CHRONIC HEADACHES
Daith piercing has become an alternative treatment for those who suffer from ongoing migraines. I don't think I'm a true migraine sufferer, but I'd endured ongoing, and often debilitating headaches for decades. I'd been taking pain relief for them in many forms for a long time and was beginning to wonder what impact that was having on my kidneys and liver - especially when a headache lasted for several days. Headaches were so much a part of my life that I even have a "Headache Art" Pinterest Board that I filled with pictures of how a headache "looked" in its various forms.Pain meds were fine, they helped make my headaches bearable, but they were a short term fix, I'd often need to take them every few hours and sometimes for a run of days until my headache eventually stopped. For many years I'd be experiencing three or four headaches a week and there was no simple solution - despite numerous doctor's visits, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and anything else they suggested.
DAITH PIERCING
Four years ago I came across some articles on daith piercing. They didn't claim that it was a miracle cure for headaches/migraines and there was no scientific data to support the practice, but there was a lot of anecdotal information that suggested it had a very positive effect on curing or reducing migraines. If you don't know what a daith piercing is, this is a picture of mine:
THE IMMEDIATE RESULTS
I went into the piercing process with no huge expectations (other than the fact that it was a cartilage piercing and would be more painful). It turned out to be a fairly simple process, painful but not unbearable - and the whole thing only took a few minutes. I chose to have it done with a piercer in the city who was familiar with the process and wouldn't put it in the wrong place (there are a lot of stories about failed daith piercings!)Being a cartilage piercing meant that the healing process was slower, but I followed the directions from the FB group and it all went smoothly - plenty of saline rinsing over a couple of months and it all settled well. What I did notice was that there was definitely an impact on my headaches immediately. It didn't miraculously cure them, but it definitely seemed to reduce the frequency and the intensity of any I had. I thought I might be imagining it, but my (long-suffering) husband said that I was a lot better - no more vomiting in the mornings, no more 3 day headaches, no more feeling flat afterwards while I recovered. So it was definitely a win/win.
3 YEARS AFTER MY PIERCING
As time's gone along I certainly can't claim to have been completely headache free. I still get an occasional headache (particularly at times when my hormones are firing up) but those headaches respond really well to a couple of Ibuprofen and then disappear. It's an extremely rare event to have a headache that lasts more than a couple of hours and if I'd treated it quickly in the first place (rather than hoping it'd go away) it wouldn't have been a problem and would have resolved a lot more quickly.When I got this piercing I figured if it didn't work I could take it out, or keep it as something a little bit unusual. What I've found instead is that it's been a really useful tool in my headache treatment regime and is actually a preventative rather than a cure. It's reduced the amount of pain medication I take significantly and I can't imagine ever removing it. I've wondered whether the headaches would amp up again if I took it out and I'm just not willing to take that risk.
OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS
My daughter had her daith pierced when mine was done (mother/daughter bonding on a whole new level). She gets headaches too - but hers are more from jaw clenching and TMJ pain - and she didn't find the daith helped much at all. She kept hers though because she likes it as a piercing that's a bit different to her others.After seeing mine and listening to the outcome, my daughter-in-law (who's much more conservative than my daughter and me) decided that she'd get hers done too in the hope it would reduce the hormonal headaches she was prone to. I went along to give her moral support and she survived the experience well too. After having hers for a couple of years, she says that it hasn't been a miracle cure either, but it's made enough of a difference that she's keeping it because she doesn't want to take it out and risk having the headaches escalate back up again to their old levels.
SO WOULD I RECOMMEND DAITH PIERCING?
Well, it's not hugely expensive, it's not hugely painful, it's doesn't hugely impact any other area of my life, but it does make a big difference to the frequency and intensity of my headaches. Anything that helps reduce the number of pain relief drugs I need to take, and their strength makes me very happy. I wouldn't claim it was 100% effective or a miracle cure, but I would definitely say that it's made a big difference to my life. Anything that relieves pain and the debilitation that comes with it is worth a try IMHO.My only real piece of advice would be to make sure you research and investigate it well, find a professional piercer near you, and don't expect miracles. It worked well for me, but I'm not a doctor or a medical expert - just one of the many, many anecdotal accounts of satisfied customers. Someone said you don't get a lot of scientific trials for non-drug based cures because there aren't any big companies willing to fund them - I found that an interesting concept in regard to this too. There is ongoing research you can read HERE if you're interested, and I'd love you to let me know what you think about it all.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional nor am I providing medical guidance. This post should not be taken as specific health advice. It’s a post that relates only to my own health. If you have similar issues, I'd advise you to speak to your own Doctor or health professional.
