Ear piercings have crept up in their popularity in recent years. This is with a particular increase of inner ear piercings taking the trend to the next level. Ear piercing jewellery has never looked so good (or cost so much). Yet, it’s not just the aesthetics of Daith piercings that have spiked interest in the trend. Many people have linked the piercing to experiencing relief from migraine headaches.
Despite there being no clinical studies to back up the claims, there are many people who claim it works. In fact, many have reported a significant reduction in the amount, along with severity, of their debilitating headaches.
Is it possible to pierce away the pain? Read on to find out!
Firstly, what is a Daith piercing?
In short, the Daith piercing is a form of ear piercing that’s behind the crux of the helix of the ear. You’ll find this fold of cartilage just above the ear canal.
The Daith piercing has been around for many years. We know this as they have been located on those who were buried thousands of years ago. The piercings were reintroduced in the early 1990s by renown Hollywood body piercer Erik Dakota. Interestingly, Erik pronounces the piercing placement as the ‘doth’. You may hear it pronounced as ‘faith’ but as more people follow the trend, Dakotas pronunciation is becoming more commonly used.
Secondly, why is a Daith piercing being suggested as a treatment for migraine relief?
Migraines are a common health condition. Many describe them as ‘…a moderate or severe headache felt with a throbbing pain on one side of the head‘. These debilitating, chronic headaches are often accompanied by other symptoms. Other symptoms can include sensitivity to sound and light, feeling sick as well as being sick.
Many people suggest the use of Daith piercings for migraine relief. This is due to the results of other alternative therapies. acupuncture, acupressure and reflexology. Professionals consider the ear to be a microsystem that maps other areas of the body. It also has a pressure point that corresponds to almost every part of the body. To get an idea of this, check out the image below which shows the auricular (the ears) microsystem points used in reflexology.
Join us as we take a closer look at alternative therapies. Find out the link, if any, between Daith piercings and migraine relief.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine derived from ancient Chinese medicine. It works by inserting fine needles to certain points of the body at varying depths to balance a person’s energy. It is thought illness is a result of an energetic imbalance of life force energy or ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘Chi’). This vital life force energy is said to flow through the human body via long, thin energy lines called meridians. These meridians and energy flows are accessible through 350 acupuncture points in the body. Inserting needles into these points is thought to bring the energy flow back into proper balance.
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Research suggests that acupuncture can help relieve pain. There have been extensive studies conducted on acupuncture. In particular, it’s been investigated for any back pain, osteoarthritis and headache. Even so, there is very little evidence for its effectiveness in areas other than pain. Additionally, exactly how acupuncture works is still scientifically unclear.
Acupressure
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but no needles are involved in this therapy. Instead, specialist pressure techniques are used. There are over 800 acupressure points that are found along the meridians.
Reflexology
Reflexology works by stimulating specific areas on the microsystems of the hands, feet and ears. Both thumb and finger pressure techniques are used which work to calm the nervous system as well as adjust tension in the body. This is similar to acupuncture in that it has an influence on the body’s vital life force energy through the stimulation of points on the body. However, acupuncture points do not always coincide with the reflex points used in reflexology. Like with professional acupuncturists, reflexologists work with points on one part of the body to affect other parts of the body.
The link between Daith piercings and migraine relief
The theory and techniques of the above alternative therapies mention the Daith piercing as being a potential treatment for migraines.
many suggest that the Daith piercing may have an effect because the piercing point connects to the vagus nerve. However, others claim the Daith piercing relieves migraines because it occurs on the same pressure point on the ear that is used by acupuncturists to treat migraine, and, therefore, the piercing activates the soothing pressure point. Again, there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims. If, in fact, you go to a body piercer who is touting the migraine relieving benefits of any kind of piercing then avoid! That’s a big red, unethical flag.
If you’re seeking out a Daith piercing solely for the hope of migraine relief, it’d be wiser to explore other options. This is because this body modification offers no guarantee of results.
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Pain, Healing & Cost FAQs
How much does a Daith piercing hurt?
Piercings that go through connective tissue such as the soft portion of the ear, like the ear lobes, are mostly felt like a quick sting. Whereas piercings, like the Daith, that go through tougher cartilage are described as a quick sting followed by deep pressure. In terms of the actual discomfort and pain, it will differ from person to person. It can be entirely dependent upon who’s doing it – which makes choosing your body piercing professional of most importance.
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Manchester’s leading body piercing and tattoo specialists, Holier Than Thou explains that-
“There is no such thing as a piercing qualification, the local authority will simply grant a license if they are confident that the premises and practitioners are safe and competent to carry out body piercing. In regard to skill – in this industry, [the] experience is everything, ask how long your practitioner has been trading”
Head over to their Piercing’s FAQ page where they detail everything to consider as well as the key questions to ask when looking for a professional body piercer.
The risks involving a tragus piercing?
The biggest risk with any piercing is the possibility of infection. The risk of infection is slightly higher with cartilage piercings.
It’s quite easy to identify an infected ear piercing. Symptoms may include:
- Yellow, pus-like discharge
- Pain and swelling that lasts more than two weeks
- Inflammation, redness along with intense pain around the piercing
- Itching, as well as burning
Above all, if you experience any of these symptoms, get the advice of a GP or specialist straight away. To avoid infection be sure to strictly follow aftercare instructions.
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How long does it take for a Daith piercing to heal?
Ear lobes have a good amount of blood flow and heal quickly. It can take anywhere from three to six months. Whereas the healing time for a cartilage piercing like the Daith can be up to a year.
How do you clean a Daith piercing?
Throughout the entire healing process, you need to clean your piercing twice a day. Make sure to use a saline solution or unscented soap. Check out this aftercare guide by the Association of Professional Piercers. It gives helpful cleaning instructions for body piercings. In addition, be sure to always contact your body piercing professional if you need more aftercare advice.
Which side should you get a Daith piercing on for migraine relief?
There is no guarantee you’ll get any migraine relief from a Daith piercing. Even so, experts recommend you choose the side you experience the headaches on more often. If there isn’t a more prominent side, they suggest the side you don’t sleep on.
How much does a Daith piercing cost?
How much a Daith piercing will cost you depends on who you go to and what jewellery you choose. In London, for example, Daith piercings start from £40 + another £40 for the jewellery.
When can I change my Daith piercing?
Cartilage piercings heal slowly internally and the healing time can be up to a year. If you change the jewellery before it has the chance to heal then you run the risk of infection. Not only this but there is a chance of your body rejecting the piercing as well as inadequate healing.
Unless there is an issue, don’t change your Daith piercing until your piercing is completely healed. If you’re not sure if your piercing has healed consult with your piercing professional. You should return to your piercing professional to remove your Daith piercing and change the jewellery for the first time. Also, they will also be able to give you tips on how to remove and change the piercing yourself.
Always consult a professional if you’re unsure about something to do with your piercing.
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Daith Piercing Treatment Demo
Do you want to know EXACTLY what to expect? Watch the video below showing a live demonstration of a Daith piercing.
Daith Piercing Jewellery Gallery
The curated ear trend has taken over Instagram and it’s the biggest piercing trend of the year. Here’s our pick of the coolest designs that feature the Daith piercing. If you’re teetering on the edge of getting a Daith piercing, these images are definitely going to tip you over!
Daith hearts
One of the biggest Daith piercing trends is fitting the piercing with a love heart shaped hoop. We’re completely smitten too!
Gold & Diamond
Silver & White Gold
Rose Gold
Male
We hope this guide has helped you to determine whether the Daith piercing is the next addition to your unique look! If you’ve had the piercing already, we’d love to know your experience – let us know in the comments below.
Wishing you all the good things!
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