Nose ring or nose pin is also known as नास्यम् in Sanskrit. It is definitely the most important jewel piece to Hindu women without which a married woman’s make up is considered incomplete. It has an essential part of traditional bridal jewellery which possess the understanding of customary & scientific values. It is one of the most attractive jewellery pieces worn by both married & unmarried women. Some Hindu families get special nose ring (नास्यम्) created for the bride as it is considered the most auspicious jewellery to be worn on the occasion.
Nose piercing in Hindu tradition is not only for a fashion statement, but it also signifies more than that. It shows & pays respect for Hindu culture, religion & ancestral practices. Nose rings (नास्यम्) are available in a wide variety of shapes, colours & sizes & makes an important part of the woman’s fashion accessories. Hence, girls as well as older women wear nose ring (नास्यम्). It is preferred that women should wear nose ring (नास्यम्) on the left nostril since the nerves leading from the left nostril are associated with the female reproductive organs. Most women pierce their nose before marriage as a way of honouring Goddess Parvati.
Scientifically, it is believed that women having nose pierced experience less pain during childbirth. Ayurveda considers it as a valuable piece which is worn on the spot directly connected with the health of the female reproductive organs. As per a theory, nose ring (नास्यम्) is also connected to emotional, romantic & sexual approach of women. It also prevents women from being hypnotized due to its power to control the brain intuition.
The Vegas nerve i.e. one of the 12 cranial nerves, that extends from the brain stem to the abdomen passes through many organs including heart, esophagus (a muscular tube connecting the throat with the stomach), & lungs principally functions as a remover of Carbon-DI-Oxide & other unwanted gases from the body. This Carbon-DI-Oxide has a temperature higher than that of the atmosphere outside. This process of expelling (i.e. exhaling/removing) Carbon-DI-Oxide is very important to maintain the body temperature. When women wear a nose ring (नास्यम्) the process of expelling (i.e. exhaling/removing) these unwanted gases are faster & the body gets cool sooner. Therefore, wearing nose ring (नास्यम्) is very important for women to keep them cool. Heat regulation in the body is directly related to blood pressure & emotional strength; a hot body gets angry faster than a cooler one. So, to maintain peace & tranquillity of mind which women needs the most, women were asked to wear the nose ring (नास्यम्).
Scientific health benefits of wearing the nose ring (नास्यम्) –
1. Most Hindu women prefer to wear the nose rings (नास्यम्) on the left nostril since the nerves leading from the left nostril are associated with the female reproductive organs. Therefore, they believe that piercing the nose helps in easing childbirth.
2. According to Ayurveda, piercing the nose near a particular node on the nostril helps in lessening the pain during menstrual periods in women. Hence, girls, as well as older women, are supposed to wear nose rings (नास्यम्).
3. Women or girls wearing nose ring (नास्यम्) are free from being hypnotize or mesmerize (वशिकरणम् / मनोवशिकरणम्) by others.
4. Women get their nose pierced for their healing factors & the nose ring (नास्यम्) heals the women after long traumatic injury or illness.
5. The pressure made by the nose ring (नास्यम्) on the left side of the nostril is to promote the overall strength of women.
6. The nose ring (नास्यम्) helps nerves belonging to the eyes & ears remain healthy.
7. There is no risk of respiratory problems in the women who wears nose ring (नास्यम्).
8. It controls the emotions of the women wearing nose ring (नास्यम्).
9. Wearing the nose ring (नास्यम्), balances the blood pressure & keep the mind calm & cool.
10. Gold is considered to be the best metal for the nose ring (नास्यम्), mainly because of its property of absorbing heat. The heat coming out of the nostril is absorbed & cooled out of the body. Although other metals can be used for their elegance or beauty but, wearing a gold nose ring (नास्यम्) is the most advised.
There are different choices in wearing nose ring (नास्यम्) & the practice of wearing nose ring (नास्यम्) is also seen different in different region according to different caste & beliefs. Southern Indian women wear nose ring (नास्यम्) on right nostril & northern Indian women wear nose ring (नास्यम्) on the left nostril. Some women have their septum pierced i.e. above their upper lip & sometimes women wear nose stud on the right nostril, nose ring on the left nostril & small nose ring on the septum, this is mostly seen on the southern Indian women, especially women doing classical Bharat Natyam dance (i.e. Indian Classical dance) & it is mostly worn to pay respect to the goddess Parvati.
Thus, nose rings (नास्यम्) are symbolic & historic ritual & at the same time it is a modern fashion accessory. In fact, many of the ancient traditions & beliefs surrounding nose ring (नास्यम्) are practised till today. There are many ways to wear nose ring (नास्यम्) including studs, hoops & septum piercings. Furthermore, it’s an expression of personal style & beliefs.
भाद्रपदः शुक्लपक्षे ६, २०७६