An anti-migraine piercing: The Daith

Let's start at the beginning: What is a daith piercing?

It's a piercing done on a particular part of the ear cartilage; here's what it looks like (see image below).

What is the connection between migraines and daith piercings?

There's a persistent rumor surrounding this piercing: that it calms/eliminates migraines because it's placed on a specific acupuncture point. Spoiler alert: we use the conditional tense because, to date, nothing has been proven and no serious studies have been conducted, so we will remain cautious. We're just going to superficially explore a few points together; the idea is to discuss the topic.

You already know the drill: at Kawaii Place, we like to explain the why and how! Hold on tight, because here comes a big chunk of info!

The daith piercing is located on acupuncture points corresponding to the digestive system: the small and large intestines, as well as the duodenum. This location is not at all linked to the skull or brain area, so there is no "direct" connection to migraines.

However, migraines are not necessarily linked to this area, but they can be linked to... the digestive system! Are you still following?

If you want to visualize it, you can find many ear maps on the internet based on acupuncture principles.

Please note, a piercing is in no way comparable to a specific needle temporarily applied to an acupuncture point by a professional. And just because a daith piercing doesn't relieve chronic migraines doesn't mean that acupuncture will be ineffective.

If you are being seriously monitored by a doctor for your migraines, there's no harm (well, yes, it's 30 euros at the shop, hehe) in trying this piercing, but you shouldn't believe it will be a miracle solution.

It may simply be a placebo effect, but if it is beneficial, there's no problem. Conversely, there is the nocebo effect, a negative placebo, for example, an eyebrow piercing that "causes" migraines or a belly button piercing that "causes" intestinal pain. Many quotation marks, as you'll have noticed: let's be cautious!

We almost forget the "main" benefit of this piercing: it's very aesthetic, and its placement allows for truly cool and original jewelry, as shown in the photo. It's not a piercing that can be done on everyone; see your piercer to find out if your ears are suitable or not.

If it doesn't work for you, you'll still have a cool piercing: you have to look on the bright side!

If you're interested, we can discuss this topic in the comments, but be careful: no insults, respect others and their beliefs, don't generalize your own case to the whole world, and ABOVE ALL: really don't generalize your own case to the whole world. That's all! <3

I want to clarify that we are absolutely not doctors, acupuncturists, or specialists in Chinese medicine, and it is for these reasons that we are completely open to dialogue. We share with you the fruit of our curiosity, but in no way do we claim to know the ultimate truth.

P.S.: A cool urban legend: Pirates pierced their earlobes because the associated acupuncture point is the eye/sight, thus providing better vision at sea!

P.S.²: If you want to read testimonials (in English), you can take a look here: http://www.thedailymigraine.com/blog/2016/3/1/does-daith-piercing-really-work-first-anecdotal-study-of-its-kind