Is the hype real? Do Daith piercings cure migraines? Migraines are so unpredictable, and most of the time, neurologists do not even know what is causing them.
Daith piercings and migraines
There are so many treatments for migraines, including pain medication, botox, acupuncture, and the list goes on. Some work for people and not for others. I think it is about finding what works for you. I have done 1000’s of Daith piercings for people who suffer from migraines. I would say about 80% of people have relief in some way. Most people say that it helps with either lessening the intensity or the frequencies and may even say that they no longer get migraines anymore. I think it is incredible that it has helped so many relieve their pain. I have any clients that will come back and tell me they are no longer taking pain medication. I have had only a few clients say that it didn’t help at all.
Is it just a placebo effect?
Do I personally think it does anything? Well, there is just not enough medical research for me to give you a recommendation if it will help you or not. The mind is a powerful thing, and some think it is just a placebo effect. I think Daith piercings are super fun and a great way to decorate your ear. If you suffer from migraines, why not try? If it works, that is amazing, and if it doesn’t you have a super cute new piercing. In my book, it’s still a win. I do get hundreds of recommendations from past clients, and I have a few neurologists that refer their patiants to me. I always tell people I hope it helps them, but I can’t be sure it will. There is no medical reason that I know of why it would, but many people have had great success with it.
A succes story of a daith piercing curing migraine
Here is my client, Cheryl’s stories. Don’t worry; she said it was ok for me to share. Cheryl suffered from debilitating migraines that she would get once or twice a week for many years; she had tried everything ever recommended to her by her doctors, friends, and anything she would read. She was on a lot of pain management medications. One day she came along an article that I had written for an app and blog called The Migraine Buddy.
Cheryl contacted me and made an appointment. She traveled for several hours to come to see me. She didn’t mind making the long trip as she felt she could trust that I knew what I was doing. As many of you know, not all piercers are going to know what they are doing. It all depends on their training and skill. She came in on the day of her appointment and said the pain level of the piercing was a 4 out of 10. Not too bad, but she felt a lot of pressure.
One month later…
She called me a month later to let me know she had not had even a slite headache since, but it had only been a month, so she was still skeptical.
One year later…
A year later, she came into accompany a friend that she had referred to me for her Daith piercing. She had yet to have any migraines. It has been over three years now, and she continually refers people to me to help with their migraines. Cheryl has been off of all of her pain meds since the day she got the piercing. She says it was the best decision she has ever made.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What side to get done, or should they do both?
A: I was told from an acupuncturist that you would want to do the side you get migraines on the most. If they are not local to one side, then either is fine. You can do both if you want to, but I always recommend doing one side, letting it heal, then doing the other side if you want or need to.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Yes, it does hurt a little, just like any piercing. There is no way for me to tell you what it will feel like for you. Pain is personal, and what hurts you may not bother me and vice versa. I can tell you that you will feel the pressure.
Q: What type of jewelry do you start with?
A: A very simple titanium hoop, you can change to something fancy after you heal.
Q: What is the healing time?
A: While everyone heals at different speeds, I would say the average healing time is about 4-6 months. Just like any cartilage piercing, they do take a while to heal fully.
Do you have any questions?
Do you have any questions about this topic? Do not hesitate to contact us. Erica is happy to answer all your questions about Daith piercings and migraines.
Written by: Erica Bautista
www.instagram.com/ericathepiercer
