Ear piercing – Procedures, risks and benefits - Star Health (2024)

Fashion has evolved in a multifold manner. Fashion icons are popular across the globe. Trends keep changing, and people are open to change.

One such fashion trend which gained popularity is the concept of ear piercing.

Initially followed as a custom as piercing the ear would provide various health benefits, it also has a growing fashion trend.

So, if you are considering piercing your ears, the good news is that you are not alone. Many people across the globe have pierced their ears.

Ear piercing is an entirely safe and simple procedure. Knowing some of the following guidelines is essential while getting your ears pierced. Knowing all the information beforehand will cut down the various chances of infection.

Contents

  • 1 Does ear piercing work?
  • 2 Is ear piercing safe?
  • 3 When should I not pierce my ear?
  • 4 What are the risks involved in ear piercing?
  • 5 Does piercing the ear have any benefits?
  • 6 What is the right time to pierce your ears?
  • 7 To sum up

Does ear piercing work?

Ear piercing works depending on where a person decides to go for piercing. Ear piercings are done with the help of a professional with either a needle or a piercing to create a hole in the ear. After the hole is pierced, the piercing is placed in the hole.

Is ear piercing safe?

Safety relies entirely on where the person decides to pierce and the part of the ear they choose. A person may feel a little bit of pain.

Usually, there is no need for anaesthesia as the pain is very mild. Only in rare cases, there is a need for anaesthesia.

Little or no bleeding is expected during the process.

When should I not pierce my ear?

Ear piercing would be a bad idea when a woman is pregnant because of the risks of getting an infection.

People with a few medical conditions like

  • Diabetes
  • Hemophilia
  • Heart conditions
  • Skin conditions

should be consulting a medical professional for advice.

What are the risks involved in ear piercing?

Ear piercing is a process which is done with needles, and as a result of it, a hole is made into the skin, which provides scope for various problems like,

  • Allergic reactions to a few people.
  • Infections are swelling or excessive bleeding.
  • Skin irritation, skin trouble or redness in the skin.
  • Various diseases like Hepatitis B and C can also be picked up.

Therefore, it is important to understand that only a professional should do an ear-piercing. In some cases, paediatricians may do piercing for young children.

Choosing proper hygiene and a good studio is important.

Does piercing the ear have any benefits?

Apart from being trendy, fashion ear piercing has a few health benefits to offer

1. Brain development

Traditionally people believe that ear-piercing, especially at an age in kids, would ensure proper development of the brain. The lobes have a point that connects the right hemisphere to the brain’s left hemisphere; piercing this point would help activate the parts of the brain. Ear piercing is an Indian practice from ancient times which is known as Karna Veda.

2. Reproductive health

A vital function of the ear’s pressure points is that it is important for reproductive health, and piercing the ear would help maintain a healthy menstrual cycle in females.

3. Maintains an energy

There is a widely prevalent belief that when people wear earrings, energy flow will be constant and maintained in their bodies.

4. Eyesight

The centre of vision lies in the central point of the ear; therefore, applying pressure to these points would help improve eyesight. Piercing the ear would apply constant pressure at this point.

5. Ear health

According to ancient Indian beliefs and Ayurvedic beliefs, essential acupressure points are present in the ear. Applying pressure on it would relieve the symptoms of Tinnitus and keep the ear healthy.

6. Digestive health

Stimulating the ear lobes or applying pressure in the point is believed to maintain a person’s digestive system. This is also the hunger point and its trigger. Piercing the ears would reduce the chances of a person being obese even though there is a wide belief that a person’s lifestyle choices would keep him active and healthy. Ear piercing would just act as a stimulant.

7. Sperm production

Ear piercing in men is believed to help in sperm production. This is one of the main reasons young men are ear pierced compulsorily in various traditional practices in various communities to help maintain their reproductive health.

What is the right time to pierce your ears?

Usually, ear piercing is done in the 10th month or first year after a child’s birth. However, there are no restrictions on when a person decides to get his ears pierced.

It is important to pierce the ear with a professional and avoid infection. Cleaning the area around the piercing before and after the piercing is recommended.

To sum up

Ear piercing is believed to offer the above-mentioned health benefits.

According to the ancient Indian beliefs in Ayurveda, ear-piercing plays a pivotal role in health. Ear piercing is done at an early age for proper brain development. However, there are no restrictions on when a person decides to pierce his ear.

Taking care of the pierced area is essential. Washing it regularly and avoiding touching the particular pierced area is tempting to scratch to prevent germs causing infection.

If the itchiness continues and has a discharge, consult a doctor.

DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG/WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE

The Information including but not limited to text, graphics, images and other material contained on this blog are intended for education and awareness only. No material on this blog is intended to be a substitute for professional medical help including diagnosis or treatment. It is always advisable to consult medical professional before relying on the content. Neither the Author nor Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd accepts any responsibility for any potential risk to any visitor/reader.

Ear piercing – Procedures, risks and benefits - Star Health (2024)

FAQs

Do ear piercings have health benefits? ›

His research shows that by piercing certain parts of the ear, it stimulates the surrounding nerve areas. In certain cases, this sends a flow of energy through the body which helps alleviate types of pain and regulates the body's functions and internal organs according to lifemaghealth.com.

Do piercings affect your immune system? ›

News Across the U.S.

To the best of my knowledge, tattoos and piercings do not weaken the immune system.

