Quick and healthy hair growth is something that we all starve for, and if you are too struggling with the pace at which your hair grows and you are clueless about what to do about it then I think this article is meant for you and only you.
Our hair grows out of tiny pockets present in our skin, known as ‘Follicles’. The roots from which hair grows are made up of highly rich protein cells. Our scalp is completely covered with blood vessels that feed the blood, giving rise to more and more cells, thereby making the hair grow.
The rate at which one’s hair growth is affected and determined as per their genetics, health, hormones, or hair damage. But on average, it is said that hair grows half an inch in a month. or six inches in a year.
As per Ayurvedic context, it considers and compares the human body to a tree. It says that the head of the human body resembles the root of a tree, the thorax and abdomen act as the trunk of the tree, and the branches of the tree are considered as the limbs of the human body.
In the nourishment of the roos affects the functioning of the tree, our head acts, in the same manner, it is the Uta manga or the predominant part of our body.
Ayurvedic aid to hair growth – Murdha Taila
In Ayurvedic medical texts, various treatment procedures are mentioned for the head, and all of these treatments are collectively known as Murdha Taila.
Murtha taila in lay man’s language means the application of oil over the head. There are 4 sub-types of hair oil treatment which are:
- Shiro Abhyanga – Normal basic Head Massage
- Shiro Seka/Shiro Dhara – Here We Pour medicated oil over the head.
- Shiro Pichu – In you keep cotton dipped in oil over the vertex/top of the head.
- Shiro Vasti – In this pooling/oil is kept in a dam on the head.
Every treatment/ method listed above comes along with its benefits but according to ayurvedic scholar Vagbhata, these methods are only highly effective when performed in the above-mentioned chronological order.
Ayurvedic treatise emphasizes the regular application of oil on the head, ears, and soles. It has been advised that one use make daily head massage a daily habit.
It is said that therapeutic head massage or timely head massages should be performed according to the body constitution for the prevention of Vata aggravation, psychosomatic diseases, and neurological conditions.
Hair And Scalp Oiling Prevents Hair Growth
The Shiro abhyanga helps in improving blood circulation to the head.
By oiling your scalp immensely, it reduces the dryness from it due to its Snigdha or oily property. It is recommended that the oil must be heated up at the time of application because the temperature of the oil creates a soothing impact on the surface onto which it is applied. The heat of the temperature causes our blood vessels to dilate, which helps in increasing blood circulation towards the scalp and promotes healing, evacuation, and cleansing of secretory passages of sebaceous glands resulting in further more enchased absorption of oil.
Procedure To Perform Shiro Abhyanga At Home
One has to massage his/her daily and the daily regimen head massage includes soft and gentle massaging of the scalp with the fingertips. By regularly oiling your hair you can easily present hair fall to a certain noticeable extend. Not just this Shiro abhyanga has various other benefits too.
When you apply oil to your head it makes the scalp Snigdha or unctuous which then pacifies Vata and reduces the dryness, and also prevents dandruff. The herbs which are infused in the oil have certain qualities that have their own added benefit to the body. Like one of the herbs included is Brahmi which is very effective in managing anxiety. It is a tonic to the brain which helps in enhancing memory, intelligence, and longevity.
Advantages of Shiro Abhyanga
- It rejuvenates and enhances the central nervous system’s health.
- Improves one’s vision, eye refraction errors, and eye strain.
- Provides relief from pain, headaches, migraines, stress, and insomnia.
- Helps in getting rid of head dryness and itchy scalp.
- Enhances the hair growth rate and nourishes the hair roots.
- Prevents premature greying of hair.
- Protects from the diseases that originated from Vata mainly degenerative diseases.
- Provides prevention of diseases about body, mind, and sense organs.
More About Shiro Abhyanga
It is mandatory to assess one’s Prakriti i.e the body constitution and Vikriti before practicing Shiro Abhyanga as a treatment for any particular condition. The Ayurvedic parameters for diagnosing and trendy diagnostic procedures will facilitate in examining the wellness condition.
In certain medical conditions, the patients are required to trim (as short as possible) or shave off their hair. After doing so, the selection of the right oil is done according to the patient’s constitution and diseases.
Everything You Need To Know About Ayurvedic Oil
When using ayurvedic oil for Vata and Kapha conditions, it is necessary to heat the oil a little. whereas when using oil for diseases with the predominance of pitta, the oil should be used at room temperature.
The most important thing to be remembered is that the oil used for abhyanga should only be heated on indirect flame. Double boiler technic should be used to heat the oil. The oil should be passive warm so that it does not lose its medicinal properties.
Clinical Point Of View On Shiro Abhyanga
According to the clinical research, it is said Ayurvedic therapy including Shiro abhyanga is very safe and effective and has shown noticeable improvement in balance in patients with progressive degenerative cerebellar ataxia.
In Ayurveda, anxiety which is defined as an unpleasant emotion is described as chittodwega. Detailed research on the same has concluded a significant decrease in sleep disturbance, restlessness, fear, depression, and anxiety.
It is advised to get the head massage once every 3 days for 15 minutes in 5 patterns which are done in 7 sitting on 30 patients.
Most of the subjects tend to feel stress relief and experience sound sleep from the very first session.
Please Note: Some of the ayurvedic treatments have not been well researched and might be harmful. So, it is recommended to consult a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner.