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Wow, I'd never heard of this before. I've had good results over the years with acupuncture for different hormonal issues and absolutely have an open mind when it comes to alternative therapies. That being said, everybody and every body is different - as are the root causes of particular chronic issues. I'd say if it's relatively inexpensive yet makes a difference, that's a win.
ReplyDeleteThat was my theory in the end Jo - worth a shot and if it didn't work I could take it out or keep it if I liked it as a piercing. It's not the cure-all I'd hoped for, but it definitely helps and I'll take anything that reduces taking meds.
DeleteHi, Leanne - Like Jo, I hadn't heard of daith piercing before. I am so glad that it has worked for you. I like your common-sense, practical advice to others.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna - I didn't want to blow it up into something it's not, but for people like me who were on the edge of deciding, I wanted to say that I think it's worth a shot and with 3 years of it now I don't have a single regret.
DeleteWhat an interesting post! I have just begun having headaches for the first time ever. But my poor sister suffers with them very regularly. I am thinking mine are vision related and going to have my eyes checked this week. Will share this post with my sister and a dear friend who is often incapacitated with migraines. Thank you for sharing your experience.
ReplyDeleteHi Lesley - I'm not into a lot of alternative woo-woo stuff, this was a little bit left field for me, but was such a simple thing to try (with a bit of after care) and after decades of horrible headaches, the relief was enough for me to say that it was worth finding a good piercer and paying for it (I think I've recovered the cost by reducing the pain medication I've had to take!) I hope your friend and sister look into it a bit further - it might be worth a shot :)
DeleteI will be honest, I'd never heard of it but I do think somethings, as long as there is no harmful risks, are worth a try (never as an alternative to medicine, only where medicine fails). Because if you take a punt and it works, then it's worth it.
ReplyDeleteThat's how I felt too Lydia - when you're not being gung-ho and deciding you know better than modern medicine, an adjunct treatment is worth a shot. It's been a help for me and I just wish I'd heard about it sooner.
DeleteThis is the first I've heard of this. My daughter suffers migraines and recently started Botox injections to help. #MLSTL shared on SM
ReplyDeleteI've heard a lot about botox injections for migraines Donna - it seems to be the way to go for some ongoing relief. I wasn't at the stage (or the budget) to do something like that on a regular basis, this was more cost effective and didn't need to be repeated. I think long term headache sufferers will give most things a go for relief.
DeleteThat's very interesting! My hairdresser had hers pierced and she said it has helped. I don't suffer from headaches, thankfully, but I did double pierce the upper part of my ear with my daughters (bonding experience like you) and I love it! It only shows when I have a pony tail. Sharing #MLSTL
ReplyDeleteMine's fairly discrete too Theresa - most people don't notice it when I just have a sleeper in it. I'd love to be able to say that I don't get headaches - it's my dream! They're very wearing after having them all the time for decades.
DeleteI have heard of this before from quite a few groups I am. Mostly these have helped them who had it done. Migraine is awful. I used to get these and would be bed bound for days. Nothing worked at the time...just a dark room cold cloth and pills. I always knew when it was about to go away as I would get the shivers. Fast forward....to a few years ago. I stopped eating fish as my partner at the time was anaphylactic to fish and I gave up gluten. Migrains went away. About 4 years ago I hit my head in the car and the pain came back along with horrible nerve pain in the head. MRI and seizure drugs increasing to highest dose and decreasing over 9 months to none and the pain went. So mine apart from the head trauma was food. Even my ezcema has gone...Not saying its for everyone though just my take on it. #MLSTL
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting how different things work for different people Bree - I've heard a lot about trigger foods - it's just figuring out what the trigger actually is! Also Botox like Donna mentioned, and so many more. I think anyone who takes meds long term wants to get off them, but none of us want the debilitating head pain either - I'm so glad yours have gradually resolved - it must be such a relief!
