An anti-migraine piercing: The Daith

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

It is a piercing made on a particular part of the cartilage of the ear, in the picture it looks like this (see image below).

What is the relationship between migraine and daith?

A persistent rumor surrounds this piercing: it would calm/suppress migraines because it is placed on a specific acupuncture point. Spoiler alert: we are using the conditional tense because to date nothing has been proven and no serious studies have been conducted, so we will remain cautious. We will just superficially explore a few points together, the idea is to discuss the subject.

You're starting to know the drill: at kawaii place, we like to explain the how and why! Hold on to your underwear, Jacqueline, because we're in for a real treat!

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

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

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

Please note that 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 doesn't relieve chronic migraines doesn't mean acupuncture will be ineffective.

If you are seriously followed by a doctor for your migraines, it costs nothing (well yes, it's 30 euros at the shop hehe) to try this piercing but you should not think that it will be the miracle solution.

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

We could almost forget the "main" interest of this piercing: It is very aesthetic and the location allows you to have really nice and original jewelry like in the photo. This is not a piercing that can be done on everyone, go see your piercer to see if your ears are suitable or not.

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

If you are interested, we can discuss this topic in the comments, but be careful: no insults, we respect our neighbor and their beliefs, we do not make our own case a global generality and ABOVE ALL: we really do not make our own case a global generality. There you go <3

I would like to point out that we are absolutely not doctors, acupuncturists, or specialists in Chinese medicine, and that is why we are completely open to dialogue. We share with you the fruits of our curiosity, but in no way do we claim to know the ultimate truth.

Ps: A nice urban legend: Pirates had their lobes pierced because the acupuncture point linked to it is the eye/sight and therefore better vision at sea!

Ps²: 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