Tragus Piercing for Migraine Relief: Complete Guide

If you suffer from migraines like me, you’ll probably try just about anything to seek relief!  If that’s you, you may want to consider a tragus piercing for migraine support. This type of piercing has been shown to provide relief for some people who are prone to headaches.

In this blog post, I’ll discuss the benefits of tragus piercings for migraine relief and answer some common questions about the procedure. I’ll also talk about the risks involved with getting this type of piercing and how to get started if you’re interested in giving it a try!

Let’s go! 

What’s a tragus piercing?

So, what exactly is a tragus piercing anyway? Well, it’s an ear piercing that goes through the tragus, which is a small piece of cartilage that protrudes slightly from the outside of the ear. 

You’ve probably seen many of them before without realizing the fashionable piercing might just help your head as well!  

The tragus is the perfect spot for a piercing because it has a high concentration of nerve endings. This means that it can be very sensitive to pressure when applied via acupuncture or acupressure. That is why some people believe that it can help relieve migraine headaches. 

Tragus Piercing | Image via www.jewelryshoppingguide.com

How does a tragus piercing help migraines?

When you get a tragus piercing, your piercer will insert a needle through the tragus and into the innermost layer of cartilage. This pressure point with its many nerve endings starts the cascade of nerve stimulation that runs through the vagus nerve to the brain.

Some people who have this procedure say the cartilage piercing help relieve migraine pain within a few days!  (Wouldn’t that be great!)

You may also want to consider a daith piercing for migraines & headaches

So, If you’re considering a tragus piercing for migraines, you may have also heard of daith piercings. 

Daith piercings are very similar to tragus piercings, but they are done in the innermost fold of cartilage in the ear – closer to the ear canal. (See image below)  

Like tragus piercings, daith piercings can be helpful in relieving migraines and tension-type headaches for the same reason –  they both hit very specific nerves stimulating the master vagus nerve. 

The vagus nerve & migraine pain 

So what’s up with the vagus nerve and why is it so important for migraine sufferers?  Well,  it’s actually important for everyone!  

According to Cleveland Clinic, the vagus nerve is the main set of nerves of your parasympathetic nervous system. This system controls specific body functions such as digestion, heart rate, and the immune system. 

The parasympathetic system also relaxes your body after periods of presumed danger or stress – it’s this system that kicks in to make you feel safe and relaxed.

Migraine sufferers rejoice 

This is important for migraine sufferers because by stimulating this nerve it’s thought we can suppress the overstimulation and neuronal excitement in our brain that can lead to the dreaded migraine attacks!   It’s thought by stimulating the vagus nerve, it changes the head pain pathways in the brain and body when activated.

The vagus nerve is also the longest and most complex of the cranial nerves (there are 12 in total), and it branches into several parts of the outer ear.  This includes the daith and the tragus – therefore, making stimulation accessible via piercings or acupuncture/pressure. 

Nerve stimulation devices for migraine

There is actually a new migraine device on the market that specifically targets the vagus nerve to treat migraine – it’s known as gammacore.  However, the device must be used daily AND comes at a hefty price tag of $598 PER MONTH! 

Like most migraine treatments, the reviews are mixed.  But it’s nice to see a non-medicinal option hitting the scene!  

As a matter of fact, vagus nerve stimulation has been used in many chronic health conditions  – specifically with research supporting the beneficial treatment of depression and epilepsy.  

Which ear to choose for daith and tragus piercings?

As a rule, it is recommended you get the piercing on the same side of the head you experience the most pain.  (Generally, migraineurs have one side that hurts the most!) 

Next, it’s important to choose an ear that is less likely to be injured and that is easy for you to keep clean. (obvs!)

When you get a tragus piercing, your piercer will insert a needle through the tragus and into the innermost layer of cartilage – 

What does the research say about tragus piercing for migraine?

There is some anecdotal evidence that tragus piercings can help relieve migraines, but there is no scientific evidence to support it yet. However, some research suggests acupuncture for the prevention of migraine symptoms – that also involves stimulating the same pressure points.

So there is definitely a direct connection!

While more research is needed, many forums filled with migraineurs swear this is the cats meow! 

Risks to consider for tragus piercing

After reading this, you might be considering a tragus piercing for migraine relief!  However,  it’s important to keep in mind that there are some risks involved. 

1. One of the most common complications is a risk of infection or possible allergic reactions. This can usually be treated with antibiotics, but it’s important to see your doctor if you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge from the piercing site. 

2. You should also avoid touching or rubbing the area, as this can increase your risk of developing an infection.

3. Another risk to consider is nerve damage. This is more likely to occur if the needle hits a nerve during the piercing process. This can cause numbness or tingling in the affected area. 

Finally, make sure you pick a pro piercer that is trained not only in body piercing but daith and tragus piercing procedures!

How to get started

If you’re interested in getting a tragus piercing for migraine relief, it’s not only important to find a reputable piercer who has the experience, but the piercer should be able to show you pictures of previous tragus piercings they’ve done and answer any questions you have about the procedure. 

1. Once you’ve found a piercer you’re comfortable with, they will clean the tragus and insert a needle through the cartilage.

2. After the piercing is complete, you will likely receive instructions on how to care for the piercing. This will usually involve cleaning the pierced area twice a day with salt water.

3. You should also avoid wearing headphones or other objects that could put added pressure on the tragus.

If you follow these instructions, it’s usually safe to remove the tragus piercing after six to eight weeks. 

Final thoughts on tragus piercings for migraines

If you’re looking for an alternative way to treat your migraines, a tragus piercing may be worth considering. This type of piercing has been shown to provide relief and improve health for many who suffer from migraine & headache. 

While there are some risks involved, these can usually be avoided by finding a reputable piercer and following the aftercare instructions.

Ultimately, it’s a personal choice if you want to make daith and tragus piercings part of your migraine treatment – but holler at me know if you give it a try! 

Xo, jules