DeleteHi Leanne: I hadn't heard of daith piercing before. I'm glad that it worked for you. I know a few people who suffer from migraines. Thank you for sharing your experience. #MLSTL
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie - there's always something to learn in the blogosphere isn't there? I learn about new places and you learn about interesting piercings :)
DeleteVery interesting, Leanne, I've never heard of this treatment for migraines so learned quite a bit from your experience. I've never been a migraine sufferer and am so grateful for that. Sharing on SM. #MLSTL
ReplyDeleteHi Candi - I'd love to say that I've never been a major headache sufferer - it would be such a nice way to have lived! I think finding a way to manage it so that I don't need as many meds has been the biggest blessing of trying something a bit "out there".
DeleteWow - I'd never heard of this piercing before Leanne! I'm so glad it has made a difference for you. It looks pretty too! I must tell a friend of mine who suffers quite a bit with dreadful migraines. Thank you! x
ReplyDeleteI really like it as a piercing Min - not too noticable (especially when I only have a sleeper in it) and with the added benefit of being quite helpful for keeping the headaches to a manageable level - win/win!
DeleteShared on my Social Media. #MLSTL
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Donna - much appreciated x
DeleteReading this with my first headache in ages...and glad you found some relief from yours. Mine, back in the day, were often 3 days ones, nauseating but not vomiting, and related to my menstrual cycle (even post hysterectomy as ovaries had been left). I hated them (everyone does) because of having to 'dope'myself up and they made me cranky. The headache I have now, is related to possible neck issues and the fact that I spent a lot of time in the car driving yesterday and had a mouth check. Mostly these ones go after a day and caffeine and chocolate help!
ReplyDeleteDenyse #mlstl
My headaches definitely have a hormonal component to them Denyse - and 3 days of a headache used to be quite normal for me. I'm relieved that I've reduced the days down to hours and the regularity down significantly too. Maybe one day they'll disappear and then I'll decide whether to risk taking out the earring!
DeleteI’ve never heard of this Leanne but I’m pleased it worked for you. Migraines or almost migraines would be hard to take. Take care #MLSTL
ReplyDeleteIt's the fact that there were so many of them Jennifer - knowing that I'd get two or three a week and they could last for days was very tiring. They didn't stop me working, but I used a lot of pain relief over the years to keep living normally - and it's nice to not take as much these days.
DeleteMy mum used to get really bad migraines but they disappeared once she went through menopause which is kinda weird!
ReplyDeleteThere's definitely a hormonal component to a lot of headaches Deb - I'm hoping that one day I'll wake up and mine will miraculously disappear - so far that hasn't happened, but having less of them is a blessing that I'm happy to embrace.
DeleteThis is the first time I've heard of daith piercing, and yet I know of several people who get migraines who I'll definitely mention it to. It must be horrible to get regular headaches that last for days and make you vomit and I really feel for people who get them as it must be so debilitating. I'm really glad that daith is working for you. Long may it continue. #MLSTL and Shared on SM
ReplyDeleteHi Jo - yes chronic headaches definitely suck - and I'm always envious of people who don't get them. To have the number and severity reduced is a bonus for me and I'm happy to credit it to the piercing - certainly I think it makes enough of a difference that I wouldn't risk taking it out to find out if it was just a placebo!
DeleteI found this so interesting Leanne. My husband has severe migraines. I thought he'd tried everything, but I'd never even heard of piercing as an option. I'm happy to hear that this has helped you. I've have the occasional migraine, but mine are nothing like what I've seen my husband suffer through and the aftereffects, just as you described, of being drained for days. Thanks for sharing this. #MLSTL
ReplyDeleteHi Christie - there's a few blokes on the Migraine Facebook page who've had it done - they tend to go with something a little more industrial looking and less "girly" :) I hope your husband finds something that works for him (at least he can rule out hormones as the root cause!) Maybe he could try Botox or checking if it's a particular food that causes them?
DeleteWhile I don't suffer from migraines, I know several people who do. I'll be forwarding them a copy of this post. It's so interesting how a simple piercing can have such an impact on debilitating headaches.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was complete bollocks Jennifer, but then decided that it was a simple thing to try and if it failed I wasn't really any worse off (just another thing ticked off the list to try). I still can't quite believe that it's helped as much as it has - and I will forever recommend giving it a try - nothing ventured nothing gained (and it doesn't work for everyone - but nothing seems to be 100% effective for migraines).
