Sounds like you’re dealing with a lot! And yeah, the glossopharyngeal nerve can sometimes be a tricky culprit when it’s involved in throat and ear discomfort. From an Ayurvedic perspective, your symptoms - the sharp, shooting pain, the tightness, and especially the exacerbation with stress - could indeed indicate a Vata imbalance. Vata governs the nervous system and moves swiftly and irregularly, much like your described symptoms.
Start with small changes. One practical move is adjusting your diet to ground and stabilize Vata. Minimize those processed foods and coffee, which can increase Vata’s light, mobile qualities. Instead, go for warm, nourishing foods like cooked vegetables, whole grains like rice or quinoa, hearty stews, and use spices like ginger, turmeric, and cumin, which can be stabilizing. Drink warm water instead of cold, which also calms Vata. Consider cooking with ghee, its nurturing properties are fabulous for balancing Vata.
Abhyanga, or self-oil massage, could be super helpful here. Use warm sesame oil, massaging gently, especially around the neck and shoulders where tension might be building up. Do it in the morning before showering.
Nasya, or the application of medicated oils into the nose, may also help in balancing the nervous system. Try using a few drops of Anu Taila, a commonly used oil for nasya, once or twice a day after steam inhalation. The warmth and moisture can help soothe irritated nerves.
For calming the mind and reducing stress, consider Brahmi or Ashwagandha. Both are well-known for their calming effects on the nervous system. Brahmi is classically regarded for enhancing nerve function and clarity, while Ashwagandha supports overall balance and resilience to stress.
That ear fullness? It’s possible it’s linked, given how interconnected everything is in the body. Pay attention to when it flares. Is it after certain foods or stress events? Keeping track can help.
Stay in tune with how these suggestions affect you. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeing an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner or going back to your medical doctor is always a good idea, to make sure everything’s understood and aligned with your needs.
