultural obligations or regional preferences binding you, just choose any side your heart feels the best. Teenagers or professionals who cannot wear nose rings or studs to their respective study or work places in order to maintain the decorum of the institution, can opt for nose piercing retainers. They contain no metallic parts and are almost invisible. These retainers can even escape X-ray detection and are perfect for hospital visits.
Piercing of the nose is the second most popular form of body piercing
after ear-piercing. Both these form of piercings have been a part of the
culture and tradition in India, Africa and the South Pacific. Ear
piercing in Europe and the US have been common, especially among women
as ear studs and earrings are common and popular jewelry pieces. Since
the early 1980s, it has caught the fancy of the western youth like fire.
Possibilities of Infection
It is very easy to develop an infection, as the inner nose is the heaven
for bacteria and other infection causing germs. These opportunistic
pathogens can easily enter the freshly pierced skin and cause an
infection. If you find some redness, tenderness and swelling after one
or two days, do not panic. This is completely normal. When this redness,
tenderness, swelling and pain increases with or without yellow or green
discharge or pus oozing out of the pierced nose tissue, rush to a
doctor immediately for treating the infection.
When going in for a piercing, never opt for piercing with a gun. Guns
are not meant for noses and the blunt jewelry is very tight for
aftercare. Another reason is that not many nose piercers are trained
well enough for proper maintenance and cleaning of the gun. The gun may
have traces of blood left on it and can easily transmit many dreadful
blood diseases like Hepatitis C or even HIV. Always opt for sharp, new,
sterile needle that is meant for body piercing. Always allow your nose
to be handled by a trained professional.
Aftercare Instructions
Never wear sterling silver in your freshly pierced nose, as the metal
will leave a permanent stain on your skin. A black mark develops around
the piercing that will never be erased. Always opt for stainless steel,
niobium, titanium, or 14k gold. It takes around three months to heal
fully. Therefore, avoid fidgeting with your nose and changing your
jewelry. When jewelry is changed too soon, it causes a re-tear,
lengthening the healing process and forming an infection.
Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on your tissue will increase the
irritation and burning sensation. It may even slow down the healing
process and cause a scar. You can apply powdered aspirin to provide
relief from the nose piercing infection. Do not use swimming pools, hot
tubs or go swimming in the ocean, as there are chances of bacterial
infection and pollutant contaminant infection. Always maintain proper
hygiene to reduce chances of bacterial infection.
In the end, after all that's said and done, the final call rests in your
hands. Be sure to visit an experienced piercer who uses hygienic tools.
source:Beautips
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