Recurring mild headache, stabbing sensation - #24716
Hii, im a 19M,I am experiencing a mild to moderate headache that shifts location yesterday it was on the upper left side of my head with two brief stabbing pains, followed by a dull ache. Today, the pain is on the right side above the ear and in the center of my head wheb i just woke up. It worsens slightly after waking and improves during the day. It’s been the second day since my head is hurting.I have TMJ issues and use screens often. There are no vision problems, nausea, or neurological symptoms. Could this be due to vata imbalance or stress related factors? What herbal or lifestyle remedies do you recommend? Please help :)
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Doctors’ responses
It will be reduced Take Cephagraine tab 1 tab twice a day Anu tailam 2 drops in each nostril Ashwgandha powder 1/2 tsf with warm milk
Avoid spicy food avoid fasting
Take pathyadi kadha 15 ml twice daily after food with water Shirshoolavajradi vati 1-0-1 after food with water and Avipattikar tablet 1-0-1 after food with water and Do deep breathing exercises in open area .
Medha vati - Ashwagandha capsule- 1 tab twice daily after food with lukewarm water Saraswathi aristha- 4 tsp with equal quantity of water twice daily after food
As you mentioned here stress is a main reason /main aggravating reason for all type of Headache. So I order to manage /treat headache you should properly handle your stress For that practice *PRANAYAMA ,SURYANAMASKARA- daily
Internally you can have 1.Migrakot tab 2-0-2 before food 2.KM lepam for ext.application (leave it for 2hour ,then wipe off) 3.Thriphala tab 1 at bedtime
Avoid chilled, oily and processed food. Regular exercise and meditation. Cap.Brahmi 1-0-1 Tab.Cephagrain 2-0-2
Herbal Remedies (Internal)–
Ashwagandha churna or capsule 1 capsule at bedtime or ½ tsp with warm milk Calms nervous system, balances Vata Brahmi Vati / Saraswatarishta 1 tab/day or 10 ml 2× daily after meals Improves mind clarity, reduces stress Godanti Bhasma (mild dose) 125 mg with honey (1× daily for 3–5 days only) Helps with headaches, especially if Pitta-Vata Triphala at night 1 tsp with warm water Clears digestion & calms Vata overnight
Addapt Lifestyle Changes
Do This Avoid This
6–7 hours screen time max, use blue light filter Using screens while lying down or late at night Regular meals, warm & easy-to-digest food Skipping meals, cold or dry foods (chips, cold drinks) Gentle yoga: cat-cow stretch, neck rolls, child pose Sudden jerky neck movements Daily 5–10 mins Anulom-Vilom + Bhramari pranayama Overthinking, multitasking constantly Warm sesame oil foot massage before bed Overuse of cold water, raw food
Hi pranav this is Dr Vinayak by considering your problems Avoid any triggering factor means the condition which increases your head ache… mediation for 10 min daily morning Rx- Shirashooladi vajra rasa 1-0-1 A/F Tab Migrakot 1-0-1 A/F Pratyakshadatryadi kashaya 10ml twice b/f
HELLO PRANAV,
Based on what you have described- shifting, mild to moderate headaches with stabbing sensations, no vision or neurological symptoms, TMJ issues, and screen exposure- your condition appears to be stress- related, possibly due to muscular tension, eyestrain, and a vata imbalance as per Ayurveda.
LIKELY CONTRIBUITNG FACTORS
1) TMJ DYSFUNCTION- can refer pain to temples, side of the head, and jaw.
2) EYE STRAIN/ SCREEN USE- causes tension- type headaches
3) POOR SLEEP OR POSTURE- may trigger headaches upon waking.
4) STRESS/ ANXIETY- can cause muscular tension and vata aggravation.
5) VATA IMBALANCE- dryness, overthinking , irregular lifestyle may contribute to shifting and stabbing pain.
