Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Piercings: Relieving Migraine Symptoms?

Millions of people all around the world suffer from migraines. A migraine is much more severe than a regular headache and can last for hours or even days. These painful episodes can be accompanied by symptoms like an increased sensitivity to light or sound, blind spots, nausea or vomiting, flashes of light, and even tingling in the arms and legs. With the amount of pain migraines cause, people often try a variety of headache relief methods. This article is going to discuss three common methods people who suffer from migraines try.

Acupuncture
For thousands of years, people have been using acupuncture to treat a variety of ailments. A practitioner inserts thin needles into the patient’s skin at certain points to address different needs. While this may sound scary, it’s generally very safe and effective. When inserted, the needles trigger specific nerves which in turn tells the body to release endorphins. Numerous studies have shown acupuncture to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines when done properly.

Acupressure
Like acupuncture, acupressure targets certain points on the body as well. When these specific points are massaged, it can help relax muscles, balance the person’s natural energy flow, and relieve pain or stress. During a session, a practitioner will use their fingers, palms, elbows, feet, or special devices to apply pressure to certain points on the body. Additional stretching or massage may be used as well.

Piercings
Over the recent years, a daith piercing has become a popular method for a potential migraine or headache relief. A daith piercing is done by piercing the innermost cartilage fold of the ear. This part of the ear is commonly targeted in acupuncture to increase headache relief. Generally, people who receive a daith piercing have found acupuncture to be effective, but are looking for a more permanent fix. While there is no scientific explanation for the how the daith piercing alleviates migraines, numerous people have found it to be effective. In fact, a recent survey by MigrainePal found that 47% of participants said their migraines came less frequently after getting a daith piercing and 50% claimed their daith piercing helped alleviate the severity of their migraines.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for migraines. However, if you suffer from migraines you may want to consider one of these methods. While some people remain skeptical, many people have found migraine relief in acupuncture, acupressure, or by obtaining a daith piercing.