6 Types of Ear Piercings That Have Acupuncture Benefits
Who knew curing migraines could be so stylish?
In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is designed to restore the natural flow of one’s life force energy, or qi. This 3,000-year-old technique pricks the skin with needles at strategic points throughout the body in order to alleviate any tension caused by the disruption or blockage of qi. Reasons for this range from mental to physical health-related conditions.
While many are familiar with body acupuncture, auriculotherapy is a specific type of acupuncture that targets the outer parts of the ear. Considered to be a microcosm of the body according to Chinese medicine, the ears consist of over 200 acupressure points that can aid in balancing the mind and body. A study found that auriculotherapy is able to target a plethora of conditions such as migraines, chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and one’s overall well-being.
Here, L'Officiel breaks down everything you need to know about ear piercings and their medicinal properties.
1. Daith
Located in the innermost fold of your ear, the daith piercing is believed to relieve symptoms of reoccurring migraines. In one case study, a 57-year-old participant suffering from chronic migraines sought to get his daith pierced in order to alleviate his pain. After a couple of weeks, the participant noticed a large reduction in the number of migraines he was getting on a daily basis.
While this can be a viable (and more cost-effective) solution to treating migraines, it’s best to be realistic with the results, as researchers claim there is not enough evidence to conclude that daith piercings are a cure-all for migraines.
2. Conch
Named after the spiral shape of the ear (the conch), conch piercings are associated with aiding in muscle relaxation and combating chronic pain.
3. Helix
The helix, one of the most popular cartilage piercings, is located on the outermost rim of your ears. If stimulated or pierced, this area is said to provide allergy relief and quell symptoms of congestion or a sore throat.
4. Forward Helix
The forward helix is on the very front of the ear, closest to the head. This specific acupressure point can help with muscle tension and encourage blood circulation. By encouraging increased blood flow, this piercing may also aid in preventing wrinkles.
5. Tragus
Similar to daith piercings, piercings targeting the tragus can help reduce the frequency of migraines alongside its anti-anxiety and appetite suppressant qualities. The tragus is located in the small flap of cartilage in front of the ear canal and stimulating this area targets the vagus nerve, which extends from the base of the brain to the rest of the body.
6. Rook
Located at an unusual spot, a rook piercing targets the pressure point that is intended to mainly reduce migraines alongside aiding with stress relief.
Don’t feel like committing to piercings? Try ear seeding.
Ear seeding is a needle-free, non-invasive form of auriculotherapy. Tiny “beads” resembling jewellery studs are placed on the surface of your ear with adhesive, stimulating pressure points that are connected throughout the body. Aside from balancing the body’s flow of energy, ear seeds aid in balancing hormones and regulating one’s nervous system.
Opt for either the traditional Chinese ear seeds or the flashy, Gwyneth Paltrow-approved kit from WTHN, coming in both 24-karat gold-plated and Swarovski crystal versions. The pellets will usually last for three to five days before naturally falling off.