In Ayurveda, shifting pain , stabbing sensation and headaches that move from one place to another are typical signs of vata dosha imbalance, especially vyana vata(circulation and nervous system-related). TMJ and muscular tightness also point toward vata-kapha vitiation
INTERNALLY START WITH
1) PATHYASHADANGAM KWATHA= 15 ml with warm water before meals twice daily(AVN/Arya Vaidya sala brand) =specific for chronic and vata type headaches, sinus headaches
2) MIGRAKOT TABLET= 1 tab twice daily after food(CHARAK PHARMA) = designed specifically for migraines and shifting headaches; pacifies vata and pitta
3) SARASWATARISHTA= 15 ml with equal water after meals twice daily(BAIDYANTH/ DOOTPAPESHWAR) = strengthens the mind, reduces anxiety, stabile nervous system
4) KSHEERBALA 101 AVARTI- 4 drops with milk at night(DOOTPAPESHWAR/AVP) = potent nervine tonic, used in neurological conditions and TMJ type nerve irritation.
5) MANASAMITRA VATAKAM(AVP/ARYA VAIDYA SALA)- 1 tab at night with warm milk = strengthens nerves, used in stress, insomnia, mild neurological issues
6) SOOTSHEKHAR RAS- 1 tab twice daily with ghee and milk =very effective for gastritis-induced headaches, pitta vata calming
NASYA THERAPY- ksheerbala taila =2 drops in each nostril daily morning after steam and face massage -apply warm towel or steam to face -lie back and instil 2 drops in each nostril -rest for 10 minutes
EXTERNAL THERAPIES -HEAD MASSAGE WITH bala taila or ksheerbala taila -jaw and neck massage gently- for TMJ relief -hot towel on affected side of head/jaw after massage
LIFESTYLE CHANGES TO REDUCE VATA AND STRESS -follow strict daily routine- same waking, eating, and sleeping times -SLEEP= ensure 7-8 hours; avoid late night screen time -reduce screen exposure- use blue light filters, blink frequently follow 20-20-20 rule( every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
-Gentle yoga and pranayam Anulom bilom, bhramari, sheetali for calming vata -neck stretches, jaw loosening exercises
DIET TO BE FOLLOWED focus on foods that are warm, soft, oily, mildly, spiced , and grounding
GRAINS- rice(especially red rice or basmati) -wheat(whole wheat chapati with ghee) - oats, quinoa, semolina(sooji)
SOUPS AND STEWS -moong dal khichdi with ghee -vegetables stew with jeera, ajwain, hing - bone broth if non veg for TMJ and nerve health
VEGETABLES(cooked only, strictly no raw salad form) - bottle gourd, pumpkin , carrots, beets, zucchini
AVOID= raw salads, potatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower
DAIRY -warm milk with a pinch of turmeric or nutmeg at night -homemade ghee -AVOID curd at night
SPICES -ajwain, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, fennel, black pepper -avoid excessive chilli or garam masala
HEALTHY FATS -ghee, sesame oil, olive oil- use liberally -dry fruits like soaked almonds, dates, walnuts
HYDRATION -warm water or herbal teas(tulsi, fennel, ginger, chamomile) -avoid cold drinks or carbonated beverages
AVOID THESE STRICTLY -dry foods like popcorn, chips, biscuits -caffeine excess-tea/coffee -processed , frozen, fermented, or very spicy foods -raw salads and cold smoothies -skipping meals or fasting irregularly
YOGA ASANA -shavasana= deep relaxation -balasana= childs pose - setu bandhasana= bridge pose - supta matsyendrasana= reclining twist - marjaryasana- bitilasana= cat cow
TMJ EXERCISES(2-3 TIMES DAILY) -open and close mouth slowly -side-to-side jaw movement -tongue pressing on the roof of the mouth - chin tucks-strengthen jaw and neck
PRANAYAM -anulom vilom -bhramari -ujaayi
WARM BATH WITH FEW DROPS OF LAVENDER OR EUCALYPTUS OIL GENTLE MUSIC OR MEDITATION BEFORE BED DIGITAL DETOX 1 HOUR BEFORE SLEEP
DO FOLLOW CONSISTENTLY FOR 15-30 DAYS
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
Based on your description, it seems your symptoms might be linked to Vata imbalance, particularly if there’s a prevailing cold, dry quality in your life or habits that aggravate Vata dosha. Frequent screen use, coupled with tension from TMJ, can indeed exacerbate Vata and lead to such headache patterns. Vata headaches often involve shifting pains, as you’ve noted. Stress can also heighten Vata, leading to these sensations.
