Jewelry
We've been asked to provide the jewelry that we use to pierce the anti anxiety piercing. These are surgical steel, 18 gauge with a 10mm diameter. The ball is attached on one side for easy insertion and removal. Price is for the pair. Here is the link https://ilovemypiercings.com/collections/captives-horseshoes/products/jewelry-for-anxiety-initial-healing-piercing
Conclusions: This research is now considered completed with the conclusion that this piercing is effective on reducing anxiety and in some cases eliminating it. Clients average rating for the effectiveness is a 7.4 out of 10. All were asked to give a final rating where 1 meant no change in day to day anxiety and 10 meant they were no longer getting any anxiety at all. Please read the whole blog if you would like to see our clients reactions and quotes. We are making this piercing available at a very affordable rate so hopefully by doing that people will get it done the right way. It is 2 piercings, one for each side of the lobe for 40.00 plus tax (46.00)
Research notes:
After seeing great success with the daith piercing on migraines I wanted to see if there was anything at all out there concerning anxiety. Long story short I finally came across an acupuncturist that had done some experimenting with a piercing on his clients and was having excellent success. Since I didn't have a long term personal knowledge of the acupuncturist I decided I needed to do my own study to confirm his findings.,
It's important that I keep it down to about 12 persons so that I can closely monitor daily changes. I've labeled them simply as test 1, test 2 etc. Followups will go on for 10 days after they have been pierced.
Concerns: Out of control use of piercings. (other piercers please scroll all the way to the bottom and read the notes I have left for you) This piercing is precise in placement and type of jewelry. I'm after specific tissue. I feel it's important for my test persons to not publish photos of their piercings because many may assume that all they need to do is shove a needle in that area and all is well when that is not the case. I'm after very specific tissue so if it's not grabbed it won't work. This issue of anxiety is dear to my heart, as it is for many, so if it ends up that people, out of desperation, go ahead and pop a needle through the general area and miss that tissue so it doesn't work then word will get out that the piercing is useless. This would be unfortunate for everyone if it turns out that it being done correctly shows great changes for sufferers. For this reason I have had each test person sign a contract of non disclosure meaning that they can't post any photos of their piercings on social media until the test is complete.
At the point of writing this blog I have pierced all of my test persons. I am numbering them according to when they were pierced so test 1 was pierced first, test 2 2nd and so on. I am doing daily follow up to discuss issues that would have normally cause anxiety before the piercing verses how much anxiety they are experiencing now. Most are social anxiety related with some extreme cases of agoraphobia.
I will update these cases daily.
Test person 1
Has times of agoraphobia with problems in keeping anxiety under control at work. Anxiety seems to increase around family. Is on medication. Rated meds at 40 percent effective.
Pierced Wed, May 31rst
Followup
June 1rst: Some minor swelling and a slight ache in the jaw area. Was in situations that would normally have cause increased anxiety but did not.
June 2nd: Still a bit of swelling but not bothersome. Is feeling optimistic because is noticing a good decrease in situations that would normally be causing a great deal of anxiety.
June 3rd: Swelling pretty much gone. Optimism is rising. Was in several situations that should have been extremely anxious but were not. Is rating over all effectiveness at 60 percent more than medications.
June 4th: Was in biggest trigger situation. Had some anxiety but it was far more imaginable. Still extremely optimistic.
June 5th: Quote "I slept so soundly and I had a good day. No anxiety even tho me and my fiance fought a lot today"
June 6th: Was asked to rate on a scale from 1-10 on the effectiveness of the piercing on their anxiety. 1 being nothing changed and 10 being totally anxiety free. Client rated a 8.
June 9th: Quote "I had the craziest day today and felt a bit of anxiety come the end of my shift but I was very tired just ready to drop. I think these piercings work great.
June 10th: Was asked to give a final rating for the over all effectiveness of this piercing in reducing anxiety. 1 being no change and 10 meaning anxiety free. Client rated it at a 9.
Findings: This client suffered a great deal with anxiety and now reports that she/he is almost anxiety free. I can't come to any other conclusion than finding the piercings to have been very effective in reducing this clients anxiety. Research is complete on this client.
Test person 2
Is on medication. Experiences nausea when eating. Is tired most of the time. Meds are effective but not with eating and sleep.
Pierced on June 3rd.
Followup
June 4th: No swelling, slight tenderness. Didn't experience any nausea and energy was up.
June 5th: Quote "Feels great. I have spent literally the whole day at the hospital with my father. Can't really tell the whole story but a lot better of a day than I would have had"
June 6th: Was asked to rate on a scale from 1-10 on the effectiveness of the piercing on their anxiety. 1 being nothing changed and 10 being totally anxiety free. Client rated a 8.
