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Ayurveda
Hair and Scalp Massage
The Ayurvedic Secret for Gorgeous Hair
by Shreelata Suresh
 According to
Ayurveda, a healthy beautiful head of hair requires an ongoing care
routine that starts with nourishment. Why wait until you experience hair
problems? As with your skin, start taking care of it now, and you'll reap
the benefits for years to come.
Massaging the
scalp and hair with warm oil, preferably infused with hair-friendly herbs,
is the best way to nourish the scalp and hair topically. Not only does the
massage work wonders for your hair, but it also relaxes the mind and
nervous system. The oil for the massage can be customized by hair and body
type. If your hair is thin, dry and frizzy and prone to split-ends, you
have Vata hair. If you have fine hair prone to premature thinning or
graying, you are Pitta-predominant. If you are predominantly Kapha, your
hair will tend to be thick and oily.
The Benefits
A warm oil massage, done at least once a week (if you have more Vata in
your make-up, you would want to try to do it two to three times a week),
has the following benefits:
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It lubricates
and conditions the scalp, helping to prevent flakes and dry scalp without
the use of harsh chemical shampoos.
-
It helps
enhance blood circulation in the head and neck area. When the scalp is
"tight" from stress, circulation and hair growth are impeded.
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It helps relax
the scalp and increase pliability.
-
It helps
strengthen the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting
new hair growth and strengthening current hair.
-
It helps soften
and condition the hair, making it more manageable.
-
It spreads the
natural oils of the hair, increasing hair luster and vibrancy.
-
It helps
protect hair from the damaging effects of the sun and harsh weather by
improving resiliency over time.
-
It is
replenishing and rejuvenating for dry, damaged hair, and helps prevent
excessive brittleness and split-ends.
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It helps pacify
Vata dosha. Especially when enriched with Vata-pacifying herbs, a warm oil
hair and scalp massage can be wonderfully relaxing for the mind and
nervous system.
When fortified
with cooling, Pitta-pacifying herbs, the hair and scalp massage can help
balance Pitta dosha and help prevent Pitta-related problems such as
premature graying or thinning of hair. It also helps reduce body heat in
general, especially if you have been up late a few nights or your eyes are
smarting from too much close work on the computer or reading. A Pitta-pacifying
massage also helps promote emotional balance.
The massage helps relax the muscles in the neck area.
The hair and
scalp massage can help promote sound sleep at night.
Choosing a Massage Oil
If you are
Vata-predominant, choose almond oil or sesame oil as the base oil. Both of
these oils are very nourishing for the scalp and hair and help reduce
stiffness and tightness in the scalp.
For Pitta
persons, cooling coconut oil is the ideal choice. Because coconut is very
Pitta-pacifying, coconut oil massage can retard hair problems such as
thinning and premature graying that are associated with an aggravated
Pitta dosha.
If you are
Kapha-predominant, sesame or olive oil are good choices. Olive oil has
purifying properties that help keep pores open.
While massaging
with a dosha-appropriate base oil can be helpful, Ayurvedic oils designed
for hair and scalp massage typically include one or more hair-friendly
herbs to augment the benefit of the massage. Traditionally, these herbs
are slow-cooked with the oil, and the oil is then strained and ready for
use.
Brahmi helps
calm the mind and nervous system, pacifies Vata and is very nourishing for
the hair. It helps promote hair thickness and body. Amalaki is cooling,
nourishing and purifying all at the same time, so it is wonderful for all
types of hair. It is especially beneficial for Pitta-predominant people
because it pacifies Pitta and helps ward off premature thinning and
graying of hair. It also helps prevent dry scalp and flakes. Bhringaraj,
which translates to 'king of tresses', is also Pitta-pacifying and very
nourishing for the hair. Hibiscus is cooling and helps maintain hair color
and vitality. Neem is good for Kapha hair; it has purifying and cleansing
properties. Rosemary and Lavender are excellent for all types of hair.
Rosemary helps stimulate hair follicles and promotes growth, helps retard
premature thinning and graying, and soothes and cnditions the scalp.
Lavender stimulates hair growth, balances oil production and replenishes
the hair and scalp. Jasmine helps alleviate stress.
How to Do the Scalp and Hair
Self-Massage
Pour some oil
into a bowl and warm the oil by placing the bowl in some hot water. The
oil should be warm but comfortable to the touch.
Using the pads
of your fingers, apply the oil little by little to different parts of your
scalp, parting your hair as needed. Also work some oil along the length of
your hair. Then, using the pads of your fingers, work the oil into your
scalp, using circular motions. Slow, deliberate movements are relaxing
while steady but vigorous movement helps enhance energy and circulation.
Cover your entire scalp, all the way down the sides to your ears and at
the back to your neck. Leave the oil on for at least 30-60 minutes, longer
if you can. If you like, you can dip a towel in hot water, wring it out,
and wrap it around your head after your massage for added conditioning and
softening of hair. You can even leave the oil on overnight - place a thick
towel over your pillow to protect your linens. Shampoo out with a gentle,
natural shampoo.
September 19, 2004
Shreelata Suresh is a yoga
instructor from the Bay Area, and she writes on yoga and Ayurveda for
different publications. To subscribe to free newsletters on Ayurveda, or
for more information, please visit
http://www.ayurbalance.com.
Disclaimer:
Information provided in this article is for the sole purpose of imparting education on
Ayurveda and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician.
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