Daith Piercings as Migraine Treatment - An Alternative Treatment Option

Introduction:

A migraine is a condition characterized by severe and recurrent headaches. This type of headache can disturb day-to-day activities. Several therapies treat migraines, such as acupressure, aromatherapy, acupuncture, etc. One surprising practice that has been found in treatment is the daith piercing for migraines. This practice of treating migraines has recently been a trending debate on social media. However, scientific pieces of evidence have yet to be available.

What Is Daith Piercing?

A daith piercing is done in the cartilage ridge connecting the outer ear to the ear canal. It can be done in one or both ears. This piercing for headaches is believed to relieve migraine headaches, so people take daith piercings as an alternative to medicines. A daith piercing is a type of ear piercing for headaches that occurs through the tiniest fold of cartilage in the ear, just above the ear canal, where the outer ridge that runs along the top of the ear joins the inner ear. It can be challenging to pierce at times due to the small, curved portion of cartilage. It can quickly become infected if not properly cared for or pierced, and takes months to cure. However, some migraine sufferers claim that the daith piercing has reduced their agony during migraine attacks; as a result, some people seek out daith piercings for migraines.

What Is the Theory Behind Daith Piercings and Migraines?

• Daith piercings are found to affect the branch of the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the rest of the body.

• The pressure produced at the pierced spot works like acupuncture, which targets a point that blocks the pain receptors. However, it differs from the point where the ear piercing for headaches is done. The piercing is done 0.39 inches away from the acupuncture point.

• Some believe that daith piercings provide a placebo effect. The placebo effect is more like a belief that the treatment will work.

Since the theory behind daith piercings is not proven with scientific evidence, doctors do not recommend them for relieving migraines. Also, the side of the piercing does matter if it is done to treat migraines. Therefore, the piercing for headaches should be on the side of the migraine headache.

Is There Any Scientific Evidence That Daith Piercing Treats Migraine?

No research supports the theory of using daith piercing for migraine treatment. No clinical trials have been conducted so far. It is just the people who already suffered from migraines who found relief after the daith piercing. Even the Migraine Foundation believes these results are just temporary and are due to the placebo effect. So, usually, physicians do not recommend daith piercing due to the risks of infection and pain experienced during the procedure.

Who Should Not Get a Daith Piercing?

• Individuals with hemophilia.

• Diabetic individuals.

• Individuals with autoimmune conditions.

• Any other medical conditions that result in impaired healing.

What Are the Downsides of Daith Piercing?

People with migraines are found to be affected by certain types of triggers, such as bright light, fatigue, etc. Scientifically, it is believed that migraines are due to the expanding and narrowing of the brain's blood vessels. This expansion of blood vessels is due to hyperactive nerve cells, which release inflammatory mediators that result in the painful pulsation of the blood vessels. Thus, the mechanism of migraine shows that daith piercing has no significant role in treating migraine.

What Are the Preparations to Be Done Before Piercing?

The following are the preparations supposed to be done for piercing:

• First, get to know if the patient can get a piercing.

• Get to know the instructions to be followed after the piercing.

• Check whether the procedure is affordable.

• Talk to a professional about the benefits and risks before getting a piercing for headaches.

• Select the jewelry and check whether the patient is allergic or not.

What Is the Healing Time for Piercing?

It takes 8 to 9 months to heal, which is a long time compared to an earlobe piercing, which takes only 2 or 3 months. During healing, slight tenderness, redness, and bruising are normal. Later, they are reduced. The individual should not disturb the daith piercing during its healing period to hasten the process.

What Are the Risks of Daith Piercing?

A few risks are as follows:

• Pain: Since the piercing is done in the cartilage, which is difficult to pass through, the individual experiences extensive pain.

• Infection: Piercing at the ear cartilage shows an increased risk for infection and inflammation of the cartilage if not appropriately maintained. In some cases, bacterial infections can lead to sepsis.

• Blood Infection: Using contaminated needles would result in blood infections such as hepatitis C.

• Keloid: The area around the piercing would result in a thick pink scar. If there is a family history of keloid formation, consider the decision before piercing.

• Skin Reactions: Dermatitis and allergic reactions due to the jewelry can also occur.

• Nerve Damage: It can lead to loss of sensation.

• Gets Tugged on Hair: Since the ear cartilage is close to the hair, it may easily get tugged.

• Longer Healing Time: It takes a longer time to heal completely. It may take around eight months. However, healing varies from person to person.

After getting a daith piercing, almost one-third of patients experience after-effects like infections. It is possible to contract blood diseases such as:

• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

• Hepatitis B or C.

• Tetanus.

• Serious infections like cellulitis.

What Are the Alternatives to Daith Piercing for Migraine Relief?

A few of the alternative treatment options approved by the FDA and considered non-invasive are as follows:

• Acupuncture targets specific pressure points to relieve migraines by stimulating the nervous system and improving blood flow.

• Acupressure.

• Auriculotherapy.

• Botox.

• Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation.

• Neuromodulation devices help relieve migraines by using electrical or magnetic stimulation to calm overactive nerves involved in pain processing.

Conclusion:

Daith piercing might give relief from migraine for some individuals, but it is not scientifically proven. Daith piercing should be opted carefully for migraine relief, and it is essential to consult the healthcare provider before considering this treatment for migraine.

Key Takeaway From iCliniq

Daith piercing is a procedure that can provide relief in some cases. This procedure should be chosen carefully and with all precautions. Daith piercing should be considered, and treatment should be done only under the guidance of a specialist. iCliniq doctors here can guide you for further management.