Skip to content
Science — Fashion — Migraine — Fitness-and-exercise — Food — Health — Health-and-wellness — Weather — Medical-conditions

Could a Daith Piercing Possibly Alleviate Regular Migraines?

Experiencing persistent head pain? Considered getting a daith piercing as a potential migraine remedy? However, there's no scientific backing to support the claim that this specific piercing has any beneficial effect on migraines.

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
If you're contemplating an ear piercing to alleviate migraine pain, be advised that there's no...
If you're contemplating an ear piercing to alleviate migraine pain, be advised that there's no substantiated research proving daith piercings as an effective treatment.

Could a Daith Piercing Possibly Alleviate Regular Migraines?

Let's Chat About Migraines:

You know the pain all too well if you're one of the 12% U.S. folkplaguebearers dealing with chronic or episodic migraines. This type of headache can be a beast, and folks have tried just about everything to make it disappear, from painkillers to diet changes and even aromatherapy. But have you ever considered getting an ear piercing?

Specifically, a daith piercing?

Daith, what's that? Simply put, it's a piercing in the inner part of your ear, where the cartilage meets the ear canal. It's a popular spot for piercings, though more for fashion than medical purposes. The theory is that piercing this spot, a common target for acupuncture to relieve pain, could be a permanent solution for migraines.

But does it deliver?

Will it really help with my migraines? The causes of migraines remain a mystery, though they're tied to both genetic and environmental factors. Some folks might inherit a tendency to be sensitive to certain triggers like stress, weather changes, or fatigue.

Research suggests that migraines aren't caused by blood vessels dilating and expanding, as once believed. Instead, they stem from genetic abnormalities in specific brain areas[4].

Unfortunately, there's no scientific evidence supportin' the claim that a daith piercing helps prevent migraines. Dr. Emad Estemalik, a headache specialist, points out that any perceived benefits might just be a placebo effect[5].

So, what about other ear piercings like a tragus or rook piercing? Do they have the power to vanquish migraines too?

Not according to Dr. Estemalik. Studies have only focused on daith piercings, and there's NO evidence suggesting any kind of ear piercing can assist in migraine relief.

If you're dealin' with migraines, skip the bling and focus on these instead:

  • The food you consume. Certain food items like aged cheese, pepperoni, hot dogs, deli meat, alcoholic drinks, and caffeine can trigger migraines. Skipping meals can also set off a migraine attack. Try opting for trigger foods and drink options, and consider portioning your meals throughout the day.
  • Manage your stress levels. High-stress levels can release chemicals that bring on a migraine. Activities like yoga and meditation could help, as they can help reduce stress levels and, in turn, alleviate migraines[6].
  • Work with your doc. Having an honest conversation with your healthcare provider about your migraines can help determine the most effective course of treatment. Whether it's focusing on avoiding triggers, taking prescription medication, or combining both, it's all about figure outin' what works best for you. Keepin' a migraine journal could help you and your healthcare provider understand the frequency and duration of your migraines.

So, while it's temptin' to add some piercings in the hopes of findin' migraine relief, it's better to stick with the tactics that have been proven effective. And remember, the danger of infection from piercings outweighs any potential, unproven benefits for migraine relief[5].

[1] Cisler KS, Furtado CT, Rip Gunawan F, Patino-Healy A, Avery GS. Daith Acupuncture as an Alternative Therapy for Migraine Prevention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pain Res. 2017 Dec 14;10:2823-2831. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S146688. PMID: 29288549; PMCID: PMC5735951.

[2] Khan MA, Khan N, Awan MH. Does daith piercing really help in the management of migraine? Romanian J Neurol Psychol. 2020 Jan-Mar;20(1):73-78. doi: 10.1515/rjnp-2019-0164. Epub 2020 Feb 12. PMID: 32077061.

[3] National Headache Foundation. (2021, March 08). What is Daith Piercing and Its Impact on Migraines. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://newbeginnings-chiro.com/blog/daith-piercing-impact-on-migraines

[4] National Headache Foundation. (2017, August 10). What Causes Migraines? Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.headaches.org/2017/08/10/what-causes-migraines/

[5] Estemalik, E. M. (2021, November 1). Daith Piercings and Migraines: What You Should Know. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/health/headache/daith-piercings-and-migraines

[6] National Headache Foundation. (2018, March 09). Mind-Body Techniques to Lessen Migraine Pain. Retrieved March 18, 2023, from https://newbeginnings-chiro.com/blog/mind-body-techniques-to-lessen-migraine-pain/

  1. Despite theories suggesting that a daith piercing could potentially help with migraines due to its location being a common target for acupuncture, there's no scientific evidence supporting this claim.
  2. In contrast to daith piercings, research has shown that certain food items like aged cheese, alcoholic drinks, caffeine, and skipped meals can trigger migraines.
  3. As stress can release chemicals that may bring on a migraine, practicing stress reduction activities such as yoga and meditation could help alleviate migraines.
  4. For those dealing with migraines, it's better to focus on proven effective tactics, such as working closely with healthcare providers to determine the most effective course of treatment, and managing stress levels through various methods.
  5. In the case of ear piercings and their potential to assist in migraine relief, studies have only focused on daith piercings, and there's no evidence suggesting any kind of ear piercing can offer such benefits.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest