The effects of the Shenmen piercing

We are getting more and more questions about the Shenmen piercing, which we try to answer for you. The effects of the Shenmen piercing are one such topic, which we would now like to explore more thoroughly so that you get a complete picture before you go ahead with the piercing.

Stay with us and find out in which cases the Shenmen piercing has helped others, what effects they experienced, and whether it has any side effects!

In which cases can the Shenmen piercing help?

Ear acupuncture is based on the observation that changes in the organs can generate pain in certain areas of the ear. The essence of wellbeing body jewellery is therefore that, by piercing these particular points, they stimulate the related internal organ by reflex.

The Shenmen piercing is an earring placed in the upper part of the outer auricle, at the point called “Shenmen”, which is an important energy point in Chinese medicine. Many people find that this type of piercing helps reduce stress, increase energy levels and improve general wellbeing. Some also find that it helps ease sleep problems and mood swings.

According to our guests, the Shenmen piercing helped them with the following problems:

• depression / mood swings
• headaches, migraine
• addiction
• sleep problems
• allergy
• tinnitus
• chronic stress
• joint pain

The effects of the Shenmen piercing

According to the feedback we have received, as a result of the Shenmen piercing:

• pain decreased / went away
• their general wellbeing improved
• anxiety decreased
• sleep problems eased

We have written about the Shenmen piercing in more detail in this article.

Research on the effectiveness of stimulating the Shenmen point

We have brought you three important studies on the topic.

In a study published in January 2022 the electroacupuncture treatment of the Shenmen and Sanyinjiao points was examined. The ninety participants suffering from insomnia and depression were divided into 3 groups:

• a Shenmen group (30 people)
• a Sanyinjiao group (30 people)
• and a combined group (30 people)

The participants were treated with electroacupuncture for 30 minutes a day, only on the point of the group they belonged to. The study lasted 2 × 5 days, so the patients received treatment continuously for 5 days, then after a break of a few days another 5 days followed.

Before and after the treatment, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the anxiety scale (SAS) value and the depression scale (SDS) scores were assessed, and the serum levels of dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NE) in the blood were measured.

Based on the results, it was shown that the results of all three scales decreased by the end of the treatments in all three groups, but stimulation of the Shenmen point played an outstanding role in relieving anxiety and depression.

In 2017, Frontiers in Neurology published a casepresenting the story of a 54-year-old man who struggled with chronic migraine attacks. Almost every drug therapy had already been tried on the patient, but his symptoms still did not ease. The man was then included in the study carried out by Frontiers, during which regular ear acupuncture was performed on both his ears. After the treatments he needed fewer painkillers and took the mild tablet only about four times a month, at the lowest dose.

In some studies, for example in the 2020 study of Medical Acupuncture the effects of stimulating the main acupuncture points (including the ear Shenmen point) were examined in three patients: a 65-year-old woman, a 25-year-old university student and a 12-year-old boy were included in the study. In all three cases the acupuncture treatments brought a significant improvement in attention deficit.

How long does it take for the positive effects to appear?

When the effects appear can be individual and depends on many factors, for example individual sensitivity and the exact method of the procedure. Some people feel the change immediately, while for others it may take longer – it can even take weeks or months.

As far as headache complaints are concerned, based on our experience in our practice, the overwhelming majority of our guests, 93%, reported positive experiences.

Does the Shenmen piercing have side effects?

It is important to note that everyone is different and not everyone reacts the same way to the Shenmen piercing. In some cases infection or irritation associated with the piercing may occur, which is why it is important, first, to choose a reliable studio and, second, that the aftercare of the piercing is thorough and regular. Always consult your chosen piercer about this.

Our wellbeing piercings do not count as a cure and do not replace medical treatment; the description of their effectiveness is based on our guests’ feedback.

Are you looking for a reliable piercing specialist who pays attention to hygiene and works sterilely? Visit us at our studio in Budapest or Kecskemét! Book online!