Nose Piercing - Which Side To Pierce

It is said that body piercing has been in vogue since 4000 years ago, especially in the Middle Eastern region. The Old Testament of the Bible has also mentioned it, as Rebekah, the wife of Isaac was gifted a nose ring on her wedding day. Nose rings became popular in the Indian culture during the 16th century Mughal rule. Nose piercing has always been associated with the Hindu culture as it is an integral part of jewelry of Hindu women. Many people who want to undergo nose-piercing - 'which side to pierce' is the most common question they ask. Let us answer the common question one asks before nose piercing, which side!

Which Side for Nose Piercing
Normally, the side of the nose is made up of cartilage enclosed by skin is the most favored area for nose piercing. One can go in for nose piercing studs that are plain, jeweled, circular, spiked, flat. You can even use nose piercing rings of 18 or 16 gauge for bejeweling your nose. There is no fixed rule for 'nose piercing which side'. Nose piercing - which side you should go for 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 piercing stud. Some Indian brides wear nose piercing rings and attach a fancy chain to the nose ring joining the left earning as a part of bridal jewelry. This nose piercing before the wedding is not just a tradition or a part of the bridal make-up. It has its basis in Ayurvedic medicine. 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. Whatever may be the truth, many people believe in this Ayurvedic explanation and go in for left side nose piercing.

There is still some debate regarding the nose piercing which side, even in India. It is seen that the North Indians prefer piercing the left side of the nose and people in South India prefer right side nose piercing. There are some cultures, wherein, women are seen with nose piercing on both sides of the nose. If there are no cultural obligations or regional preferences binding you, just go in for nose piercing on the side your heart feels the best.

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 priorities that matter.

Which Side for Nose Piercing - The Extreme Side
Apart from the traditional left or right side nose piercing, the other area for nose piercing 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. Many youngsters thinking about 'nose piercing which side' can opt for septum. 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 piercing - which side you should go for? How about the radical side? Nose piercing on the bridge 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.

Teenagers or professionals who cannot wear nose piercing rings or nose piercing studs to their respective study or work places in order to maintain the decorum of the institution, can opt for nose piercing retainers. These are easy to maintain and help keeping the nose piercings discrete. They contain no metallic parts and are almost invisible. These nose piercing retainers can even escape X-ray detection and are perfect for hospital visits.

Nose Piercing Information
Nose piercing is the second most popular form of body piercing after ear-piercing. Nose piercing and ear-piercing 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, nose piercing has caught the fancy of the western youth like fire. Know more on different types of body piercings.

Nose Piercing Infection
It is very easy to develop a nose piercing 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 of nose piercing, 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 nose piercing infection.

When going in for a nose piercing, never opt for piercing with a gun. Guns are not meant for noses and the blunt jewelry is very tight for nose piercing aftercare. Thus, inviting trouble in the form of nose piercing infection. 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 professional trained in nose piercing.

Nose Piercing Aftercare
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. The nose piercing 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 causing a new nose piercing 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.

This was a little nose piercing information, for all those fashion conscious people. Whether you choose a nose piercing for the sake of fashion or tradition or just want to stand out in the crowd, make sure you understand all the pros and cons and nose piercing aftercare. After all, it's your nose and the nose knows what is best for it!