Few piercings have had as much attention as the daith piercing – "the migraine piercing", as it is called in the media and in Facebook groups. The stories are many: people who say their migraine attacks became fewer or milder after they had their daith pierced. But what is actually true? Here is the honest review – neither overselling nor dismissing.
What is a daith piercing?
The daith piercing sits in the innermost fold of cartilage in the ear, just above the ear canal. It is a small, protected fold, and the jewellery – almost always a ring or clicker that follows the shape of the fold – lies close against the ear. The placement is popular in its own right, entirely without the migraine story: it is discreet, different and suits both a simple ear look or a combination of several piercings. The healing time is typically 6-9 months, as with most cartilage piercings.
Why is it called the migraine piercing?
The idea comes from acupuncture. The location of the daith fold is thought to lie close to a point that some acupuncturists associate with headaches, and where the vagus nerve has branches. The theory goes that permanent pressure on the point – in the form of a piercing – could dampen migraine symptoms, a bit like a constant acupuncture treatment. The story took off in the mid-2010s, when accounts of fewer attacks started spreading on social media, and the nickname has stuck ever since.
What does the research say?
Here we have to be completely honest: there is no solid scientific evidence that a daith piercing works against migraine. No large, controlled studies have been carried out, and the accounts that exist are individual people's experiences. Experts point out that a perceived improvement may be due to the placebo effect – which in migraine can be both real and noticeable, but which typically fades over time.
At the same time, it is worth saying just as clearly: thousands of people say their daith piercing has made a difference for them. That does not make the experiences science, but it explains why the interest persists.
The important part: A daith piercing is not a treatment and should never replace medical advice or your current migraine treatment. If you suffer from migraine, talk to your doctor. Choose the daith piercing because you think it looks great – if it also does you some good, that is a bonus.
Which ear should the piercing be in?
One of the most frequently asked questions. There is no documented rule, but among those who choose daith for migraine reasons, the common approach is to choose the side where the pain most often sits. If you have migraine on both sides – or you are choosing the piercing for its looks – simply pick the ear where it fits best into your overall look.
How much does a daith piercing cost?
At a professional piercing studio, the price of a daith piercing depends on the studio and the country, usually including a standard piece of jewellery in basic quality. Once the piercing has healed after 6-9 months, you can change to a piece with more personality – and here you do not need studio prices: at BY CARA you will find daith piercing jewellery from simple rings to clickers with stones.
Care and healing
- Healing time: 6-9 months. The daith fold is protected but hard to reach – be patient.
- Clean with saline 1-2 times a day for the first months, and otherwise do not touch the piercing.
- Avoid pressure: Do not sleep on the pierced ear, and be careful with in-ear headphones for the first months.
- Only change the jewellery once the piercing has fully healed – and choose a skin-friendly material.
Choosing jewellery for your daith
Daith is worn with a ring or clicker, typically 1.2 mm in thickness and 8-10 mm in diameter. Most of our daith jewellery is made of implant-grade titanium (ASTM F-136) – the same material professional piercers use. It is nickel-free, hypoallergenic and waterproof, so the jewellery can stay in for showers and workouts. A clicker with a small stone is the most popular daith style right now – visible enough to be noticed, discreet enough for every day.
Questions and answers about migraine piercings
Does a daith piercing work against migraine?
There is no scientific evidence that a daith piercing works against migraine – controlled studies are lacking, and experts point to placebo as a possible explanation. Many do, however, report a perceived improvement. Choose the piercing for its looks, and talk to your doctor about your migraine treatment.
Which ear should a migraine piercing be in?
There is no documented rule, but the common approach is to choose the side where the headache most often sits. If you are choosing the piercing for its looks, both ears are equally good.
How much does a daith piercing cost?
The price at a piercing studio depends on the studio and the country, usually including standard jewellery. Jewellery for changing after healing is available from BY CARA.
How much does a daith piercing hurt?
Daith sits in cartilage, so most people feel a short, sharp sting followed by pressure and tenderness for a few days. Pain is individual, but the piercing itself is over in a few seconds.
When can I change my daith jewellery?
Only once the piercing has fully healed – expect 6-9 months, and do ask your piercer. Change to a ring or clicker in titanium, 1.2 mm in thickness and typically 8-10 mm in diameter.
This article is for general guidance and does not constitute medical advice. If you have migraine or other headaches, you should always talk to your doctor.
