Can piercing help with anxiety?

Can piercing help with anxiety?

Many people believe that certain piercings, like the daith, can help with anxiety. This idea comes from acupuncture, where specific points on the ear are stimulated to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Since the daith piercing goes through a similar spot, some think it might offer the same calming effects. But does science support this belief?

The truth about daith piercing and anxiety

The daith piercing passes through the inner cartilage of the ear, close to a pressure point linked to the vagus nerve—a nerve that helps regulate mood and stress levels. Some say that piercing this spot can relieve anxiety, but the reality is different.

Currently, there’s no scientific evidence proving that daith piercings actually help with anxiety. According to Medical News Today, any positive experiences people report are likely due to the placebo effect, where believing in a treatment makes you feel better, even if the treatment itself has no real impact. 

Why do people think piercings help with anxiety?

The belief comes from the concept of auriculotherapy, a form of acupuncture that targets specific points in the ear to treat various conditions, including anxiety. Since the daith piercing goes through one of these points, it's easy to see why some assume it might offer similar benefits. However, while acupuncture has shown some promise in reducing anxiety symptoms, piercing the area doesn't have the same controlled stimulation or proven results.

Final thoughts

While the idea of a piercing helping with anxiety is interesting, science doesn't back it up. If you're thinking about getting a daith piercing, do it for the style, not as a solution for anxiety. And if anxiety is something you struggle with, talking to a healthcare professional is the best way to find effective support and treatment.