Ayurvedic Scalp Massage Techniques for Strengthening Hair Follicles
Posted on March 12, 2024
Ayurvedic Scalp Massage Techniques for Strengthening Hair Follicles

Be honest. When was the last time you did have a good head massage? Do you just feel yourself getting levitated into a place so peaceful by just thinking about it? That’s what a good head massage feels like.  So, in this blog, ‘Ayurvedic Scalp Massage Techniques for Strengthening Hair Follicles’, we’ll talk about some of the authentic Ayurvedic scalp massage techniques recommended by the experts at Dr. Jasna’s, the best Ayurveda clinic in Dubai that will help with strengthening your hair follicles and solve your hair woes.

What is Ayurvedic Head Massage? 

An Ayurvedic head massage is an ancient treatment that has been in our nation for nearly 5000+ years. This method involves delicate stroking and circular massages of your head, shoulders, and neck. The different pressure techniques help with a variety of health issues.

The combination of deep massage techniques, aromatic oils, and Ayurvedic herbal formulations is an amazing combination for your hair and scalp problems. It also helps with the natural healing abilities of your body. 

What Are Marmas Or Pressure Points?

Marma points are ayurvedic acupressure points. There are 107 marma points across our body.  Ayurveda points out that they are the points on our body that can give life and death. The pulse points carry the ‘life force energy’.

Important Marmas Of Head

  1. Adhipati:  It is a marma point on the crown of the head. Adhipati is quite associated with various energy channels. 

  2. Simantaka: It’s an important marma point on the scalp region. Simantaka plays a key role in the flow and balance of the energy. 

  3. Krikatika: These two marma sites, located at the occipital-cervical joint, contribute to overall well-being.

  4. Vidhuram: Vidhuram points, which are depressions behind and below the ears, regulate energy flow and equilibrium in this area.

  5. Shankha: Shankha points, situated between the skull's temples between the ears and the forehead, play an important function in promoting harmony and balance.

  6. Utkshepa: When activated, these Marma points promote a sensation of betterment and equilibrium, as well as overall health and energy.

Ayurvedic head massages focus on these marmas or pressure points to improve blood circulation in emissary veins, scalp vessels, and intracranial circulation. This actually promotes healthy and stronger hair growth.  If you are looking for authentic Ayurvedic Treatment in Dubai, Dr Jasna’s can help you out.

Types Of Indian Ayurvedic Head Massages

There are various types of Indian Ayurvedic head massages recommended by Ayurveda. Let’s take a look at them.

Shiro Abhyanga

The word Shiro Abhyanga is derived from a Sanskrit term. Shiro means head and Abhyanga means massage. The method involves the massage of head, neck, and shoulders using Ayurvedic herbal oils. These are the most common areas affected by stress. It is super beneficial for reducing pain and stress in the regions. 

Diseases/Conditions Treated with  Shiro Abhyanga

A clinical study done at K.V.G. Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital found that Shiro Abhyanga can be helpful in lowering several diseases, suggesting its medicinal potential. The Ayurvedic treatment also helps with 

  • Stress and anxiety

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Insomnia or sleep disorders

  • Tension in the neck and shoulders

  • Hair-related issues

  • Sinus congestion or headaches related to sinusitis

  • Mental fatigue

  • Improving overall mental well-being

The procedure of Shiro Abhyanga

  • Warm Ayurvedic oils are chosen based on individual constitution or specific therapeutic goals.

  • The warm oil is gently massaged onto the scalp in a slow, rhythmic manner.

  • Circular and linear movements are primarily used, covering the entire scalp, including the forehead and neck.

  • The massage normally lasts for about 15 to 30 minutes, allowing the oil to penetrate and nourish the scalp.

  • Gentle to moderate pressure is applied, promoting relaxation without causing discomfort.

Shirodhara

This traditional Ayurvedic therapy includes a continuous stream of herbal oils poured into the forehead, targeting the third eye area. Ayurvedic practitioners suggest that the therapy contributes to the overall well-being of hair health. These are some of the best ways Shirodhara helps with hair follicles.

  • Reduced Stress

  • Balancing Dosha

  • Improved Blood Circulation

  • Nourishing scalp and hair

Stress is a major component that can cause hair loss. Shirodhara is believed to create a profound level of relaxation, lowering stress and boosting overall mental well-being, which may result in a huge benefit for hair health.

The procedure of Shirodhara

  • The person lies down on a comfortable surface, and a towel is placed around the forehead to prevent oil from dripping onto the face.

  • A specific type of warm oil, such as sesame or coconut oil, is chosen based on the individual's (dosha) or the specific purpose of the treatment.

  • A continuous and gentle stream of warm oil is poured in a rhythmic motion onto the center of the forehead, just above the eyebrows (the "third eye" area).

  • The therapist will simultaneously massage the forehead or perform specific movements.

  • The pouring of oil typically continues for about 30 to 60 minutes, allowing the oil to flow over the scalp and through the hair.

Shirovasti

Shirovasti is another Ayurvedic medicinal method that involves applying medicated oil to the scalp for a set period of time. This treatment will provide a variety of benefits for the scalp, hair, and neurological system. Shirovasti's medicinal oils are also known to be effective for many scalp-related skin problems such as psoriasis or eczema.

Diseases/Conditions Treated with Shirovasti

Shirovasti treatment also helps with conditions including 

  • Migraine and Headaches

  • Insomnia and Sleep Disorders

  • Stress and Anxiety

  • Neurological Disorders

  • Hair and Scalp Conditions

  • Dizziness and Vertigo

  • Tension and Muscle Stiffness

  • Memory Enhancement

  • Skin Conditions of the Scalp

The Procedure of Shirovasti 

  • A herbal oil, often containing specific Ayurvedic herbs, is prepared based on the individual's constitution and health condition.

  • A thick dough made from black gram flour is used to create a cap that covers the head. This cap, called "Shirovasti cap," is designed to hold and contain the herbal oil.

  • The prepared herbal oil is applied to the scalp and hair, ensuring complete coverage.

  • The cap made of thick dough is carefully placed on the head, creating a sealed chamber around the scalp to prevent the oil from leaking.

  • The edges of the dough cap are sealed securely to the forehead, creating a tight seal. 

Thalapothichil

Thalapothichil is an Ayurvedic treatment that applies an herbal paste to the scalp. This traditional Ayurvedic therapy has been shown to possess therapeutic effects on the hair and scalp, hence improving overall hair health. The phrase "Thalapothichil" comes from the Malayalam language ( a region language in India), where "thala" means head and "pothichil" means covering.

Diseases/Conditions Treated with Thalapotichil 

  • Hair Loss (Alopecia)

  • Dandruff and Scalp Conditions

  • Premature Graying of Hair

  • Dry and Damaged Hair

  • Scalp Itchiness and Irritation

The Procedure of Thalapotichil 

  • Choose herbs like Amla, Bhringraj, Neem, Brahmi, Henna, etc.

  • Grind selected herbs into a fine powder.

  • Mix the powder with water or other natural ingredients to create a paste.

  • Gently apply the herbal paste to the entire scalp, covering hair from roots to tips.

  • Leave the paste on the scalp for a specific time (duration varies).