DeleteGood Wednesday morning Leanne: It is bright, sunny and (almost) warm here in Ontario - a perfect autumn day. Thank you for sharing this experience. 'Though I do not suffer from headaches myself, I've a very dear friend who does - terribly so - and I know that once I've shared this she'll see it. I hope it helps her too. Nice writing again! Love, Pam. xx
ReplyDeleteHi Pam - lovely that your weather is so nice - we're just leaving Winter behind in Australia and had a few warm days that have now disappeared back into cold, dreary ones. I'm hoping to see the sun again soon though. And yes I do hope your friend sees this and looks into it - who knows, it might save her too :)
DeleteHi Leanne, I haven’t heard of this before either but it sounds very interesting! Your opinion is honest and that’s what counts most. Nice to be back connecting with you and others again. Sharing for #mltsl
ReplyDeleteHi Deb - and welcome back to the blogosphere - it's always lovely to have you here and I'm glad things have settled enough that you've had some time on your hands to be able to blog and comment again x
DeleteHi Leanne,
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard about daith piercing, until read your post. Interesting.
A very nice write-up of your experience.
One can't just rule out the benefits of alternative medicines or therapies.
It might be difficult to get accurate scientific validations. But that doesn't mean it doesn't work.
This sounds a quite similar to accupressure or accupuncture. Except that this is permanent.
When it comes to medicine, I have often noticed that our belief in what we do plays a big role in the success of the therapy.
I am glad that it has worked, to a great extent in relieving the migraine.
(#MLSTL. Sharing on social media.)
Hi Pradeep - I often wonder if it's a placebo, but if it works because I think it does, then it's still working and I'm still happy :) I've read that it impacts on the Vagus nerve and that's why it affects headaches - whatever the reason, I'm glad to have less pain and a pretty earring as a bonus!
DeleteLeanne, wish I'd known about this years ago. I would've given it a shot.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I gave it a go Jean - nothing ventured nothing gained as my good mother would say :)
DeleteLeanne, can I use your story in my daith piercing article? Khrystyna from Piercee
ReplyDeleteHi Khrystyna
DeleteYes you are welcome to include my experience with daith piercing and a link back to my original article would be appreciated. Your site has a lot of information and is a great resource.
Hi Marlie - I had my left side pierced - the side where the majority of my headaches seem to start and burrow into my brain. I wouldn't say it's been a perfect cure, but it's definitely reduced the frequency and intensity - and I need much fewer and much milder pain relief (and I love it as a piercing too - it makes me smile and when you're in your 50's it's nice to have something a bit cool for people to comment on). Just make sure you choose a really good piercer and also join the FB group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/Daith/) because there's some great advice there on after care.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and his oldest son have suffered with migraines since elementary school.3-5 a week to be exact and like some have stated, they sometimes lasted for days! About 2 1/2 years ago my stepson had his daith pierced and had it for about 6 months before he told my husband about it. He had wonderful results so my husband had his done too. Just a few days after he had it done he said it felt like he was trying to get a migraine.He said it felt like his brain was vibrating,but never had any pain. Its been 2yrs now and neither my husband nor my stepson have had a migraine. They will still get headaches, but ibuprofen would cure them very quickly. My husband's migraines were at the base of his skull and made him physically sick. I know not everyone gets some or any relief with a daith piercing, but with my husband and stepson,the results were a prayer answered! So, it is possible for them to completely go away!!! Good luck and prayers to any of you that want to give it a shot! What do you have to lose?🙏🏼🍀
ReplyDeleteMy husband and his oldest son have suffered with migraines since elementary school.3-5 a week to be exact and like some have stated, they sometimes lasted for days! About 2 1/2 years ago my stepson had his daith pierced and had it for about 6 months before he told my husband about it. He had wonderful results so my husband had his done too. Just a few days after he had it done he said it felt like he was trying to get a migraine.He said it felt like his brain was vibrating,but never had any pain. Its been 2yrs now and neither my husband nor my stepson have had a migraine. They will still get headaches, but ibuprofen would cure them very quickly. My husband's migraines were at the base of his skull and made him physically sick. I know not everyone gets some or any relief with a daith piercing, but with my husband and stepson,the results were a prayer answered! So, it is possible for them to completely go away!!! Good luck and prayers to any of you that want to give it a shot! What do you have to lose?🙏🏼🍀
ReplyDeleteHi - I'm so glad they found it worked - I don't think my result was quite as perfect as their's but I'm still very happy with the reduction in the severity and frequency of my headaches. I feel like it was such a small and inexpensive thing to try and the results have definitely proved to be worth it for me (and obviously for your husband and stepson).
ReplyDelete