Shiroabhyanga: The Ayurvedic Head Massage

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 Shiroabhyanga: The Ayurvedic Head Massage

Shiroabhyanga 

 Shiras is the uttamanga a prime organ as it’s a vita center. So Abhyanga is done with utmost care. It’s the palce od prana and indriyas and it controls all the activities.

Prannaha Praanabhrutaam yatra sthitaaha sarva indriyaani cha

Tat uttama angam angaanam shiraha tat abhidheeyate

Sanskrit Roots: "Shiro" means head, and "Abhyanga" means massage.

Shirobhyanga is the procedure in which smearing of Taila followed by massage by specific maneuvers.

Ayurvedic Tradition: It's part of Murdhni Taila (oil treatments for the head) and Dinacharya (daily regimen).

Holistic Technique: Combines rhythmic strokes and herbal oils to balance energies and promote wellness2.

 Key Benefits

Stress Relief: Calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety.

Improved Circulation: Enhances blood flow to the scalp and brain, boosting cognitive function.

Hair & Scalp Nourishment: Strengthens hair roots, reduces hair fall, and improves texture.

Headache Relief: Eases tension-related headaches and migraines.

Better Sleep: Promotes relaxation and deeper sleep3.

MATERIALS REQUIRED

1. Stove
2. Lighter
3. Heating vessel
4. Utensils- Vessel-2
5. Green gram powder/snanachoorna.
6. Langotti
7. Aprons for therapist
8. Taila-100-150ml- bala hataadi taila,, Ksheera bala taila , chandanaadi taila, Malathyadi taila, bringamalaka taila etc
9. Towel -1
10. Hot water bath -1

Preparation of tray

Take a clean tray.

Put towel, oil in bowl.

Preparation of patient

Check vitals.

Jeernahara lakshana assessed.

Vegotsarga

PRADHANA KARMA

• Patient is asked to sit comfortably in a knee-high chair.
• Taila for Shirobhyanga is made lukewarm using a hot water bath.
• Temperature of the taila is checked by pouring it over the dorsum of hand.
• The oil is then poured on the hands of the therapist.
• Then it is spread all over the head including the neck and the ear pinna with the palmar surface of hands.
• Moving the palms from before backwards.

Massage from before backwards (Gharshana Hasta):

• Massage the whole head, by moving the palmar surface of the hand from before backwards applying gentle as well as firm pressure.
• Thus, the complete area of the scalp is massaged including vertex, temporal and occipital portions of the head.

Picking strokes (Mridvanguli Tadana):

• Fingers are partially approximated, and then gently and firmly placed on the scalp.
• This is followed by withdrawing the fingers in an attempt to approximate the fingers, simultaneously effecting rubbing of the scalp.
• Each area of the head is similarly treated.

Flat palm strokes (Dvihasta Tadana)

• Gentle strokes are placed with the palmar surface on the scalp by both hands either simultaneously or alternatively.
• Strokes are placed on the vertex, occipital and temporal region.

Rocking strokes (Taranga Hasta)

• Gentle strokes are placed on the head by rapid rocking movement of both the palms simultaneously.
• Only the base of little finger and thumb comes in contact with the patient’s head while placing the stroke.

Finger strokes (Anguli Kridana Hasta)

• Gentle strokes are placed on the head by making rocking movement of both the palms with its fingers stretched.
• Only the palmar aspect of the little finger and thumb will touch the scalp while stroking.

Fist strokes (Mridu Mushti Tadana)

• Gentle strokes are placed on all areas of the head with the closed fist through the ulnar border.
• Initially the strokes are placed with both the hands simultaneously, followed by placing the strokes alternatively with right and left fist.

Squeeze strokes

• Grasping tuft of hairs followed by gentle squeeze, producing comfortable traction on the hair.
• Every part of the scalp is treated in this way.
• This stroke cannot be performed in trimmed hair or if suffering from baldness.

Pressing (Ghatita Hasta)

• Flat of the palm is placed on the head.
• And is moulded into the shape of the scalp so that every portion of the palmar aspect of the palm and fingers comes in contact with the head.
• This is followed by exerting gentle and firm pressure on the head.
• Each area of the head is similarly treated.

