Migraines are severe headaches often preceded by symptoms affecting the senses. Could a piercing targeting a specific point in the ear help manage migraines and alleviate their effects?
In the USA, more than 37 million people are affected by migraine. According to the Migraine Trust in the United Kingdom, migraine is the third most common disease worldwide, affecting approximately 1 in 7 people.
In this article we look at Daith piercings and review the available evidence around this treatment. Our goal is to answer the question: could Daith piercings be effective in treating migraines?
We are also exploring other related alternative remedies as well as more traditional treatments for migraines.
Image credit: Carnivoredaddy, 2016
The Daith piercing has recently gained popularity as a potential treatment for migraines.
This type of body piercing involves piercing the innermost cartilaginous fold of the ear.
In an attempt to replicate acupuncture, the Daith piercing is applied to the same part of the ear where an acupuncture needle is inserted.
Practitioners believe that people with migraines will experience fewer symptoms after a daith piercing.
Some of those who have had the Daith piercing claim that it has reduced the onset and impact of their migraines.
Are Daith piercings effective?
Generally, people who seek out Daith piercings to treat their migraines are people who have found acupuncture helpful but are looking for a long-term solution.
However, neurologist and Migraine Trust trustee Dr Fayyaz Ahmed, said: “There is no evidence that daith piercing works to relieve migraine.”
Aside from Dr Ahmed’s statement, there is limited information available on the subject. As such, expert recommendations on this form of migraine treatment are limited.
To make an informed decision about the value of Daith piercings, people will need to study the procedure carefully, taking into account the known risks.
Risks of Daith Piercings
As with any body piercing, Daith piercings carry risks. Some of these risks are more serious than others and include:
- infections during healing by pathogens, such as bacteria, yeast, hepatitis, HIV Or tetanus
- bacterial infections that occur after healing
- allergic reaction (to jewelry)
- bleeding
- nerve damage, including loss of sensation
- swelling
- pain
- scars or keloids
Before undergoing daily piercing to relieve a migraine, it is wise to speak with a qualified acupuncturist or auriculotherapy practitioner. These alternative therapists can help a person decide whether Daith piercing is a preferable option to the therapies they offer.
A migraine is more than just a migraine headache. This is an attack of severe head pain that usually lasts hours but can last for days.
Migraines are usually accompanied by sensory symptoms, including:
- flashes of light
- blind spots
- tingling in arms and legs
- nausea
- vomiting
- increased sensitivity to light and sound
Which groups are most affected?
According to Migraine Research FoundationMigraines are more commonly experienced by certain groups, including:
- women
- those aged 35 to 55
- lower socio-economic groups
- Caucasians
Migraines cause a huge financial burden. The average person who suffers from migraines regularly experiences $145 per month on health costs related to migraine. For comparison, those who don’t suffer from migraines spend an average of $89 per month.
Common treatments
When it comes to treatment, not all treatment options are suitable for everyone. Some of the options available to migraine sufferers include the use of:
- medicines to treat and prevent migraine attacks
- Botox
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation
- transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation
- supplements and herbs
- acupuncture
A Daith piercing is one of several alternative treatments that can be used to treat migraines. Other alternative treatments include:
- acupuncture
- auriculotherapy
- stress reduction practices, such as yoga or meditation
- using essential oils, such as lavender
- make dietary changes
- herbal treatments
- vitamins and other substances
Having explored the effectiveness of Daith piercings, we will now look at the two therapies from which Daith piercings developed. These therapies are acupuncture and auriculotherapy.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Chinese healing technique that dates back to 200 BC. Since the 1970s, this practice has grown in popularity in the West.
As described in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture views disease as a disruption of “life force” energy. Called “qi,” this energy flows along a path of fourteen body surface areas or meridians.
Western medical acupuncture focuses more on the biological effects of needling on the body. The theory is that the nervous system benefits from the use of acupuncture when the needles are placed both near and far from the source of pain.
Acupuncture performed by a qualified acupuncturist is relatively safe and has minimal side effects. There are some minor risks, including:
- minor bruising or bleeding
- temporary worsening of symptoms
- drowsiness
- relaxation
- euphoria
- pain at the needle site
It is essential to consult a qualified and highly trained acupuncturist to avoid serious but rare side effects. These may include:
- perforation of the lungs or heart membrane
- transmission of blood-borne diseases
- skin infection
A recent study published in
Auriculotherapy
Auriculotherapy, also called auricular medicine, is similar in some ways to traditional acupuncture. However, some of the equipment used is different. In addition to acupuncture needles, auriculotherapy uses:
- targeted pressure
- lasers
- magnets
- electrical stimulation
All of these tools can be used in auriculotherapy to target certain acupuncture points in the ears in hopes of relieving a migraine.
If people have tried alternative therapies and don’t find them helpful, they may turn to more traditional Western medicine to treat their migraines.
Medical treatments may include:
- prescription or over-the-counter medications to relieve pain
- prescription medications to reduce the occurrence of a migraine