June 7th: Had some nausea today but is going through a fair bit right now with father so would have expected it to be worse.
June 9th: Doing well, anxiety isn't bad.
June 11th: Quote: It's been good. No nausea. Sleep is still broken
June 13th: Was asked to give the piercings a final rating from 1 to 10. One being no change and ten being anxiety free. Quote: 7
Our research on this client is completed
Test person 3
Is on medication with a reported 40 percent decrease in anxiety from taking them. Anxiety affects daily living to the point of not being able to leave the house. Very broken up sleep. Inability to concentrate
Pierced Jun 3rd
Followup
June 4th: No swelling with only slight tenderness. Has such a great anxiety free day person forgot to take meds.
June 5th: Quote " The piercing is feeling good, a little seepy but feels great no tenderness. And my anxiety has been non existent today, very relaxed and haven't taken my meds".
June 6th: Was asked to rate on a scale from 1-10 on the effectiveness of the piercing on their anxiety. 1 being nothing changed and 10 being totally anxiety free. Client rated a 10.
June 7th: Quote "was a good day and no meds for 3 days now"
June 9th: Says it's been great, hardly any at all.
June 11th: Quote: It's been good. Only one little episode the other day otherwise It's been great!
June 13th: Was asked to give the piercings a final rating from 1 to 10. One being no change and ten being anxiety free. Client rated an 8
Our research on this client is completed
Test person 4
On meds with a 35 percent reduction of anxiety as a result. Anxiety causes room spins, extreme social anxiety so avoids going out, tunnel vision and mind runs fast when trying to sleep.
Pierced June 3rd
Followup
June 4th: No swelling and only slight tenderness. Was in situations where normally would have been anxious but felt great all day.
June 5th: Quote "The only time I even notice the piercing is when it gets itchy or when I wrap my hair in a towel too tight. I get reminded lol. When you asked me what causes me anxiety I didn't mention the separation anxiety I get when I'm away from my husband. It's a build up of not knowing when he's coming back of if he's going to need to be picked up when I'm trying to feed the kids or something my brain goes through all these scenarios. He's been in and out more than enough times and I have had no issues or grilled him about times etc. Also this morning my husband and I actually watched a movie before I did my housework without my thoughts distracting me about my house not being how it's "suppose to be". That was huge for me. If you run into a couple that both suffers from anxiety I would 110% suggest both of them get the piercing. Mine and my husbands attitudes, tones etc have been much different for the positive. I think it as a great idea, both of us did."
June 6th: Was asked to rate on a scale from 1-10 on the effectiveness of the piercing on their anxiety. 1 being nothing changed and 10 being totally anxiety free. Client rated a 10.
June 7th: Quote "Pretty sure everything possible could have been thrown at me today but as upset as I was multiple times through out the today the anxiety symptoms I deal with still didn't happen !!"
June 9th: Had some anxiety but not as much as would normally have over same situation.
June 13th: Was asked to give the piercings a final rating from 1 to 10. One being no change and ten being anxiety free. Quote: Hi. If a 9.5 is an option that's what I'll take. Would have been a 10 only for that one day
Our research on this client is completed
Test person 5
On several medications with a 50 percent reduction of anxiety as a result. Still has issues of going out alone, lack of social activity, problems adjusting to unplanned daily events.
Pierced June 3rd
Followup
June 4th: No swelling with only a slight tingle in cheek. Overall anxiety was improved for the day.
June 5th: Had some anxiety with going back to work but was manageable. Went out and played some sports and worked out great. Seeing improvement.
June 6th: Was asked to rate on a scale from 1-10 on the effectiveness of the piercing on their anxiety. 1 being nothing changed and 10 being totally anxiety free. Client rated a 7.
June 7th: Quote "was my best day in a long time and I'm feeling like tomorrow is going to be just as good if not better. I had thoughts of playing ball and no doubts or thinking of a way out of it, I can't wait to play again Monday night and I hate Mondays lol "
June 9th: Had a bit of anxiety because of a headache caused by meds (not as much as usual though but is coming in tomorrow for a daith piercing on the house.
June 10th: Did 2 daith piercings for clients headaches. When client came in I noticed a huge difference in the clients over all disposition. When we first met client was quiet, pulled back emotionally but this time client was very bubbly and talkative. Got a text later expressing appreciation for relieving so much of his/her suffering. Has seen a huge reduction in anxiety and did not get the normal daily headache.
