The Spiritual Meaning Behind Physical Pain: What Ear, Eye, Head, and Back Pain Reveal in Jewish Wisdom

As people of faith, we know that every pain we experience has a reason and a cause. When we look deeper and explore the roots of our discomfort, we uncover a world of spiritual concepts that can explain the meaning behind many of the pains we feel.

In this series of articles, originally presented by Rabbi Shalom Arush, we will touch briefly on the spiritual significance of different types of pain — primarily based on the teachings of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, though not exclusively.

Ear Pain

According to Breslov teachings, the ears correspond to emunat chachamim — faith in sages.

Right Ear

Pain in the right ear may indicate a weakening of one’s faith in Torah scholars and a need to strengthen it.

Left Ear

Pain in the left ear may hint at a lack of humility before righteous people, inflexibility, or stubbornness.

Spiritual Treatment

• Rise early and learn Torah — the Sefer HaMiddot teaches that this strengthens the sense of hearing.

• Work on strengthening respect and faith in Torah sages.

Physical Treatment

• Gently heat olive oil and place lukewarm (not hot!) oil or steam into the ear. This traditional remedy is known to be very effective for quick relief.

Eye Pain

In Kabbalah, the eyes symbolize desire — specifically the longing for things that are not rightfully ours. As the saying goes: “The eyes see, and the heart desires.”

The Sefer HaMiddot states that someone suffering from eye pain is likely experiencing harsh spiritual judgments.

Spiritual Treatment

• Study teachings about anger, which spiritually harms eyesight.

• Strengthen one’s adherence to the laws of avoiding theft, which also negatively affects vision.

• It is written that looking at an etrog brings healing for eye pain.

Physical Treatment

• Compresses made from milk or tea help reduce swelling and redness — even for children.

• Another proven method:

  • Boil water, let it cool until warm

  • Dip a soft cloth in the water

  • Place over the eyes for 30 minutes.

Headaches

The head corresponds to honoring great rabbis and true tzaddikim — leaders of the Jewish people.

According to the Sefer HaMiddot, headaches may indicate that a person has shown disrespect or brazenness toward descendants of King David. Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov and Rabbi Nachman of Breslov were both from David’s lineage, and disrespect toward them or their students is spiritually harmful.

Spiritual Treatment

• Men: Have your head tefillin checked to ensure they are kosher.

• Everyone: Examine whether you have acted disrespectfully toward descendants or teachings of King David’s line.

Physical Treatment

• Drink plenty of water

• Reduce consumption of animal products

• Eat foods with a low glycemic index to stabilize blood sugar

• Increase intake of green leafy vegetables

Back Pain

The back corresponds to the spiritual issue of pride. Chronic or frequent back pain may indicate:

1. A struggle with arrogance or ego

2. Incorrect bowing during the Amidah prayer, which should be done deeply enough to move the vertebrae

Spiritual Treatment

• Study teachings about humility daily

• Correct and improve bowing during the Shemoneh Esrei prayer

Physical Treatment

• Warm baths

• Hydration

• Exercise, especially core-strengthening

• Daily consumption of turmeric