Let’s start with some daily lifestyle modifications that are practical. Incorporating routines that ground and pacify Vata can be very helpful. Prioritize a regular sleep schedule: try going to bed and waking up at the same time as much as possible. Ensure you’re getting 7 to 8 hours of restful sleep each night.
Include calming practices such as meditation or pranayama every morning to reduce stress. The alternate nostril breathing (Anulom Vilom) is particularly balancing for Vata. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes daily. This helps to calm both mind and body, promoting balance.
As for dietary changes, since Vata is cold and dry, consume warm, cooked foods that are lightly spiced to enhance digestion. Ginger tea can effectively warm the body and aid digestion. Soak a teaspoon of fresh ginger in hot water, steep, and drink daily.
Herbal aids can also support your symptoms. Ashwagandha, a well-known adaptogenic herb, can help reduce stress and support Vata balance. Take ashwagandha powder with warm milk before bedtime.
Additionally, consider performing a warm oil massage on the scalp with sesame oil. It can be done before showering, a few times a week to reduce Vata, relieve tension, and nourish the scalp.
If headaches persist or worsen, seeking a medical evaluation is critical to rule out any underlying issues. In the case of recurring or severe headaches, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Shira shuladi vajr ras 1BD Brahmi vati 1BD Ashwagandha tab 1HS Trifla Churn 1.5tsf with lukewarm water BD
NAMASTE PRANAV,
What you describe sounds most consistent with tension-type headaches or possibly TMJ- related headaches: - stabbing then dull pain= can be from nerve irritation or muscle tension - changing sides= common in tension-type or TMJ-related headaches - worsens after waking= could be related to sleep posture, clenching, or grinding(bruxism) -no alarming signs= no nausea, visual disturbances, or neurological symptoms- that’s reassuring
According to Ayurveda, This seems like a vata-pitta imbalance, particularly -vata= moving, shifting pain, stabbing sensations -pitta= headache with mild inflammation or throbbing components
CAUSES -overuse of screen->overstimulation of vata -TMJ tension-> vata in joints -irregular sleep or stress-> aggravates vata - improper digestion, dry or light foods-> fuels vata pitta imbalance
HERBAL MEDICATIONS
1) BRAHMI VATI(with gold)= 1 tab once daily at night with warm milk for 4-6 weeks = calms mind, alleviate stress, anxiety, and vata pitta aggravation in the nervous system, especially helpful in headaches due to mental and emotional trigger
2) ASHWAGANDHA CHURNAA= 1 tsp with warm milk at bedtime = pacifies vata, particularly useful for TMJ-related pain, improves sleep, strengthen nervous system
3) SHANKHAPUSHPI SYRUP= 2 tsp twice daily with water = improves brain function, reduces anxiety, useful in stress induced headaches
4) DASHMOOLA KASHAYA= 20 ml twice daily with water before meals = excellent for chronic vata disorders, including joint issues, reduces inflammation and pain in muscles, joints and nerves, promotes deep systemic vata balance
5) NASYA= ANU TAILA- instill 2 drops in each nostril in morning after mild massage with coconut oil and steam = clears head region . prevent recurring headaches
TAKE THIS MEDICATIONS FOR 4-6 WEEKS CONSISTENTLY TO SEEE RESULT
IF CONSTIPATION ISSUE= can take triphala churna= 1 tsp with warm water after dinner
DIET RECOMMENDATIONS -Favor warm, moist, grounding foods- like soups, ghee, rice, stews
AVOID -dry snacks=chips, crackers - cold/raw foods= salads, smooties -stimulants= coffee, excess tea
HYDRATE with warm herbal teas= cumin-coriander-fennel tea
LIFESTYLE - DAILY OIL MASSAGE= with warm sesame oil before showering- especially neck, jaw, and head
- NASYA= as mentioned
-JAW RELAXATION= Gentle TMJ stretches and warm compress
-DIGITAL DETOX= at least 30-60 mins screen free before bed
-MIND BODY PRACTICES -gentle yoga-esp forward bends -nadi sodhana- alternate nostril breathing - meditation- mantra jap, yog nidra
This is likely a vata pitta type headache associated with TMJ tension and screen overuse. You can manage it well with vata pacifying herbs, warm nourishing foods, digital hygiene, jaw relaxation and calming routines
DO FOLLOW
THANK YOU
DR. HEMANSHU MEHTA

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