How it Works
The effects of Daith Piercings for migraine headaches were first observed over 25 years ago. Three years ago this went viral on social media, and since then many thousands have tried it.
In spite of this no medical research has been done, Dr Blatchley is correcting this. You can read about this on the “Our Research” page. In summary, he has now completed two surveys of over 3000 people who have migraines and a daith piercing and started the first medical research study to follow people who have had a daith for their migraines
Till now the majority of piercings have been done in piercing parlours with no formal assessment of the migraines and a very inexact method of assessing where to put the piercing. Everybody’s ear shape is different and it is necessary to pierce the ridge of cartilage called the crus helis in exactly the correct permission to ensure the best effect on your migraines. At The London Migraine Clinic’s dedicated Daith Piercing clinic we use specialist techniques to ensure that the point is identified correctly.
There is already a completely rational scientific explanation on how it works too. Daith Piercing stimulates the Vagus Nerve and Vagus Nerve Stimulation is already used to treat migraines and epilepsy.
10% of women and 5% of men have migraines. Fortunately most sufferers have infrequent attacks, but they can take 2-3 days to settle when they do hit. However for many they can be very disabling, with the next attack just around the corner. Most migraineurs live with their headaches, suffering in silence because they believe little can be done.
Dr Chris Blatchley, founder of the London Migraine Clinic, and Stephen Stratton, a very experienced piercer for over 20 years, are pleased to be the first specialist medical clinic to ensure the piercing is made in exactly the right position and under the medical conditions.
The Consultation
At the consultation for the medical daith piercing, our expert piercer will record details of your migraines and discuss how the Daith Piercing will help you. We localise the exact point for the piercing with several techniques, including a special meter.
You will be given detailed aftercare instructions and can phone for advice at any time
The Piercing
The piercing is quick, with a transient pain that settles quickly. 100% titanium jewellery is initially fitted and you will be give detailed instructions on immediate aftercare while the piercing settles.
Full healing takes from 8 weeks to several months but your chosen jewellery can be fitted as soon as the piercing has settled.
Jewellery Selection
Our jewellery collection is chosen to give best healing. The titanium is surgical grade, the gold is a minimum of 14 carat and without nickel, unlike cheap piercings from piercing parlours.
Platinum or other precious metals are also available to special order. Precious gemstones are also available to special order
Other Treatments
Daith Piercing has been shown to work for many people. Our ongoing research at the London Migraine Clinic indicates that most people have an excellent response so that over 80% are extremely happy, and report a reduction in both frequency and severity of their migraines as well as large drop in the amount of Triptans and painkillers they need to take. About 20% find their migraines disappear completely but about 15% find the piercing has little or no effect. For those who find that the response has not been sufficient Dr Blatchley offers an in-depth medical assessment for no extra charge, where further preventative treatments can be discussed.
These preventative treatments include:-
- Lifestyle choices – regular sleep, eating breakfast, avoiding alcohol are just three.
- Drugs to prevent attacks – again these are specialist drugs from your doctor that dampen down the start of migraines. However they often have side-effects such as drowsiness
- Botox – Botox can be enormously effective in preventing migraines. Like Daith Piercings the effect was noticed by accident when people were being injected for their wrinkles. It works in a different way to wrinkle treatments and Dr Blatchley has been pioneering research in its use at The London Migraine Clinic
- Osteopathy – Osteopaths have been treating migraines for years with varying degrees of success – sometimes excellent
- Homeopathy – Some people have reported enormous improvements
- Acupuncture – The modern explanation of how acupuncture works is through stimulation of the nervous system and is similar to the theories explaining how Daith Piercings may work
