What Is Your Headache Trying to Tell You?
Looking Beyond the Pain to Discover the Root Cause

A headache is often dismissed as a localized malfunction—an isolated event to be suppressed with medications. However, in the realm of Natural Functional Medicine, we recognize that the body does not make mistakes. Let’s look beyond the pain and learn about the root cause/s and suggested solutions.

A headache is the body’s way of signaling a specific imbalance in the your body, from liver/gallbladder issues, to a need for digestive support, hormones imbalances and nutrient deficiencies.

This simple questionaire is designed to help learn how to link the location of your headache to its corresponding organ system, so you can remove the stressor and support the underlying root cause/s.

I originally learned this system from my mentor Dr V. Then I put my own spin on it and went on to teach other practitioners through my yearly membership programs. Since then Dr V has also written a book about headaches if you would like to dig in and learn more. It is called the “Headache Advantage” and it is available on Amazon.

Take the Headache Assessment

How to use this tool: Use the following assesment is to identify the pattern, and the system. This is the first step in transforming chronic pain into a strategic advantage for total-body resilience and performance. I have suggested ceratin supplements and lifestyle shifts to support a headache free life. You can purchase via HERE or stop by the office and Hayley our fabulous office manager and she can help you. If you find this information useful please share it with a friend or family member.. Let’s all get healthier together.

Start Here: Section 1

I get a headache between my eyebrows: the center of my head: It is a deep, centralized pressure that feels like it is “behind the bridge of the nose.”
I also have pale skin, I am sensitive to light and I am short in stature. I have also struggled with fertility.

PITUITARY HEADACHE: This is signal that The Master Gland your “Pituitary” needs support. It is struggling to keep Endocrine system at 72 degrees or homeostasis. You could benefit from Pituitrophin PMG and it’s connecting mineral E Manganese along with Vitamin E. Insulin Resistance is also a contributing factor, so managing blood sugar is key.

Section 2

I have headaches: that feel like I am wearing a Headband, like a dull, heavy, “muddy” ache across the entire head, often described as a “cloud.” I have brain fog and acute irritability/crankiness that lifts immediately after a bowel movement. I have a pouchy lower belly and I have IBS. I also suffer from sinsus congestion , stinky poop, forehead acne and constipation.

COLON- LARGE INTESTINE HEADACHE: This is a signal that your digestive system is not clearing toxins from the body leading to reabsorbtion of some toxins which affect the brain. You could benefit from making sure you include fiber in your diet in the form of lots of colouful veggies and 1/4 teapson of chia seeds and 1/4 teaspoon of flax seeds each day. Hydration and movement are also key to help keep things moving. You could benefit from Zypan, Bowel Mover, Magnesium Citrate, Zymex Wafers and Megaspore Probiotics.

Section 3

I have a headache on the left side of my head that radiates to my eye. I have acid reflux and feel bloated right after I eat Protein and or Fat. I have a coated tongue and suffer from anemia and low vitamin B12. I am also stressed and eat on the run.

STOMACH / UPPER DIGESTION HEADACHE: This is a signal that you have low stomach acid and you are not digestion your food and nutrients well. You could benefit from bitters like Digest Forte, Apple Cider Vinegar and soothing support before you take HCL support like Zypan. You could also use slow down when you eat, choose a nourishing diet and lower caffiene intake. You could also be suffering from H’Pylori and bacterial infection that lowers digestive secreations like HCL. A GI Map test will help us learn if that is the case.

Section 4

I get headaches on the right side of my head. I suffer from nausea after eating fats, have light-colored stools, and pain under the right rib cage. I also suffer from loose stools. I also sometimes suffer from constipation. Some physical signs are, right shoulder pain, pain behind the right knee, skin that peels on the food and heels, dry flakey skin and high cholesterol.

GALLBLADDER / LIVER HEADACHE: This is a signal of thickened bile or gallbladder congestion which creates a direct neurological reflex to the right side of the head. You could benefit from making sure that you consume healthy fats and lower sugar and simple carbohydrate intake. It is also a signal that your Liver is overloaded and they are partners in crime. Certain medications can also be the issue. Supplement support that is helpful is Bile Acids like TUDCA, Cholacol, and Choline are my favorites.

Section 5

I have a headache when I wake up that wears off. I have lost the lateral part of my eyebrow, I have gained weight and I am slow to rise and get going in the morning. I have hair loss, I have low back disc issues and cold hands and feet.

THYROID/ ADRENAL HEADACHE: This is a signal from the body to slow the metabolic rate as you have too much stress for too long. When the Thyroid or Adrenals are under-functioning, the body restricts blood flow to peripheral tissues, often causing occipital congestion. You could benefit from additional testing and supplement support like Thyroxdal or Adrenoforce. In my experience wheat is a big trigger for thyroid issues due to molecular mimicry so cutting out Gluten is a great first step. Reducing stressors of all kinds is also helpful. The body and mind need to feel safe in order to thrive.

Section 6

I get headaches at the back of my head. I have loose stools and I have trouble digesting starches and have sugar cravings all the time. My energy is like a rollercoaster and I have a hard time focusing. I have ADHD type symptoms. I wait all day to eat something.

ENZYME- PANCREATIC HEADACHE: Enzyme support would be helpful. I will say though that Digestion starts with nervous system balance and good stomach acid. This is also a sign that you could be insulin resistant and need to go on a low Insulin Type Diet. It also means that you start the day savory and you do wait till 2.00pm to eat.

Section 7

I get headaches at my temples. A “vice-like” grip or throbbing on both sides of the head. I get headaches before my cycle and I have PMS symptoms like crazy carb cravings or hangry episodes.

HORMONAL HEADACHE: This points to an Estrogen Dominant Metabolism pattern and liver clearance issues. It often signals a need for B-vitamins ( B6) and Ca D Glucarate to help the liver process hormonal waste. You could also benefit from Symplex M or F, Chaste tree, and KL support.

Section 8

I get pounding headaches all over my head. I suffer from anxiety and depression. I worry a lot.

SEROTONIN HEADACHE: 80% of your serotonin production is made in the gut. When the gut is off it impacts the brain and the neurotransmitters. I would recommend reading the stoamch section and taking those action steps first. If needed Serotonin Active is good support as are some Amino Acid formulas.

What is your Headache trying to tell you?

Last but not least:

I get migraine headaches and vomiting. This is a whole other blog post. I would say that you should start by removing toxins. Food, Chemicals, Metals, Mold, Pathogens and Plastics. Balance blood sugar and for more help with this tough condition, testing is a great first step. We are here to help.

CLICK HERE to book and appointment.

Have a healthy week and suggest that you take a minute to review the past 5 months. The year is going by fast!!! Are you procrastinating ? What have you put on the back burner that needs action in order to look back 6 months from now and say.. I did it!

Dr Pia