It's absolutely common knowledge now that there are piercings that reportedly help with migraines. As someone with debilitating migraines, I myself have wondered about this and done a quick search about it. Depending on which article you read and which piercer you ask, though, you'll get a different answer as to which piercing actually provides this "relief." So, which is it - the Rook, Daith, or the Tragus? Well, potentially all three. How could this be, though? Let's dig a little deeper and discuss.
Pressure Points & Reflexology
Reflexology and the use of pressure points to relieve pain and other symptoms is a practice dating back centuries. In a nutshell, there are different areas all around your body where if pressure is applied, can help relieve symptoms in other areas of the body. For example, when I'm out and about and I don't have any way to relieve an incoming migraine, I press firmly on the webbing between my pointer finger and my thumb, and I instantly feel a release of tension and pain. Part of it is psychological, yes, but our bodies are connected in such fascinating ways and reflexology has been a proven remedy for years and years. The general practice of utilizing pressure points comes from Chinese medicine, utilizing acupuncture to release stagnant Qi and help patients experience desired results.
Piercing Locations
The three common locations that piercers and piercing clients have reported as being effective for migraine relief is the Tragus, Rook, and the Daith (especially the Daith). These three spots are all actually located along the same pressure point, so in a way, all three are good candidates for relief. The location of the Daith is probably the most superior out of the three, however, as this is a specific spot in the ear that is designated as the point for muscle relaxation. The Tragus comes in second, as it's directly downwards from the temple and more closely connected, anatomically speaking, to the location of the Daith piercing (Tragus is a slight curve outward and downwards from where the Daith is often placed).
The Proper Research/Statistics
There's only been one study on this topic (back in 2017), and the conclusion was that there needed to be more studies before any concrete facts came from the study. So ultimately, no real scientific evidence exists that proves the effectiveness of these piercings as a tool for pain relief, or the correlation. There are a great number of people globally who swear by these piercings as avenues for migraine relief, though. So, whether or not science backs up the claim, it's not like you won't at least have a really cool looking piercing at the end of the day if you decide to give it a try and see for yourself.
My Thoughts on the Topic
Pressure points are great for momentary relief, and great technique/tool for centering oneself and relaxing parts of the body. I use reflexology often, but never on its own - I always pair it with medicine, water, sleep, etc. That being said, I feel that if one were to get a piercing for migraine relief, if it were to work in the beginning, I think the pressure point may become overstimulated over time and lose its ability to fully provide relief. So, I don't think it's the best course of action to get a piercing primarily for pain relief. I think you should evaluate why you're having so much pain and decide whether you're going to make lifestyle changes or seek medical help for it. Migraines are no joke, and can often point towards different health issues, ranging from things as simple as dehydration to more complex, neurological problems.
Piercings are fun, but they're not solutions to medical problems, my friends! Listen to your bodies and take action to best protect and nurture them! <3
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