Do you suffer from migraines regularly? Have you heard about the Daith piercing as a remedy for these headaches? It's true that technological advancements have increased the frequency of migraine episodes in recent years.
At Luna, we have specialized in ear piercings for many years, and we have some interesting insights to share with you on this topic.
The Daith piercing is located inside the ear, close to the ear canal, and is both trendy and discreet. Moreover, it has become popular in recent years as a remedy for migraines, acting on a specific acupuncture point to alleviate pain.
In this article, you'll find out if the Daith piercing is truly effective against migraines, where and how to get it, as well as interesting opinions and testimonials. Let's dive in!
What is the Daith Piercing?
This type of ear piercing is increasingly popular and is found in a comma-shaped cartilage fold in the center of the ear's shell, just above the ear canal. It is located next to the tragus, that small flap of cartilage you press when there's too much noise.
However, it's important not to confuse the Daith with the anti-helix, which is located on the upper edge of the ear, at the base of the skull and near the temples. The Daith piercing is beneath the forward helix and the rook, another cartilage fold.
The Daith piercing, discreet yet fashionable, adds a unique and elegant touch to the personality of its wearer. It often features a ring or hoop, and according to its creator, the placement is ideal when the lower branch of the ring appears to come directly out of the ear canal.
Though the Daith piercing is sometimes used to relieve migraines (we'll discuss this further), it is particularly cherished by young adults seeking independence and originality. Ear piercings carry strong significance in our society.
But, What Causes Migraines?
With the omnipresence of smartphones, tablets, and computers in our daily lives, migraines have become a scourge of the 21st century. Before discussing the benefits of the Daith piercing for migraines, it's important to understand their origin and causes.
The Causes and Symptoms of Migraines
By definition, a migraine is a type of headache that can cause severe and unbearable pain. It occurs when blood vessels that supply the head dilate and contract, and unfortunately, it can last for several days.
Unlike fever and tension headaches, migraine is a bona fide disease. This disorder can be accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, as well as nausea and vomiting. It often appears on one side of the head and can extend to the sinus areas.
The Causes of Migraines
The causes of migraines are multiple and include:
- Hormonal changes in women: menstrual period, contraceptives...
- Beverages: especially alcohol and coffee
- Stress
- Intense sensory stimuli: lights, sounds, smells
- Sleep disorders
- Physical factors: intense activity
- Weather changes Vasodilators and contraceptives
- Diet: excess cheese and/or salt
- Hereditary factors
There are several forms of migraines that we won't detail here. One of the most well-known is the ophthalmic migraine, which manifests with visual disturbances ("aura"), followed by piercing headaches, often on one side. It can be triggered by activities such as reading, sunlight, or screens.
Current Medical Treatments for Migraines
There are several forms of treatment that can help manage migraines. It is important to address both the migraine attack and the underlying issue (reducing the frequency and intensity of attacks). A diagnosis should be made by a doctor and treatment should be administered as soon as possible to avoid any negative side effects.
During a migraine attack, level 1 analgesics such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen are generally recommended. These medications often alleviate symptoms and may be sufficient. However, some attacks are so intense that they require specific treatments, which have a vasoconstrictive effect on the blood vessels in the skull and are also anti-inflammatory.
As for the underlying treatment of migraines, specific anti-migraine drugs or beta-blockers can be taken. There are also other treatments depending on the cause of the attacks. Doctors generally recommend keeping a diary to track the progression of the episodes.
It is important to note that the above and following information should not be considered medical advice and should not replace the opinion of a healthcare provider. Consulting a neurologist or general practitioner is important, as is being cautious about medication abuse.
Natural Remedies to Alleviate Migraines
There are some tricks to alleviate migraines naturally, such as using a peppermint-based balm or ingesting ginger tea. In some cases, cold can also help relieve pain.
In general, it is recommended to prioritize silence and darkness, and don't hesitate to massage your head and practice relaxation and meditation.
The Truth About the Daith Piercing for Migraines: Myth or Reality?
The Daith piercing is a hotly debated topic in the health world for several years. It is said that this type of piercing affects a specific acupuncture point in the ear, which would reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. But is it really true?
