There are certain myths that persist with many people regarding piercings and their effects on the body and mind. Some of these are practical assumptions, while others are less practical notions perpetuated by word of mouth and the internet. When getting a new piercing it is advised to be aware of the many myths and not to get a particular piercing for the wrong reason. Here, we will list out a few of these myths and answer them accordingly.
- Nipple Piercings and breastfeeding.
Many people believe that nipple piercings may preclude the breast feeding process, or interfere with said process. This is not true! The average nipple has up to 20 pore-like milk ducts. A typical nipple piercing at a normal gauge will not inhibit one’s ability to breastfeed.
(Daith Piercing)
- Daith piercing and migraines.
There is a common myth regarding the daith piercing and its effect on migraines. Many people believe that getting a daith piercing will reduce and possibly prevent the piercee from getting migraines.This idea is not based on fact and there is no medical proof that this claim is true. In fact, the pressure points used by an acupuncturist to relieve a headache is nowhere near the daith. Furthermore, acupuncture is done by stimulating a pressure point that correlates with a certain part of the body. The point is stimulated by a small needle, then removed. A piercing is a permanent fixture in the skin that would cease a pressure point (if pierced on one) from working any longer, or would cause said pressure point to adjust or move.
(Tragus Piercing)
- Tragus piercing and weight loss.
Very similar to the myth about the daith piercing, many people believe that the tragus piercing will promote weight loss. This of course is not true, and should not be believed. Weight gain/loss is a medical concern and can not be mitigated or helped by any piercing.
(Helix Piercing)
- Helix piercing and anxiety.
Again, just like the myth about the daith and the tragus, some people believe that getting a helix piercing will reduce one’s anxiety and stress. There again is no medical proof that this is correct and should not be believed.
- Piercings and X-rays, MRIs, and other medical procedures.
There is a myth that piercings cannot be worn when undergoing an X-ray or MRI scan. This isn’t necessarily true. Now, if your medical professional is advising you to remove a piercing before any sort of scan, it is best to listen to them and follow their orders. However, generally and commonly, this is unnecessary. High quality jewelry used by piercers is nonferromagnetic (meaning it is not magnetic). Thus, it will not interfere with MRI scans or X-ray scans. Be aware of cheaper jewelry though, as it may be magnetic.
- Piercings and metal detectors.
Some people may be concerned with whether or not their piercings may set off metal detectors when traveling or going through a security check. This typically is not true and seldom is even an issue. Simply pointing out the fact that you have piercings to any security officer will be enough to bypass any issue you may have with detectors. However, because high quality jewelry is non-magnetic, your piercings should not set off any detector.
- Piercings and pathways to the interior of the body.
A widespread misunderstanding is in regard to a healing piercing and it being an opening into the interior of the body. This is untrue! When a piercing is healing, it’s repairing the skin around the area that was pierced. Soon, that area closes and becomes skin. There is no “open pathway” after the piercing has been healed. Any flare up or irritation during the healing process does not equate to an open pathway. A healed piercing is a sealed channel of tissue from end to end.