Hope for migraine and headache sufferers with £50 piercings claim
'I've seen a reduction in frequency and intensity of my migraines where nothing else seemed to help'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.People affected by migraines and regular headaches may finally be able to find relief from their ailments - by getting a £50 piercing.
Migraine is one of the three most prevalent health conditions in the world, with an estimated 25 million days lost from school or work each year due to the illness.
And while many of those affected by the condition can often find themselves debilitated for several hours or even days, some sufferers believe they have hit upon a cure of sorts.
Through posts on social media, they say that getting a daith piercing - the innermost ear cartilage, near the temple - has reduced their pain, while some claim it has cured them altogether.
Facebook user Nicole Bandes wrote: “I've now had this for over six months and can honestly admit that is has worked for me.
“I've seen a reduction in frequency and intensity of my migraines where nothing else seemed to help. My husband noticed it before I did (and that's saying something).
“Maybe I just wasn't willing to admit that it was actually working. Since getting it, I think I've had less than five migraines. Only one of those has actually made me fully non-functional for a day.”
Although no scientific research has gone into proving this claim, Chinese medicine used the practice it for thousands of years.
A daith piercing is in the same part of your ear that Chinese acupuncturists target with needles in order to soothe headaches.
Pain care specialist Dr Thomas Cohn said in a blog post says that migraine sufferers not keen on piercings can test the theory first.
“If you begin to have a migraine, take your thumb and middle finger and gently massage that location on your ear,” he writes.
“Switch ears after a few minutes, or massage both at the same time. If you notice significant relief, and you deal with regular headaches, a daith piercing could be a worthwhile solution.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments