### Can Daith Piercings Help with Migraines? Daith piercings have gained popularity as a potential remedy for migraines. This type of piercing goes through the tough cartilage fold at the entrance of your ear canal. Some people believe that it can help alleviate migraine pain by stimulating a branch of the vagus nerve, similar to how acupuncture works. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of daith piercings for migraine relief. The piercing is actually about 1 centimeter away from the acupuncture point that is sometimes used for migraine treatment. Therefore, it is unlikely that the piercing will have the same effect as acupuncture. ### Risks of Daith Piercings While daith piercings may look cool, they come with several risks. More than one-third of people who get this type of piercing experience complications such as infections. Serious infections like cellulitis, blood infections like HIV, hepatitis B or C, and tetanus are possible. Skin reactions like dermatitis, allergic reactions, or keloid scars, which are tissue growths that can get quite large, can also occur. ### Safety Tips If you decide to get a daith piercing, either to try it for migraine relief or because you like the way it looks, make sure to do it safely: - Find a licensed piercing professional. - Ensure the piercing studio is clean, ventilated, and well-lit. - Make sure all equipment is new or properly sterilized. - Avoid getting a piercing in someone's home or a public bathroom. ### Aftercare Proper aftercare is crucial to prevent infections. If your new piercing hurts, looks red or puffy, or starts to ooze a yellowish liquid, call your doctor immediately. These are signs of an infection, and you may need antibiotics to treat it. In summary, while daith piercings are popular and may seem like a quick fix for migraines, there is no scientific proof that they work. They also come with significant risks, so proceed with caution and prioritize safety.