What is a daith piercing used for in cases of anxiety?
The ear can be punctured in a variety of locations, and one of the less common piercings is the daith. Anxiety-related daith piercings are made near the ear’s deepest cartilage fold. Reaching this deepest fold of the ear requires extreme precision and the use of a curved needle, which can only be applied by a skilled piercer.
According to reports, Erik Dakota was the first person to do a daith piercing. The woman who became his first customer for this piercing called it “da’at,” or daith, which means knowledge. Dakota invented a specific needle that is normally required to execute Daith piercings. Some people say that this piercing helps lessen their feelings of anxiety, even though it was originally done simply for aesthetic reasons. It’s also used by some as a migraine remedy. It may be beneficial for migraine sufferers, according to anecdotal and sparse scientific evidence.
What gives the daith? Vagus nerve and acupuncture
Because the ear has multiple acupuncture points that are targeted by qualified acupuncturists, some people think that obtaining specific ear piercings, such as the daith, may help with anxiety symptoms. One type of traditional Chinese medicine called acupuncture works to improve the body’s energy flow. Pressure points are a common tool used by holistic health practitioners to try to reduce anxiety and other symptoms.
Proponents believe that the daith piercing, in particular, may encourage vagal modulation because of the continuous pressure it may exert on the vagus nerve. This nerve is a component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which influences mood regulation and cognition by assisting in regulating blood flow to the brain.
Nowadays, a lot of medical professionals in the West believe that the anecdotal benefits of a daith piercing for anxiety stem from something other than vagus nerve stimulation, including increased endorphin release, decreased muscle tension, or better circulation.
Studies about ear piercings in the daith
Since there haven’t been any US clinical trials that have established scientific data to support its potential symptom-relieving effects, the majority of information about daith piercing use for anxiety is anecdotal. Proponents of this piercing cite research studies on ear acupuncture. One study examined the impact of ear acupuncture on healthcare professionals’ stress levels, for example. The results point to auricular acupuncture as a potential useful treatment for lowering stress and anxiety in this population. In theory, daith piercings could have similar effects to acupuncture. However, additional research on the use of daith piercings in particular will be required before many mental health or medical professionals will support it.
Taking the placebo effect into account
Some argue that daith piercings are ineffective for treating anxiety and instead blame the placebo effect, which states that a treatment only functions when the patient feels it does. This does not imply, however, that daith piercings for anxiety are ineffective. It is impossible to conclude with certainty whether or not this strategy consistently functions until enough scientific research has been done.
Dantalism piercing risks related to anxiety
Before obtaining a daith piercing, a person should weigh the hazards involved, just like with any other type of tattoo. First of all, getting the piercing can be unpleasant, and it may take up to a year for it to fully recover. The jewelry may leave a mark even after the piercing closes, which some people may find bothersome if they wish to remove it at some point. Furthermore take note that compared to conventional lobe piercings, the daith may be more susceptible to infection due to its status as a cartilage piercing. In severe situations, an untreated infection may result in meningitis, facial paralysis, and hearing loss. Additionally, complications from a piercing might include toxic shock syndrome, sepsis, and other issues, especially if the instrument was not cleaned correctly.Before getting a daith piercing, you should think about speaking with a healthcare professional to go over the possible hazards that apply to you specifically. For example, they could advise against obtaining one if you have hemophilia, diabetes, an autoimmune disease, or take blood thinners.
How to avoid infection following a daith piercing
If you’re thinking about getting a daith piercing for anxiety, you might want to think about the following advice:
Visit a licensed shop to get your piercing and additional piercing assistance.
Make sure the piercer is qualified and authorized to perform daith piercings only.
Before handling the piercing, make sure your hands are well cleaned.
Apply cold compresses to minimize any edema.
Every day, clean the piercing as your piercer instructs.
For however long your piercer advises—typically a few weeks at the very least—keep the wound dry and refrain from swimming and other strenuous activity.
Wait until the wound heals completely, which normally takes six months to a year, before taking off the jewelry.
Find out about anxiety piercings using daiths.
Make an appointment with a therapist How counseling can alleviate anxiety Numerous studies have shown that talk therapy, often in conjunction with medication, is currently the most effective approach for treating anxiety. A therapist can provide you with tools to help you change unhealthy habits, handle stress, and change erroneous thinking. You may also inquire about their experience with alternative anxiety therapies, such getting piercings.