Why is ear piercing important? ›

In certain Hindu traditions, ear lobe piercing, also known as Karnvedh Sanskar, is an important event for a male child. In many Hindu groups, the ceremony used to be rigorously done on the male child. This custom is being carried on in many communities today. The right ear is the first to be pierced in a male child.

What are the pros and cons of pierced ears? ›

Advantages:Enhance aesthetics of your face. Disadvantages:You have to tolerate pain, lifelong care of your piercings and the pierced area (after some dilligent follow up after care after you have got new piercings). Danger of getting infection in the piercings at any stage.

What is the safest way to pierce ears? ›

Needle piercing

Needles are used for piercing all parts of the ear. It is mostly preferred as it's safer and creates a clean hole. It removes the skin and tissue at the piercing site, making it easier for your wound to drain out and heal.

What ear piercing is least likely to get infected? ›

One study followed a more than 450 nurses who pierced their ears. About 30% of “high” ear piercings, or piercings of the cartilage of the pinna/upper ear, become infected. In comparison only about 20% of ear lobe piercings become infected.

Are there any benefits to piercings? ›

It's thought that when you pierce certain areas on the body, the flow of energy is improved and the functions within the body are more regulated. While acupuncture is still incredibly popular today, body piercing is also now commonly used to improve health as it's thought to work in a similar way.

Do piercings affect your energy? ›

Piercings can interrupt the flow of energy, especially along the middle meridian, where the navel is located.

Are piercings linked to mental illness? ›

Tattooing and body piercing together have been linked to an increased likelihood of “sensation-seeking” behavior. Abusive backgrounds, mental illnesses, and suicidal ideation are more frequent among people with body modifications like tattoos and piercings than in those without them.

Does ear piercing damage ear? ›

Ear piercing does not directly cause hearing loss but fluid from an infected site on the pinna, such as the concha or tragus, could get into the ear canal. This could cause infection to spread, or the fluid may block the ear canal, which can affect the transmission of sound.

Should I not get my ears pierced? ›

If you get rashes or lesions on your ears, you might want to avoid piercing them. If you have an autoimmune disorder that can interrupt the healing process, you might want to avoid piercing them. If you have allergies to jewelry or metals, you might want to avoid piercing them.

What is the best age to pierce ears? ›

There is really no specific recommendation for getting your baby's ears pierced. It depends on what you want for your child. You can consult with your pediatrician on whether to pierce your baby's ears, but many recommend that your baby is at least three months old.

What foods to avoid after piercing? ›

Don't eat spicy, salty or acidy foods or liquids while you are healing. Avoid hot drinks such as hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Eat cold foods and drinks as they lessen swelling. Be extra careful when eating crunchy foods.

What is the least painful ear piercing method? ›

Needle Ear Piercing Pros:

Less painful than piercing with a spring-loaded piercing gun. Technicians tend to have more training at a body piercing facility. Healing time is usually shorter.

What is the riskiest piercing? ›

“The most dangerous piercings are the ones that involve cartilage, like higher ear piercings,” says Tracy Burton, a pediatric nurse practitioner in Ontario. “These piercings are associated with poor healing because of the limited blood supply to the area.

What is the safest piercing to get? ›

Safest Piercings

Along with the nostrils and belly button, the earlobes are the safest and most common body part to be pierced. The flesh of the earlobe heals well when the area is cleaned regularly and the piercing is done at the proper angle.

What earrings won't make my ears infected? ›

The best earrings for sensitive ears are generally made with gold, platinum, or silver. Make sure you buy earrings that are 14k gold or above or sterling silver 925 to avoid the possibility of nickel being mixed in.

Is piercing good for the body? ›

Sometimes bad infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis, can be spread by body piercing. Other problems may include bleeding, swelling, scarring, and reactions to the jewelry. Tooth chipping and gum damage can happen in people with tongue and lip piercings.

What piercing helps with depression? ›

In theory, getting a daith piercing will place constant pressure on your vagus nerve. Some health conditions, like depression and epilepsy, have been proven to respond to vagus nerve stimulation.

What piercing helps with anxiety? ›

The daith piercing is an increasingly popular option to treat migraines, anxiety, and some other symptoms. On social media, people may come across images of this unique piercing on the inner ear, alongside promises that it will ease anxiety and improve quality of life.

What are the pros and cons of ear piercing? ›

Advantages:Enhance aesthetics of your face. Disadvantages:You have to tolerate pain, lifelong care of your piercings and the pierced area (after some dilligent follow up after care after you have got new piercings). Danger of getting infection in the piercings at any stage.

What is the safest piercing? ›

Safest Piercings

Along with the nostrils and belly button, the earlobes are the safest and most common body part to be pierced. The flesh of the earlobe heals well when the area is cleaned regularly and the piercing is done at the proper angle.

Is it healthy to wear earrings everyday? ›

It is advisable to take your favourite earrings off from time to time to let your ears “breathe”. The reason behind this is that your earrings could trap dirt and bacteria (or shampoo) if you leave them on 24/7, which can lead to infections.

What is a joker piercing? ›

A Dahlia piercing is sometimes known as a joker piercing because of the comic book supervillain's well-known scars. It is one of the least common lip piercings you can get. Each corner of the mouth is pierced with a labret stud, as close to the corners as possible to create a lengthening effect.

Which ear piercing helps with weight loss? ›

Ear stapling is based loosely on acupuncture and is said to help in with appetite control and weight loss. Ear Stapling involves having your ear pierced at certain acupuncture points with a stainless steel staple and will, allegedly, control appetite, food cravings and, ultimately, help you lose weight.

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