In only the last several years, migraine sufferers have begun exploring the effectiveness of the daith piercing in reducing or eliminating the blinding pain of migraines. Proponents of the piercing have spoken loudly about its miraculous efficacy, but while testimonials abound, scientific backing still seems to be largely missing. The short answer is that it seems to work for a large percentage of those with the piercing, but it can’t be proven yet.
What is a Daith Piercing?
The daith piercing is an inner-ear cartilage piercing that runs through the crus of the helix. It has appeared only in the last 20 years as a fashion accessory. Its original purpose was and, in large part still is, purely aesthetic. The technique for piercing such firm cartilage without causing permanent damage is relatively advanced.
Lots of Talk, Not Much Science
Treatment for migraines calls upon many different medical disciplines to provide relief for sufferers. Modern medicine is the most commonly prescribed treatment method by trained and licensed physicians, but providing prescriptions to patients is often ineffective or leads to drug tolerance that nullifies the effectiveness of those drugs.
Alternatives are also available. Nutritionists can recommend dietary changes and sleep pattern improvements that can reduce or eliminate certain triggers for migraines. Some sufferers also swear by acupuncture as a means of relieving pressure and stress that induces crippling migraine pain.
Since the term migraine actually encompasses a collection of conditions that cause severe headaches, medical professionals still do not agree on a single treatment. The daith piercing falls into the gray area of alternative treatments that don’t have a strong record of scientific evidence. But that doesn’t mean it’s not effective - we just can’t prove that it works with hard numbers yet.
Advantages of the Daith Piercing
The risks are minimal and potential benefits are strong enough that the daith piercing is a minimal-risk treatment option for nearly anyone who suffers from migraines. It is:
? Inexpensive-- the piercing and jewelry together average $20-$40, a fraction of what hospital examination, diagnosis, and treatment costs
? Backed by testimonial-- social media lauds the validity of the daith piercing
? Non-invasive-- there are no surgical cuts or anesthesia, just a one-time permanent piercing
? Visually appealing-- the daith piercing functions as a migraine treatment option and a fashion accessory
Consequences of the Daith Piercing
With the exception of a possible distaste for jewelry, there are almost no consequences associated with the daith piercing. Doctors recommend exploring all migraine treatments, including the daith piercing, to find out what works best, but implore sufferers not to stop the treatments they are currently using in the event that they try the piercing as a form of alternative treatment. For more information about headache and migraine treatments, as well as medications, visit our Headache Migraine Condition Page.
