Headaches can be more complicated than they initially seem. Different headaches may have their own set of symptoms, may occur for unique reasons, and require different treatments.

The most common types of headaches include:

Tension headaches

Migraine headaches are often described as pounding, throbbing pain. They can last from 4 hours to 3 days and usually happen one to four times a month

Cluster headaches are the most severe pain accompanied by a burning or piercing sensation behind or around one eye. You might get them one to three times per day during a cluster period, which may last 2 weeks to 3 months. Each headache attack lasts 15 minutes to 3 hours

Sinus Headaches give you a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead, or on the bridge of the nose. The pain usually comes along with other sinus symptoms

Post-traumatic headaches result from post-traumatic stress, and usually start 2-3 days after a head injury

Hormonal headaches

In Ayurveda, headaches are not considered a disease, but a symptom of the vitiation of one or more of the doshas — Vata, Pitta or Kapha. In headaches, the primarily affected dosha is typically Vata.

Vata is represented by the dry, cool, fast moving element of air. When dealing with a Vata headache, it’s important to relieve dryness within the mind and body.

A Pitta headache typically starts in the temples and spreads to the central part of the head. Pitta headaches are known for their shooting, burning, piercing pain with a dash of nausea and often made worse by bright light, heat or by eating sour or spicy foods.

A Kapha headache is mostly accompanied by a cough or runny nose.