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Shiro Abhyanga: Ayurvedic head massge

Shiro Abhyanga – Ayurvedic Head Massage for Stress Relief, Hair Health & Mental Wellness

Shiro Abhyanga, a traditional Ayurvedic therapy, is more than just a head massage—it’s a healing ritual for the mind, body, and soul. Falling under Murdha Taila and classified as a form of Bahya Snehana (external oleation), Shiro Abhyanga is part of Purva Karma, the preparatory stage of Panchakarma.

In today’s fast-paced, tech-heavy lifestyle, Shiro Abhyanga serves as a powerful antidote to:

  • Mental fatigue

  • Screen-time stress

  • Poor sleep

  • Hair fall due to pollution and chemical exposure


🔶 Book Your Shiro Abhyanga Session Today!

For a free consultation with our top Ayurvedic doctors and therapists, download the AyurCare App on Play Store
or visit your nearest Adyant Ayurveda center in Jayanagar, Indiranagar, Kalyan Nagar, or Rajarajeshwari Nagar.


🧠 Ayurvedic Understanding of Shiro Abhyanga

According to Ayurveda, the head is the seat of the mind (Manas) and houses the Indriyas (sensory organs). Shiro Abhyanga stimulates these vital centers, promoting the flow of Prana (life energy) to the brain. This calms the nervous system and helps restore mental and emotional balance.


📚 Classical & Scientific References

  • Ashtanga Hridaya: Recommends daily head massage (Murdhani Tailam) for vitality and longevity.

  • Charaka Samhita: Declares the head as Uttamanga (most vital organ) and encourages oil massage to balance doshas and relieve fatigue.

  • Bhavaprakasha: Advocates the use of Brahmi Taila and Kshirabala Taila for memory, calmness, and hair health.

  • Modern research confirms that head massage reduces cortisol, improves sleep, and boosts scalp circulation.


⚖️ Dosha-Based Shiro Abhyanga Customization

DoshaSymptomsRecommended OilsMassage Approach
VataDry scalp, anxiety, insomniaKshirabala, Ashwagandhadi TailaSlow, grounding strokes
PittaIrritability, burning sensation, hair fallBrahmi, Chandanadi TailaCooling, gentle strokes
KaphaOily scalp, heaviness, lethargyTriphaladi, KarpurasavaStimulating, brisk motions

🧴 Herbal Oils Used in Shiro Abhyanga

  • Nilibhringadi Kera Taila

  • Kshirabala Taila

  • Cheriya Bhringamalakadi Taila

  • Kuntalakanti Taila

  • Chemparuthyadi Kera Taila

  • Brahmi Taila

  • Keshyam Taila

  • Triphaladi Taila

These oils are selected based on your Prakriti (body constitution) and health concerns.


🔄 Procedure of Shiro Abhyanga

1. Poorva Karma (Preparation)

  • Comfortable seating

  • Oil is gently warmed using indirect heat

2. Pradhana Karma (Main Massage)

  • Warmed oil applied to the scalp

  • Massage includes circular motions, tapping, and gentle pressure

  • Focus on temples, forehead, neck, and shoulders

3. Paschat Karma (Post-care)

  • 15-minute rest

  • Warm water head bath with herbal shampoo

  • Avoid chemical soaps

📌 Direction of strokes should be in Anuloma Gati (natural downward direction) as per Chikitsa Manjari.


🕒 Duration and Frequency

  • Each session lasts 30–40 minutes

  • Massage strokes: 4–5 minutes each

  • Ideal frequency:

    • Daily for children and high-stress adults

    • Every other day or once every 3 days for others


🌿 Marmas and Their Importance in Shiro Abhyanga

Out of the 108 Marmas (vital points) in the body, 6 Padu Marmas are in the head and neck. Regular head massage stimulates these points to:

  • Improve brain function

  • Support eye health

  • Enhance sensory and motor coordination


✅ Shiro Abhyanga Benefits

  • Relieves stress, anxiety, and insomnia

  • Prevents headaches and migraines

  • Improves vision and eye strength

  • Strengthens the nervous system and sensory organs

  • Reduces premature greying, hair fall, and dandruff

  • Enhances hair growth and scalp nourishment

  • Improves skin texture and facial muscle tone


🚩 Indications for Shiro Abhyanga

  • Dry, itchy scalp

  • Stress and Vata disorders

  • Conditions like Darunaka (dandruff), Khalitya (baldness), Palitya (premature greying)

