All you need to know about Shiroabhyanga - The Ayurvedic Scalp Massage

When it comes to hair, every culture has its own traditional practices and remedies that they swear by. For most Indians, it’s scalp massages. Relaxing oil massages have been considered almost synonymous with hair health for decades. You will find hair oil in every household and sitting by your mother’s feet for a good old champi is almost a tradition of sorts. 

Even in the traditional medicinal world of Ayurveda, these massages are given much importance. Ayurvedic experts recommend a type of scalp massage called ‘Shiro Abhyanga’, it is known to be excellent for relieving stress and reviving the hair and roots. 

What is Shiro Abhyanga?

In Ayurveda, Abhyanga refers to a full body massage using potent oil , carried out in the direction of hair growth. ‘Shir’ means head, therefore Shiro Abhyanga is a head massage that has numerous benefits for scalp health and hair growth. The massage is meant to induce a state of complete relaxation by focusing on marma points. Marmas are vital pressure points on our body mapped out by Ayurveda. It is believed that focusing on these points can promote health and longevity, and are used for the treatment of diseases as well.

Vital Marma points throughout our body

There are 107 main marma points spread across our body. Out of these, the head, heart and lower abdomen are considered the 3 main marma regions.

You can get a Shiro Abhyanga done at any certified Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapy centre. It is performed by gently applying oil onto the scalp, forehead and neck. Then the oil is massaged into the skin and scalp with a special focus on the marma points. 

You can perform the scalp massage at home as well by warming up some herbal oil and asking a family member to perform it for you. For this type of massage, you can use natural Ayurvedic hair oils. Try looking for oil with Ayurvedic ingredients such as bringharaj, coconut, amla, almonds, hibiscus and bibhitaki. 

Try the following steps for a soothing scalp massage at home:

• Warm up your oil slightly in a water bath
• Apply it onto your scalp, then move on to your neck
• Massage your scalp using gentle, but firm pressure 
• Work your way across your scalp, from the temples and mid parting to the ends, to cover all areas.

There are a few different methods of massaging which should be used while carrying out the Shiro Abhyanga, such as:

• Using finger strokes
• Using a flat palm stroke
• Using a closed fist stroke
• Gently grasping tufts of hair and then releasing
• Gently pressing onto the scalp

Post- massage, you should sit still for 15 minutes and then take a hot water shower using herbal hair products instead of soap.  

Shiro Abhyanga’s Numerous Health Benefits

Despite the prominence of scalp massages in our culture, many of us are not fully aware of just how beneficial scalp massages are. When you apply pressure through circular motions to the scalp, blood circulation increases. With better blood circulation, there is more oxygen reaching the roots, enriching and strengthening them. Regular stimulation of the hair follicles in this manner encourages a healthier and faster growth cycle. This is why people who practise regular scalp massages will notice better and stronger hair growth along with a reduction in hair fall.

 Shiro Abhyanga has exemplary benefits not just for hair but also for overall health as well. Here are a few of the advantages it gives your body:

• Prevents premature greying and hair fall 
• Helps stimulate hair growth
• Soothes headaches and migraines
• Relieves stress and helps with insomnia and other sleep issues
• Calms the mind and rejuvenates the body
• Anti-ageing benefits for your skin 

FAQs

• What are the best Ayurvedic remedies for hair growth?

Ayurveda recommends regular oil massages for hair growth in addition to a properly regulated diet and healthy lifestyle. You cannot achieve hair health if you are not looking out for your overall health. 

• Can I use Indulekha Bringha oil for a scalp massage?

Indulekha Bringha oil brings you the nourishing power of Bringharaj and 11 other potent herbs. Yes, you can use it for your scalp massage, it is recommended that you apply the oil 3 times a week for four months to see results.

If you’d like to learn more about hair fall reduction, click here.