The Daith Acupuncture Point and Acupuncture in General
Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, a therapeutic technique that involves using needles to stimulate specific points on the body. Acupuncture is often associated with reflexology, a manual method of self-healing that also aims to stimulate these strategic points on the body.
The Daith acupuncture point is a specific point located in the ear, which is supposed to reduce migraines when stimulated. The use of a Daith piercing, which continuously compresses this part of the cartilage, could have a similar effect.
However, there is currently no scientific evidence to support the efficacy of acupuncture or Daith piercing in treating migraines. Moreover, since everyone's anatomy is different, the Daith piercing may not work for everyone.
Surveys on the Efficacy of the Daith Piercing
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, survey results on the effectiveness of the Daith piercing for reducing migraines are quite encouraging. According to some testimonials, about 90% of people who have gotten a Daith piercing have experienced a decrease in the frequency or intensity of their episodes.
Testimonials and Opinions: Is the Daith Piercing Really Effective Against Migraines?
According to Erica Bautista, a piercer from Southern California, about 90% of the people she has followed experienced a decrease in the frequency or intensity of their migraines, or even had fewer episodes after the procedure. While the Daith piercing doesn’t work for everyone and no scientific study has been conducted, migrainebuddy.com published interesting figures: 59% of surveyed individuals noticed a decrease in the frequency and/or intensity of their migraines, while 79% recommend the Daith piercing to alleviate migraine episodes.
Here are some testimonials from migrainebuddy.com:
"I was looking for a natural solution and decided that even if it didn’t reduce my migraines, I’d at least have a nice piercing." - Julie (Canada)
"I didn’t have migraines for the first few months, then they came back but much less frequently and intensely. From having daily episodes, they are now monthly." - Chloe (England)
"I have no headaches now when I used to have them daily. Also, the frequency of my migraines has decreased significantly: I only have them once a month/every two months. However, the piercing had no impact on the intensity of my migraine pain." - Mel (England)
"The operation was honestly not painful, quick, and easy. The next thing became strangely therapeutic and made me want to take better care of myself." - Natasha N (Zambia)
If you’re considering getting a Daith piercing to alleviate your migraines, make sure to go to a professional piercer instead of a jewelry store. Jewelry store staff are not trained in this technique, and using a piercing gun can damage the cartilage in your ear. The piercer is an experienced professional who follows strict hygiene standards. It’s also important to get the piercing on the side where your migraines occur most frequently, which you can determine by keeping a diary.
Other Benefits of the Daith Piercing
The Daith piercing is not only known for its supposed beneficial effects on migraines but also has benefits in other aspects of health.
The Daith Piercing Against Stress and Stomach Pains
If you are considering getting a Daith piercing to relieve stress, anxiety, or stomach pains, you should know that according to some studies conducted in England and the United States, this type of piercing could help reduce these symptoms. Like with migraines, the Daith piercing would act on a specific pressure point in the ear, which would alleviate these different symptoms.
It’s also possible that the improvement in stress and stomach pains is related to the impact of the Daith piercing on the solar plexus, which connects the digestive system and the brain. It’s important to consult a professional piercer before getting the piercing and to follow all the recommendations for proper healing and avoiding infections.
Risks and Downsides
Despite the potential benefits of the Daith piercing, it’s important to be informed about the associated risks and downsides.
First, piercing the ear cartilage can be painful. Although the pain is generally bearable and short-lived, it’s important to psychologically prepare yourself before undergoing a piercing.
Additionally, the healing of the piercing can take several months and requires regular attention and care to avoid any infection. It’s crucial to follow your piercer’s instructions and avoid risky activities during the healing period.
Lastly, it’s crucial to choose a professional piercer for your Daith piercing. Getting pierced at a jewelry store with a piercing gun can cause irreversible damage to your ear cartilage and trigger allergic reactions.
Also, it’s important to note that the price of a Daith piercing can vary depending on the salon and the type of jewelry chosen. Although the cost may be high, it’s important to choose a qualified piercer to avoid health risks. If the Daith piercing doesn't work for treating your migraines or other symptoms, it’s also possible that the hole will close up quickly within a few days.