  • Ideal for all age groups as a preventive wellness routine


⚠️ Contraindications

  • Indigestion, acute fever (Nava Jwara)

  • After heavy meals

  • During Kapha disorders or post-Panchakarma therapies

  • After Snehapana or Tarpana Kriya


📍 Shiro Abhyanga in Bangalore – Visit Adyant Ayurveda

Experience the magic of Shiro Abhyanga at Adyant Ayurveda, the best Ayurvedic center in Bangalore.
📍 We are located in:

  • Jayanagar

  • Indiranagar

  • Kalyan Nagar

  • Rajarajeshwari Nagar

👉 Book your affordable Ayurvedic head massage today!
Contact us now or download the AyurCare App from the Play Store.

 

🌿 Final Thoughts

Shiro Abhyanga is more than just a relaxing head massage—it’s a powerful Ayurvedic therapy for mental clarity, emotional stability, and holistic health. Incorporate it into your routine to unlock long-term benefits for your mind, hair, sleep, and nervous system.

🧘‍♀️ Embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda. Experience Shiro Abhyanga with Adyant Ayurveda today.


 

📚 Related Blog Posts 

Abhyanga: The Full Ayurvedic Body Massage

Panchakarma Treatment

Navarakizhi and Navara Facial: The Ayurvedic Beauty Therapy

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Shiro Abhyanga

1. What is Shiro Abhyanga?

Shiro Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic head massage therapy that involves applying warm medicated oils to the scalp, neck, and shoulders. It promotes relaxation, improves scalp health, and enhances mental clarity.


2. What are the benefits of Shiro Abhyanga?

Shiro Abhyanga helps reduce stress, promotes sound sleep, relieves headaches and migraines, enhances concentration, nourishes hair roots, and supports nervous system function.


3. Which oils are used in Shiro Abhyanga?

Commonly used oils include Brahmi Taila, Bhringamalakadi Taila, Kshirabala Taila, Triphaladi Taila, and Neelibhringadi Kera Taila. The choice of oil depends on your dosha and specific health conditions.


4. Is Shiro Abhyanga good for hair fall and dandruff?

Yes, Shiro Abhyanga strengthens hair follicles, reduces hair fall, prevents dandruff, and promotes healthy hair growth by improving blood circulation to the scalp.


5. Can Shiro Abhyanga help with insomnia and anxiety?

Absolutely. The calming effect of the warm herbal oils and rhythmic massage soothes the nervous system and helps in managing stress, anxiety, and insomnia.


6. How often should I do Shiro Abhyanga?

For best results, Shiro Abhyanga can be done 2–3 times a week. People with chronic stress or hair issues can even do it daily under guidance.


7. Is Shiro Abhyanga safe during pregnancy?

It can be done during pregnancy with mild oils and gentle strokes under professional supervision. However, always consult an Ayurvedic doctor before beginning the therapy.


8. Are there any side effects of Shiro Abhyanga?

Shiro Abhyanga is generally safe. However, it should be avoided during fever, cold, indigestion, or acute Kapha disorders. Post-procedure rest is recommended.


9. Can I do Shiro Abhyanga at home?

Yes, with the right oil and technique, you can do a simplified version at home. However, for therapeutic results, professional Shiro Abhyanga is more effective.


10. Where can I get the best Shiro Abhyanga treatment in Bangalore?

You can visit Adyant Ayurveda at our centers in Jayanagar, Indiranagar, Kalyan Nagar, and Rajarajeshwari Nagar. Our expert therapists and doctors ensure a holistic Ayurvedic experience.
📲 Download our app AyurCare” to book your appointment or get a free consultation.


 

 

Dr. Shree Lakshmi

Dr. Shree Lakshmi, with over 25 years of expertise in Ayurveda, Dr. Shree Lakshmi is a senior Ayurvedic physician at Adyant Ayurveda. She specializes in advanced Panchakarma therapies and holistic treatment of chronic conditions. Known for her compassionate approach and deep understanding of dosha-based healing, Dr. Shree Lakshmi has helped thousands of patients regain balance and wellness naturally.