June 12th: Quote: My day Sunday...this has been the first Sunday in a long time that I didn't just lay around and nap, I was out doing yard work, did my nails and got my laundry done, today is really good also, looking forward to playing ball tonight, I feel like I'm getting my life back and interest in doing the things I enjoy
June 13th: was asked to give a final rating, 1 being no change and 10 being anxiety free. Client quote:
Sitting at a 9, still a little bit of anxiety there but it's manageable...anxiety is not running my life anymore!!! Thank you so much for this opportunity ❤
Our research on this client is completed
Test person 6
Is on 5 meds daily with a 40 percent reduction of anxiety as a result. Extreme social anxiety. Work seriously affected to the point of being unable to meet with clients at times. Mind races when trying to sleep.
Pierced June 3rd
Followup
June 4th: No swelling or tenderness. Was thrilled that felt great all day. Did not need to take any medication.
June 5th: Hasn't had any anxiety and loves the way it looks.
June 6th: Was asked to rate on a scale from 1-10 on the effectiveness of the piercing on their anxiety. 1 being nothing changed and 10 being totally anxiety free. Client rated a 10.
June 7th: Was asked how anxiety was today. Quote "I don't have any ty"
June 9th: Still anxiety free
June 11th: Quote: Its good lov . none at all i lov it
June 13th: Was asked to give the piercings a final rating from 1 to 10. One being no change and ten being anxiety free. Quote: 10 and above
Our research on this client is completed
Test person 7
On meds with a 40 percent reduction of anxiety as a result. Has tunnel vision, shakes, panic, has to push to go to work, sleep is off.
Pierced June 3rd
Followup
June 4th: Only sight swelling but no tenderness. Expressed excitement due to first day ever being anxiety free at work.
June 6th: Was asked to rate on a scale from 1-10 on the effectiveness of the piercing on their anxiety. 1 being nothing changed and 10 being totally anxiety free. Client rated a 7-8.
June 7th: Said , considering babysat all day it was pretty good. Is having more swelling on the left side. Waiting for picture.
June 9th: Had a rougher day because boyfriend was in a bad accident.
June 11th: Quote: Got bit by a dog yesterday. Lmao my luck hasn't been good.. but I'm okay. Overall it's good I spent the last hour in the hospital and my anxiety was ok
June 13th: Was asked to give the piercings a final rating from 1 to 10. One being no change and ten being anxiety free. Quote: 6/10 I found it hasn't been fantastic laightly. A lot going on
Our research on this client is completed
Test person 8
Is on meds with a 60 percent reduction of anxiety as a result. Avoids social situations, difficult to go to school, sleep disturbed, pushes away from others.
Pierced on June 4th
Followup
June 5th: A bit of swelling but over all find the piercing healing well. Hasn't noticed any significant change in anxiety.
June 6th: Was asked to rate on a scale from 1-10 on the effectiveness of the piercing on their anxiety. 1 being nothing changed and 10 being totally anxiety free. Client rated a 4.
June 7th: Quote, " This morning I had something happen to me that would usually trigger bad anxiety but I found it a lot easier to handle then I usually would".
June 8th: Hasn't had much anxiety.
June 11th: Quote: Hi, yesterday and today have been great
June 12: Quote: Really good. I havent had any
June 13th: Was asked to give the piercing a rating from 1 to 10, one being no change and ten being Anxiety free. Client rated 8.5
Our research on this client is completed
Test person 9
Not on any medication. Needs to work by self. Extreme social anxiety. Panic attacks.
Pierced June 4th
Followup
June 5th: No swelling and barely sensitive. Had a good sleep and felt relaxed at work. Didn't get stressed out as usually does. Didn't have to force into getting housework done. Super happy about results so far.
June 6th: Was asked to rate on a scale from 1-10 on the effectiveness of the piercing on their anxiety. 1 being nothing changed and 10 being totally anxiety free. Client rated a 8.
June 7th: Quote "today was lovely, no complaints with anxiety"
June 9th: Quote "I feel like it doesn't have control over me anymore"
June 12th: Quote: Sorry I haven't responded to you. Today was a really hectic day, with no anxiety! 😊
June 13th: Was asked to give the piercings a final rating from 1 to 10. One being no change and ten being anxiety free. Client rated effectiveness at a 9.
Our research on this client is completed
Test person 10
Is on meds with a 50 percent reduction of anxiety as a result. Has extreme social anxiety and avoids social situations.
Pierced June 4th
Followup
June 5th: Minor swelling. Anxiety was good. Went into town and had no issues. Had a really good day.
June 6th: Was asked to rate on a scale from 1-10 on the effectiveness of the piercing on their anxiety. 1 being nothing changed and 10 being totally anxiety free. Client rated a 8.
June 7th: Quote "I had a great day. was a crazy day at work but had no anxiety at all"
June 9th: Is feeling well rested even though just did a second night shift. Would not normally feel rested.
June 11th: Quote "Here's a testiment to these piercings.
