Tragus piercing for anxiety (Brief guide)

In this guide, we will discuss the topic of Tragus piercing for anxiety, possible benefits and some additional considerations if you would like to get one

Tragus Piercing and Anxiety

There is no scientific evidence linking a tragus piercing and anxiety relief, but there are many who hold the opinion that tragus piercing may help with anxiety. A Daith piercing is also often said to help with pain and anxiety, and there is some research that says that it might be possible that because a Daith piercing is in the innermost fold of the ear, it might help with migraines and some forms of anxiety.

Tragus piercing for anxiety

Tragus piercing for anxiety is a very popular and trendy topic, many people consider getting it not only because it looks “cool” but because it is said to help with anxiety relief.

This type of piercing is placed through the cartilage that partially covers your ear canal, but be careful when comparing and confusing it with a Daith piercing since they are not the same.

For most tragus and Daith piercing users, they seem to be an effect over migraine pain.

Someone suffering from regular migraines is familiar with the intense pain located on one side of their head, increased sensitivity to sound or light, nausea, vomiting, etc.

Scientists have developed an interest in the effects of piercings possibly alleviating migraine pain but there are no conclusive studies yet.

How is the tragus piercing supposed to work?

Tragus piercings are supposed to follow the same principles as acupuncture who believe that is used to stimulate “acupoints” by inserting fine, sterile needles into the skin.

This is said to improve bodily functions and natural self-healing by stimulating the acupoints.

According to Kathryn Watson from Healthline “Acupuncturists believe that electricity, nerve endings, and pressure points in your body can be stimulated, realigned, and otherwise modified to treat pain.”

The theory behind the effectiveness of tragus piercings is related to the stimulation of the vagus nerve which according to some researchers, when stimulated it is said to be helpful in treating depression and epilepsy.

However, other people may argue it has a placebo effect by believing and being convinced that it is working.

More research needs to be done to find the health benefits or association between tragus piercings and possible migraine, weight loss, pain, and mental health.

How long does it take to heal? 

If you have decided to get a tragus piercing, either because you want to or because you are convinced it can help you as anti-anxiety treatment, for weight loss, migraines, appetite control, chronic pain, stress, depression, etc., then it is important to know how long the healing will take.

According to almostfamouspiercing.com, “Assuming you keep the area clean as you would for any other piercing, it shouldn’t take much longer than any other cartilage piercing to heal. Just because it’s a funny shape and higher on the ear, doesn’t mean you have to learn a whole new set of rules for it.”

In addition, it is said to take between 4 months to a year to be completely “healed”. 

Moreover, “…Right after getting your piercing, it is normal to experience swelling, redness, soreness, and drainage.”

Also, consider that cartilage piercings can be more painful and prone to infection than lobe piercings which can lead to sepsis or toxic shock syndrome.

Does the side matter?

According to Kathryn Watson from Healthline, “Anecdotal evidence suggests that you should get the piercing on the side of your head where your pain tends to cluster. Stimulating the vagus nerve on the side of your head where migraines start would, in theory, be important to make sure the treatment works.”

Since there is little to no evidence about the real benefits or effects, the only way of knowing if it works for you is experiencing it on your own.

However, it is not recommended for people with hemophilia, diabetes, an autoimmune disease, or health problems which may make your body take longer to heal.

Daith vs tragus

Daith piercings have been associated with migraine relief and chronic anxiety. For most users there seems to be an improvement in the frequency of migraine presentation, however, there is also a possibility of a placebo effect. If daith piercings do work, it is likely that the mechanism they use to function is similar to acupuncture. 

On the other hand, tragus piercings are often associated to have an effect in controlling appetite and helping with weight loss.

As indicated by Gwen Jones from hercampus.com, “Although this piercing may reduce one’s appetite, it should definitely be combined with traditional diet and exercise to see real results.”

Again, there is no objective and scientific evidence to support this which can indicate also a placebo effect as mentioned previously. 

Recommendations when getting a tragus piercing

According to freshtrends.com. Here are some aftercare tips unique to the tragus:

  • Be careful when using headphones: if you are used to using headphones, be careful since it can cause trauma to the area, and can provoke complications. Try using earbuds while they are healing.
  •  Take care when you sleep: just like wearing headphones, try not to sleep on your piercings since it can put pressure in the earring. If you are used to sleeping on that side, try to limit the time you spend. Make sure also to use clean bedding to avoid harmful bacteria.
  • Don’t move the jewelry: if you start moving the jewelry, it can slow down the healing process and can cause trauma to the skin leading to piercing bumps. Gently wash it with a salt bath or saline solution to avoid crusties.
  • Keep the ear clean: since the ear naturally produces wax to keep the ear free from bacteria and other substances that can be harmful to the eardrum. Meaning, ear wax should not get anywhere near your piercing. When cleaning, make sure to keep the ear canal clean as well.
  • It is important to get your piercing done by professionals at a safe and clean place to avoid the risks of any complications or infections.

Why is this blog about Tragus piercing for anxiety important?

Tragus piercing for anxiety does not have specific (and scientific) support about the medical and mental health benefits, however, some users have given their point of view on how it seems to help them relieve their anxiety and their migraine, along with helping them with weight loss.

There is still a lot of research around whether or not the tragus has some type of positive effect, but if you decide to get one, make sure you follow all the safety recommendations. 

Please feel free to leave any comments or thoughts about the content of this article!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tragus piercing for anxiety

Does tragus piercing help with anxiety?

Tragus piercing has been associated with acupuncture techniques to help control appetite, migraine pain, depression and anxiety.

However, it is not scientifically proven but a subjective type of experience. 

What does the tragus piercing help with?

The tragus piercing is said to help target and treat migraines.

Based on acupuncture techniques, by placing needles in the ear cartilage it is believed to relieve migraine-associated symptoms by activating certain channels or areas of the brain that can turn pain off.

Do tragus piercings help you lose weight?

Tragus piercing has been associated with acupuncture techniques that are said to be effective in controlling your appetite, meaning, having an effect through helping you with weight loss.

However, the experience of this type of effect by getting a tragus piercing has been indicated to be subjective more than having a scientifically proven effect.

Does Shen Men piercing help with anxiety?

The shen men piercing (or Divine gate) has been associated with the treatment of stress, anxiety, depression, inflammatory diseases, etc. as indicated by miridiatech.com, “Shen Men is a Master Point.

Masterpoints are always electrically active in comparison to other points on the ear.”

References 

Almostfamouspiercing.com: “What is the Tragus?”

Watson, K. (2018, Mar.) Tragus Piercing for Migraines: Does It Work?. Retrieved from Healthline.com.

Freshtrends.com: “The Tragus Piercing: Everything You Need to Know”

Jones, G. (2019, Sept.) 7 Ear Piercing with Alleged Medicinal Effects. Retrieved from hercampus.com.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!