SHIRO ABHYANGA - THE AYURVEDIC HEAD MASSAGE

What Is Shiro Abhyanga Therapy?

How Shiro Abhyanga Works

The Importance of Shiro Abhyanga

The Most Important Marma Points for an Ayurvedic 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).

The Oils Used and Why

Ayurveda uses more than 300 herbs to support rest, recovery and general well-being. These herbs can be taken internally or infused with base oils. Shiro Abhyanga oils can consist of a range of a single herb to over twenty, depending on the purpose for which the Abhyanga is performed.

It is important to consider the properties of the base oils used. For example, coconut base oils are very cold in potency so they are used in hot and humid places, whereas sesame base oil is hot in potency and therefore used in colder climates.

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

Traditionally Used For

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 to alleviate many psychosomatic disorders.

Some other indications are:

• Shiro Roga – Different types of headaches and diseases related to the head
• Anidra – Insomnia
• Shiro Rukshata – Dryness of the scalp
• Shiro Kandu – Itching in the scalp

Shiro Abhyanga’s Numerous Health Benefits

• Improves and rejuvenates central nervous system health
• Reduces eye strains and pains
• Relieves pain, headaches, migraines, stress, and insomnia
• Relaxes muscles and reduces stiffness
• Stimulates hair follicles and can help reduce hair fall and dandruff
• Calms the mind and rejuvenates the body
• 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

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Reference Links

• https://easyayurveda.com/2016/05/09/ayurvedic-head-massage-shiro-abhyanga/
• http://www.mahaaushadhi.com/info/panchakarma/what-is-shiroabhyanga.html
• https://ancientbest.com/treatment/ayurvedic-treatment/

Glossary

• Abhyanga / Abhyangam = warm-oil massage over the whole body
• Shiroabhyangam / Shiro Abhyanga = head and scalp oil massage
• Padabhyanga / Padabhyangam = foot massage
• Shirodhara = a steady stream of warm oil poured across the forehead
• Vata = the dosha associated with movement
• Pitta = the dosha associated with heat and digestion
• Kapha = the dosha associated with structure and fluid
• Panchakarma = a five-procedure cleansing programme
• Marma = a point on the body treated as vital in Ayurveda