A family member passed away Friday morning. And despite having a couple of cry-sessions over the sudden loss of a wonderful woman, I've been pretty well grounded. The numbness and anxiety I have felt in the past with family passings wasn't there. I was still able to go to work and function."
June 13th: Was asked to give the piercings a final rating from 1 to 10. One being no change and ten being anxiety free. Quote: I'd say its a 9. Definitely a great improvement. Anxiety moments are minimal and manageable.
Our research on this client is completed
Test person 11
Not taking medication. Unable to hold a job due to panic attacks. Was recently let go from job because of this. Anxiety always present.
Pierced June 4th
Followup
June 5th: Quote "I slept through the entire night last night for the first time in years. I've had absolutely no panic attacks today. A few minor issues but nothing compared to how it usually is. I have no swelling and very minor pain in my jaw area"
June 6th: Was asked to rate on a scale from 1-10 on the effectiveness of the piercing on their anxiety. 1 being nothing changed and 10 being totally anxiety free. Client rated a 9.
June 7th: Was asked how anxiety was today. Quote "Pretty good, I walked around the city with no panic attacks. Little pain in one ear but going great"
June 9th: Doing well. Rode in a car, usually gets bad anxiety but managed better.
June 11th: Quote: Super shitty stuff going on in my life right now, so I have had anxiety. But my panic attacks are down to 1, if any a day. My anxiety is much more manageable, and tame. Still surfaces from time to time, but much more dull and doesn't completely take over anymore.
June 13th: Was asked to give the piercings a final rating from 1 to 10. One being no change and ten being anxiety free. Quote: Probably a 6 1/2 :)
Our research on this client is completed
Test person 12
Is on meds with a 50 percent reduction of anxiety as a result. Days of being unable to leave the house. Social anxiety intense. Sleep is poor.
Pierced June 4th
Followup
June 5th: Quote "I slept well last night, got up and cleaned, haven't snapped yet so I think they are doing great"
June 6th: Was asked to rate on a scale from 1-10 on the effectiveness of the piercing on their anxiety. 1 being nothing changed and 10 being totally anxiety free. Client rated a 8.
June 7th: Was asked how anxiety was today, Quote "Great, not sure if it's a coincidence or not lol"
June 9th: Had extra anxiety because had to go to food bank but doing well overall.
June 12th: Quote: Not too bad, still trying to kick this cold but I'm back at work lol
June 13th: Was asked to give the piercings a final rating from 1 to 10. One being no change and ten being anxiety free. Quote: I'd say about a 6
Our research on this client is completed
Researchers Notes:
June 11th: I am pretty much convinced that this piercing works just as well as the daith piercing for migraines does. I've kept in constant contact with my clients and have noticed that the text messages get more and more positive each time. Most have come to their own conclusions that the piercings work because of the extreme differences they are having in situations that would normally either set them off on huge anxiety attacks or even panic attacks but is no longer taking them to that level. They are all reporting that they feel more inclined to get out in social situations than they did before. I picked my clients based on age and gender. I wanted a good mix so I have people that range from 18 to 45 years old with a mix of male and female. The age didn't seem to matter on effectiveness nor did the gender. All males reported very noticeable differences in the same way as females. I have rec'd a huge number of messages from ppl that want to try this piercing out before the testing is over. I was turning them away because I didn't want them spending their hard earned money on something that I wasn't sure would work or not but at this point in the testing I would not turn them away. I have decided to post a picture of the piercing but have a few concerns. Very specific tissue is targeted so if it's even off buy a millimeter it matters. I'm concerned that people will start self piercing, miss the spot and ruin it for themselves to have it done correctly. We are making this piercing available at a very affordable rate so hopefully by doing that people will get it done the right way. It is 2 piercings, one for each side of the lobe for 42.00 plus tax (46.00)
A note to other piercers:
Please do your own research on this. Placement is everything and it's very specific tissue you need to grab. It doesn't sit in the exact same spot on everyone. It's best to speak to an acupuncturist so that you can grab that tissue. If you miss it will not work. Offer it up to some of your clients for free so that you know for sure that you are hitting the right spot and that it's working.
Laura •
Do you think this peircing would ever be possible for people with spacers in their ears, or would the tissue be too hard to locate?
Shameless •
Hi Sierra,
As far as I know I’m the only piercer in NS that’s done enough research to do this piercing. If a piercer isn’t willing to do the research then there’s a good chance it won’t work. Where are you from?
Sierra •
What tissue are you targeting? I’d never self Pierce but I’m fairly sure no one in my area is doing this so I’d have to be able to tell them and show them. Or if I could get a location on where I can get this done I’d have to consider the drive. I suffer from anxiety but I’d really like to see how it could help my friend whose anxiety is worse than mine and her mom, who can’t even really get out of bed. Any information greatly appreciated!