 

Ear Massage

• Ear pinna is grasped between the thumb anteriorly and the other fingers posteriorly.
• Then the pinna is rubbed between the fingers.
• Further, supporting the pinna with the fingers posteriorly, thumb is firmly moved above downwards in the anterior of the ear pinna.

PASCHAT KARMA

• Wipe the head with towel.
• Patient is asked to take rest.
• Patient is asked to take bath with warm water
• Apply rasnadi churnam after bath.

Duration

Each form of stroke is continued for about 4 to 5 minutes.

Effect of Abhyanag on different dhatu based on duration :

·         When head massage is done for 300 matras , the oil reaches the haoir root

·         When done for 400 matras the oil reaches the skin

·         When done for 500matras the oil reaches the rakta dhatu,Mamsa 600matras ,Medas by 700matras,Asthi by 800 matras , Majja dhatu 900 matra kala (1 matra -the time to close and open eye )

INDICATIONS

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Hairfall
• Dandruff
• Itchiness in scalp
• Dryness in scalp

Diseases/Conditions Treated in Shiro Abhyanga

Prevention of any disease related to the head, mind, and sense organs is the first indication of Shiro Abhyanga. Since head massages can be done on a daily basis, Shiro Abhyanga is predominantly a treatment used for the prevention of many psychosomatic disorders.

Some other indications are:

Shiro Roga – Different types of headaches and diseases related to the head

Pakshaghata – Hemiplegia or paralysis

Anidra – Insomnia

Vata Roga – Degenerative diseases

Pitta Roga – Inflammatory diseases

Shiro Rukshata – Dryness of the scalp

Shiro Kandu – Itching in the scalp

Nidra nasha – loss of sleep

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Kaphaja diseases

After samyak shodana

Indigestion

PRECAUTIONS

Avoid massage in tender areas. Exposure to sunlight, excessive sleeping

Do not overheat the oil for shirobhyanga.

Hands of the therapist should be devoid of any cracks or fissures.

COMPLICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

Sneezing and rhinitis- Talam with Rasnadi choorna and Jambeera swarasa, dhoomapana with Haridra dhooma varti .

The most important Marma points for a head massage are:

 

Adhipati: The “soft spot” located 8 finger widths above the eyebrows in the center of the skull.

Simantaka: Located 12 finger widths above the eyebrows on the skull where the hairs gather in a swirl.

Krikatika: These are 2 points located on either side of the first cervical vertebrae behind the head where the neck meets the skull (occipital – cervical joint).

Vidhuram: The depression behind both ears, just behind the earlobes.

Shankha: The depressions on both sides of the forehead between the end of the eyebrow and the hairline (temples).

Base oils should also be selected by “Prakriti” which is one’s body type.

Vata Prakriti (dry scalp) – Castor oil and sesame oil provide extra nourishment and warmth

Pitta Prakriti (sensitive scalp) – Coconut oil and sandalwood oil provide cooling properties

Kapha (oily scalp) – Mustard oil is beneficial in small amounts for scalp health

Vata Prakriti (dry scalp) – Castor oil and sesame oil provide extra nourishment and warmth

Pitta Prakriti (sensitive scalp) – Coconut oil and sandalwood oil provide cooling properties

Kapha (oily scalp) – Mustard oil is beneficial in small amounts for scalp health

Shiro Abhyanga’s Numerous Health Benefits 

Improves and rejuvenates central nervous system health

Improves vision, eye refraction errors, and eye strain

Relieves pain, headaches, migraines, stress, and insomnia

Relaxes muscles and reduces stiffness

Prevents premature graying, hair fall, dandruff, and stimulates hair growth

Calms the mind and rejuvenates the body

Balances the pineal and pituitary glands, toning the lungs, heart, colon, brain, and stomach

Calms the Vata to prevent degenerative diseases

Calms the Pitta to prevent inflammatory diseases

Highly rejuvenates the senses of sight, sound, and smell

Helpful in treating tinnitus, jaw aches, and sinusitis

Stimulates lymphatic drainage and aids sound sleep

Increases blood and oxygen circulation in the brain

Relieves fatigue and cloudiness of thought

Anti-aging and helps in relaxing facial and eye muscles

Address: Ayurvaidya Healthcare,No.44, ground floor, 2nd main 3rd stage, Vinayaka layout, opposite to Vinayaka park, Vijayanagar, Bangalore 560040, Call 9900398598