Two types of ear piercings are commonly discussed as potential migraine relief options: daith piercings and tragus piercings. Both involve piercing cartilage near the ear's opening and are thought to work similarly to acupuncture by activating pressure points and possibly stimulating the vagus nerve — which can interfere Show Full Answer
Two types of ear piercings are commonly discussed as potential migraine relief options: daith piercings and tragus piercings. Both involve piercing cartilage near the ear's opening and are thought to work similarly to acupuncture by activating pressure points and possibly stimulating the vagus nerve — which can interfere with pain signals sent to the brain.
That said, there is no strong scientific evidence that either piercing reliably helps migraines. Major organizations like the American Migraine Foundation consider the benefits likely to be a placebo effect. Experiences from MyMigraineTeam members are very mixed:
- Some report being nearly migraine-free after a daith piercing
- Others saw reduced frequency or severity, but not full relief
- Some saw no benefit at all
- A few experienced complications like soreness, drainage, or worsening symptoms
One MyMigraineTeam member shared, "I've had only four or five migraines since getting my daith piercing, as opposed to 10 or more a month." But another said, "It hasn't helped at all. It was a big waste of money." If considering a piercing, here are a few practical tips shared by MyMigraineTeam members:
- Consult a neurologist first — some doctors advise against it
- Find an experienced piercer familiar with acupuncture points
- Choose the side where migraines are most prominent
- Be cautious during healing — hair, earbuds, and sleep position can all cause irritation
It's worth having an honest conversation with your doctor before trying this route.
August 17
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