Ear piercing is one of the oldest known forms of body modification, with artistic and written references from cultures around the world dating back to early history. There is a wide variety of piercings that can be done on the ear. The most common is the ear lobe, with the helix (cartilage) following.The helix is the ridge of cartilage running around the edge of the pinna, or external part of the ear. The outer helix piercing usually refers to piercings through the helix, from above the earlobe to the top of the ear. The piercing through the helix toward the front of the ear is usually referred to as a forward helix. Outer helix piercing and forward helix piercings can also be done in pairs and connected by a long barbell, commonly called an industrial piercing.  There are many ways this particular piercing can be placed; horizontally, vertically, and some other less common ones that require certain or specific ear anatomy. 

Daith piercing and Shen-men, are pressure point piercings. While there is no scientific proof that this may necessarily work, both piercings are praised for helping relive chronic migraines ( daith), anxiety, and insomnia. 

Rook piercing  goes vertically through the lower leg of the antihelix, above the tragus and just back from the forward helix. Tragus piercings go through the small “nub” of cartilage in front of the ear canal. The conch  piercing goes through the cup-shaped area, next to the ear canal.

When getting a cartilage piercing you need to be aware that the healing time can take six months to a year. 

Like with other cartilage piercings, it’s best to pierce and heal only one side at a time. Multiple piercings in different ears are best done at least six months apart. You need one ear to sleep on, use to talk on the phone, etc., and getting cartilage pierced in both ears at the same time can be incredibly difficult to heal. For those who wear headphones (or for medical professionals using stethoscopes), healing  a tragus, rook  or daith piercing  can be even more difficult.

Keep in mind that not everyone is shaped the same, and even that picture on Pinterest  looks great, it may not suit your anatomy , and your piercer may advice you to pick another piercing.