Headaches from Tefillin: The Spiritual Significance Behind Pain in Different Parts of the Body

As believers, we know that every pain we feel from time to time has a cause and explanation. When delving deeper, we discover a world of spiritual concepts and explanations for each pain we experience.

In the following series of articles, originally presented by Rabbi Shalom Arush, we will attempt to touch on the spiritual significance of these matters—primarily according to the teachings of R' Nachman of Breslov, but not exclusively.

Ear Pain

The ears symbolize faith in sages, so those who suffer from ear pain (especially in the right ear) would do well to examine the level of their faith and determine if it needs strengthening. Those who suffer from pain in the left ear, it indicates a lack of submission before tzadikim and scholars and stubbornness.

How to Treat Spiritually?

It is good to rise early in the morning and study Torah (as suggested in the Book of Traits, this enhances the sense of hearing). Additionally, one should commit to strengthening their faith in sages and respect for them.

How to Treat Physically?

It is advisable to boil olive oil and put the (lukewarm, not hot) oil or steam into the ear. This advice is known to be particularly effective for quick healing.

Eye Pain

According to Kabbalah, the eyes indicate a state where a person covets and desires things that do not belong to them, as it is written: "The eyes see, and the heart covets."

In the Book of Traits, it is stated that those who suffer from eye pain "are known to be afflicted by judgments."

How to Treat Spiritually?

It's important to learn as much as possible about the topic of anger (which harms vision) and strengthen in the study and application of laws of theft, which also greatly harm the eyes. It is also mentioned there that "looking at the etrog is a remedy for eye pain."

How to Treat Physically?

Compresses of milk or tea are excellent for reducing swelling and redness in the eyes, even in children. Another method proven effective and adopted by many doctors is to boil water, let it cool until lukewarm, then dip a soft cloth in the water and place it on the affected eyes for half an hour.

Headaches

The head symbolizes a violation against great rabbis and true tzadikim, who guide and lead the people of Israel. Headaches that a person suffers from may indicate that the person has brazenly faced the seed of King David. "And it is known that Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, the holy one, of blessed memory, and his great-grandson Rabbi Nachman of Breslov were from the seed of King David— therefore it is prohibited to oppose them and their disciples," says Rabbi Arush, based on the Book of Traits.

How to Treat Spiritually?

Men: Check if the head tefillin is not invalid. Everyone: Conduct an internal review to assess if we are guilty of this sin of brazenness against the seed of King David.

How to Treat Physically?

Several methods: drink water, reduce consumption of animal products, consume foods with a low glycemic index (maintaining balanced blood sugar), and increase the intake of leafy greens.

Back Pain

The back equates to the sin of pride, and frequent back pain may indicate: 1) that one has sinned in the sin of pride. 2) failure to bow properly during the Amidah prayer (so that all the vertebrae in their back are flexed).

How to Treat Spiritually?

It's good to study the sin of pride on a regular daily schedule. Additionally, it's essential to correct the matter of bowing properly in prayer.

How to Treat Physically?

Lukewarm baths, drinking water, exercising (especially strengthening the abdominal muscles), consuming turmeric daily.