Daith Piercing for Anxiety: What is it & Does it Work?

Anxiety and anxiety disorders are becoming more, and more common these days. Some suggest that up to 15% of adults in the UK suffer from severe anxiety at least once in their lives, and up to 31% of adults in the US (the UK always follows the US, so the UK’s numbers are set to increase). 

We have previously already written about ways to successfully release anxiety but we have only just come across piercings for anxiety, which is often also called a Daith piercing. 

So, we have done a little bit of research into what anxiety piercings are and whether or not they are actually effective. 

What Is A (Daith) Piercing For Anxiety?

What is this, and where does it come from? Well, quite simply a daith piercing for anxiety is an ear piercing which is put into the point of cartilage in the innermost part of the ear – just above the eardrum. There is nothing particularly different about this piercing, other than it’s location. The usual process of piercing, and healing still applies. And, once your ear has healed, you can choose pretty much any jewellery you like to fit your style. 

So, where does ‘Daith’ come from? Well, apparently, the first person to do this kind of piercing was Erik Dakota and his very first client called her piercing ‘Da’at’ which means knowledge. The piercing was initially done using a specialised needle, but the piercing was still simply for cosmetic reasons. 

These days, a daith piercing for anxiety has become more common as the location of the piercing has become anecdotally linked with reducing anxiety. 

So, does the Daith piercing reduce anxiety? Let’s discuss it some more!

How does a Daith Piercing work? 

The theory behind a piercing for anxiety is based on traditional Chinese acupuncture. It is believed that the point that the Daith piercing is inserted is. a target used to help with social anxiety and anxiety disorders. The piercing is designed to change the flow of human energy and reduce the shaky energy of anxiety. 

This is done by piercing the vagus nerve which moves through the ear, into the brain and the rest of the body. However, there are three other important pressure points. One is the ‘Shen men (stress relief), the ‘tranquillizer point’ (for relaxation) and the ‘point zero’ which is exactly where the Daith piercing is inserted. All three are considered to be important and can be utilised with a piercing. 

Does it Work? 

Well, here is where things get sticky. Like many traditional or holistic healing practices, most of the evidence is anecdotal and from the sharing of personal experience. There does not seem to be much evidence to suggest that the piercing has much effect on your anxiety at all. 

There are, however, some examples of studies (concluded in China) which suggests that the reflex points in the body are being stimulated with a piercing and do relieve the symptoms of distant pathology. The research looked into the effects of acupuncture treatment on headaches and anxiety, all of which seemed to be effective. 

The theory is that the Daith piercing activates these active points, but there is little hard evidence to suggest that they work for sure. 

A second explanation could be a worthwhile explanation for why so many people claim there are benefits to an anxiety piercing: the placebo effect. 

While many would discourage anything that influences the placebo effect, for some, the very idea that the piercing is reducing their anxiety, will actually reduce their anxiety completely. Since anxiety is a condition caused by mental stress, anything that helps to reduce the symptoms is still a potential treatment. 

The placebo effect is a powerful tool, so it should not be discredited, but it may not have long-term benefits for sufferers of anxiety. 

Final Thoughts – Do Piercings for Anxiety Work? 

There is little hard-core scientific evidence to suggest that daith piercings for anxiety actually work, but many people swear by them. There are several applications for a daith piercing, so if you are considering a piercing yourself, make sure that you research the procedure and whether it is the right thing for you to do. 

If you have any experience with piercings for anxiety, or you just would like to share your thoughts on the topic, make sure to add a comment in the section below!