Anyone who delves deeper into the subject of piercings and specifically looks for a professional piercing studio in Berlin will sooner or later come across terms like “migraine piercing,” “piercing for migraines,” or “daith piercing for migraines.” Search queries of this kind have been on the rise for years, reflecting a societal phenomenon that extends far beyond piercing culture itself. Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are fueling this trend—a topic about which there is, unfortunately, still far too little factual information available. Migraines affect many people, often for years or even decades, and the desire for relief is entirely understandable. That is precisely why we at MAYDUNA consider it our responsibility to address this topic objectively and transparently, without resorting to sensationalist claims.
Migraine is a complex neurological condition that is far more than just an ordinary headache. It can be accompanied by severe pain, light sensitivity, nausea, neurological deficits, and a significant reduction in quality of life. Many sufferers have already tried numerous medical treatment approaches, often without the hoped-for long-term success. In this situation, alternative approaches appear particularly appealing—especially when they are portrayed as simple, quick, and supposedly free of side effects. However, this is precisely where the ethical responsibility of service providers comes into play, particularly in the fields of body modification and professional piercing.
The term “migraine piercing” almost always refers to a so-called daith piercing. This is a cartilage piercing located in the inner ear fold just above the ear canal. Many online articles and social media posts claim that this spot corresponds to an acupuncture point that is therapeutically effective for migraines. While this claim may sound plausible at first glance, it does not hold up under professional medical scrutiny. It is not based on robust studies, but rather on anecdotal reports, media hype, and a gross oversimplification of complex medical facts.
Acupuncture is a distinct medical procedure governed by clearly defined rules, techniques, and indications. Ear acupuncture—also known as auriculotherapy—relies on a multitude of precisely localized points, where exact positioning is crucial for achieving a potential therapeutic effect; even a deviation of just a few millimeters can determine whether or not a stimulus is effective. The stimulation itself is controlled, targeted, and limited in duration. A piercing differs fundamentally from this, as it does not provide a controllable stimulus but rather introduces a permanent foreign body that allows for no adjustment of intensity or direction of effect.
To avoid evaluating this issue solely from the perspective of individual studios or personal beliefs, professional associations have examined the matter in depth. The Association of Professional Piercers (VPP) specifically sought statements from medical specialist societies to facilitate a well-founded assessment. In its statement, the German Medical Association for Acupuncture reaches a clear and unequivocal conclusion: it explains that an ear piercing cannot trigger a therapeutic stimulus comparable to that of acupuncture. In the worst-case scenario, a piercing can even result in the permanent destruction of a potentially therapeutically useful point. Even assuming that remnants of a reflex-therapeutic point theoretically persist after healing, the inserted jewelry cannot effectively stimulate it. Furthermore, it is noted that a piercing constitutes a constant stimulus to which the body eventually becomes desensitized, meaning no long-term effect can be expected. (Detailed information and the statement from a physician are available on the VPP website at www.vpp-piercing.de). From a medical standpoint, therefore, making therapeutic claims about ear piercings or promoting them as a treatment method is considered highly unprofessional.
This assessment is not merely a German or Austrian phenomenon; it aligns with international findings. Numerous acupuncturists, physicians, and experienced piercers spoke out—particularly following the publication of widely circulated articles in the US media that portrayed daith piercings as a potential remedy for migraines. The consensus there is equally clear: the areas stimulated by a daith piercing do not correspond to the points used in auricular acupuncture to treat migraines. From an acupuncture perspective, these points are actually linked to entirely different regions of the body that have no connection to headaches or migraines.
Clinical observations from the practices of acupuncturists who have closely examined this issue are particularly revealing. Even in cases where patients perceived a subjective improvement, it became evident that these effects were exclusively short-term. In most instances, the effects vanished within a few weeks—often after just one or two. This limited duration mirrors the typical course of a placebo effect and does not constitute a lasting therapeutic benefit. No long-term medical benefit has been observed or scientifically substantiated.
Another aspect often overlooked in the context of migraine piercings concerns the risks associated with the daith piercing itself. It is a technically demanding cartilage piercing that requires a high level of experience, anatomical knowledge, and precise execution. Cartilage tissue heals more slowly and is more sensitive than soft tissue. Swelling, tenderness, and inflammatory reactions can occur in some cases—particularly if the piercing is performed improperly or unsuitable jewelry is used. In some instances, permanent thickening or aesthetically unappealing changes may develop and persist in the long term. These risks must be openly addressed during any professional consultation, especially when the individual is already suffering from health issues.
There is also a legal dimension that is often overlooked in public discourse. Treating diseases does not fall within the scope of a piercer’s work. Anyone who specifically markets a piercing as a remedy for migraines is operating in a legally sensitive area. Under current law, activities involving the practice of medicine may only be performed by appropriately trained and authorized persons. Reputable piercing studios in Berlin and throughout Austria should therefore clearly distinguish between aesthetic body modification and medical therapy. This separation serves not only legal protection but, above all, the protection of customers.
At MAYDUNA, we view professional piercing as responsible work performed on the human body. This entails professional competence just as much as ethical clarity. We offer high-end piercings in Berlin, featuring precise technique, high-quality materials, and a clear focus on hygiene, aesthetics, and long-term compatibility. However, we do not offer piercings with medical claims of healing. When customers contact us regarding migraines or other health issues, we take their concerns seriously and deliberately refer them to medical professionals who possess the appropriate training and experience.
Provided the anatomical conditions are met, a daith piercing can be a very aesthetically pleasing ear piercing. Many people choose it for purely aesthetic reasons and enjoy the jewelry over the long term. We are happy to support this decision through honest, well-founded, and personalized advice. However, we wish to make it clear that such a piercing has no medical effect and does not constitute an alternative to medical or therapeutic treatment. For us, this clarity is not a disadvantage, but rather a sign of honesty and transparency towards our customers.
Especially in a city like Berlin, where there is a wide variety of piercing studios, transparency is a crucial factor. Trust is built not through grand promises, but through solid work, transparent information, and a respectful approach to expectations. For us, professional piercing also means consciously saying “no” in situations where others use hope as a selling point. We believe that long-term customer relationships are built on honesty, not on exploiting someone’s distress.
If you are looking for a professional piercing studio in Berlin that prioritizes high-quality materials, precise workmanship, and responsible advice, MAYDUNA is the right place for you. If you are seeking support for migraines, we strongly recommend consulting qualified doctors or therapists. This clear distinction between aesthetic piercing and medical treatment is a central part of our self-conception and a sign of respect for our clients.
We look forward to your visit!
