Can tragus piercings help with migraines?

The tragus is located near the pressure point on the ear that acupuncturists target for migraine treatment. This is why this type of piercing has gained significance as a potential remedy for migraines. However, the evidence for migraine pain relief through a tragus piercing is primarily based on anecdotal reports.

Tragus piercings are popular for migraines for the following reasons:

Is there any scientific evidence to support this?

Tragus piercings are an intriguing therapeutic option for migraine treatment, but how do they work? Scientists and migraine specialists have only limited understanding of their effectiveness.

A 2017 case study on Daith piercings did show some improvement in migraine attacks among participants, supporting the hypothesis that piercing this area might alleviate migraines.

However, it’s important to note that experts generally do not recommend it as a migraine treatment due to the lack of scientific evidence and associated risks. Piercing the tragus is considered risky because an open wound in the cartilage is susceptible to infections and other complications. The primary reason for this risk is the limited blood supply in this area.

How it works?

The concept of piercing cartilage tissue for migraine relief is based on a similar principle to acupuncture. Acupuncturists rely on the belief that pressure points and nerve endings can be modified and stimulated to treat discomfort or pain.

Acupuncture is better researched than piercing treatments because it has been practiced for a longer period of time. Therefore, it is easier to draw parallels between the benefits of acupuncture and the potential benefits of a tragus piercing.

The theory behind tragus piercings for migraine relief suggests that it stimulates the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. Stimulation of this nerve is believed to prevent or minimize the transmission of pain signals from the brain, potentially providing relief from chronic or non-chronic migraines. However, due to the lack of scientific evidence on this topic, it’s not clear whether this is true.

Other health conditions, such as depression, have already shown clinically positive responses to vagus nerve stimulation. This has sparked more research into piercing as a treatment, but the evidence is still inconclusive. It is suspected that those who respond positively to tragus piercings may be experiencing a placebo effect. The point is that further research is needed to establish the effectiveness of piercing treatments for migraine relief.

Which side should I pierce?

If you’re determined to proceed with a tragus piercing for potential migraine relief, it’s important to note that the side you choose for the piercing matters. This is based solely on anecdotal reports, but it’s believed that you should get the piercing on the side where you experience the most pain.

Migraine pain tends to concentrate on one side of the head. If you suffer from chronic migraines, you likely already know which side is most affected. To give the piercing the best chance of potentially working, make sure you get it done on that side.

Does a tragus piercing cause pain?

Tragus piercings are generally less painful compared to other ear or body piercings. This is because there are few nerve endings in that area, and it consists primarily of cartilage. You might feel a slight sting, but discomfort is mainly due to the pressure. Cartilage is tough, so more pressure is required to push the needle through.

Risks associated with a tragus piercing

.If you want to give tragus piercing a chance, you should be aware of the possible side effects and risks.

Risk of infection

When you pierce the tragus, you pierce the cartilage of the ear. This area has a very low blood supply and can easily become infected even if you take care of it properly.

Piercings through cartilage are more prone to infection compared to piercings that go through flesh or muscle. The healing process can take anywhere from four months to a year, which is longer than even a tongue piercing that typically takes six to eight weeks to heal. A longer healing period means more opportunities for infection, so keep that in mind.

There is no guarantee that a tragus piercing will effectively combat migraines

Another risk to consider is that even if everything goes well and you avoid infections, it may not work for you. Keep in mind that the only indications that suggest tragus piercings might alleviate migraines are based on anecdotal reports. However, research is growing, and more scientists and professionals are exploring the possibility that it could provide relief.

If all other treatments don’t work for you, and you’re tired of relying on painkillers, give it a try. There’s no surefire way to know if it works until you try it for yourself. Consider acupuncture first, as there is more research supporting its pain-relieving effects.

Summary

Taking painkillers daily when suffering from chronic migraines is not ideal. You should consider trying acupuncture before contemplating a tragus piercing. It’s much less invasive, and there is more scientific research supporting its effectiveness. Nevertheless, the passion of individuals who have had positive experiences with a tragus piercing and a reduction in migraine symptoms is undeniable.

If you choose to proceed with a tragus piercing, the good news is that the associated pain is minimal. However, the healing process is lengthy and challenging. Due to its location in the cartilage and proximity to your hair, there is a fairly high risk of infection. Additionally, bacteria can be transferred to the area, causing significant issues.

Wenn du sicherstellen möchtest, dass dein Piercing so gut wie möglich heilt, ist es wichtig, die Nachsorgeanweisungen deines Piercers genau zu befolgen und in ein hochwertiges Nachsorgeprodukt zur Unterstützung der Heilung zu investieren.

Das beste Nachsorgeprodukt für Piercings, das ich bisher mit Zufriedenheit verwendet habe, ist das After Inked Piercing Nachsorge-Spray. Es ist nicht nur vegan, sondern auch völlig frei von Alkohol und Zusatzstoffen. Die Lösung eignet sich für alle Hauttypen, einschließlich empfindlicher Haut, und wird in einer großzügigen Sprühflasche geliefert, um die Anwendung zu erleichtern.

Die Verwendung des Sprays von Beginn des Heilungsprozesses an hilft, die Heilungszeiten zu verkürzen und zielt darauf ab, eventuelle verbleibende Schmerzen oder Empfindlichkeit zu beseitigen.