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BY DR. AKHILESH SHARMA
Dr. Akhilesh Sharma serves as Chief Physician and Director of Research and Development for Multani Pharmaceuticals, manufacturer of over 400 Ayurvedic medicines and herbal products. He is Ayurvedic Advisor to the Minister of Health in New Delhi and has received the Dhanvantari Award and the Chikitsa Shiromani Award for his contributions to the field of Ayurveda.
Tel: 786-462-7702
e-mail: ayurvedatoday@hotmail.com
Web: www.ayuredatoday.org
Shiro Abhyanga or Head massage:
The head is the center of the whole nervous system. It is the first organ, which is formed in the process of development of the fetus. The top of the cranium is called Brahmarandhra in yoga and is also known as the tenth gate. Head massage is done very carefully to this part.
As we know, all the important structures like cerebrum, cerebellum, mid brain, pons and the sense organs like eyes, nose, ears, tongue and skin are located in the head. So massage of the head provides nourishment to all these vital organs and promotes their natural and normal functions. Also there are three important spots on the head.
1) Brahmarandhra is a soft part at birth- anterior fontanel, which later on gets hard slowly. A pad with oil or cotton is put on this spot after birth.2) Second spot is where there is the cowlick. The hairs at this spot turn in the form of a whirl- clockwise or anti clockwise. This area is also known as crest or shikha.3) The third spot is where the neck meets the skull- the place of the brain stem or medulla oblongata. While doing massage on the head, these three spots are carefully massaged. No patting pounding or kneading is done on the head. Head massage is particularly beneficial before bathing in the morning to gently awaken the nerves.
Head massage is especially useful for following
It prevents and cures headaches.
It prevents and cures hair fall by making hair roots very strong.
It prevents and cures premature graying of hair.
It prevents and cures baldness.
It makes the hair long, soft and glossy.
It prevents and cures refraction errors of the eyes.
It endows a person with sound sleep.
Auto head massage done in the evening, helps remove the stress of the day and promotes peaceful sleep.
Technique
Start pouring oil on the top of the head. This oil is then spread all over the head by using fingers to the sides of the skull up to the temples. Try to go along the seemanta marma points and massage the scalp. Then it should be poured on the second spot- shikha. By rubbing oil all over the head hairs are twisted clockwise. Lastly press the head with two hands from forward to back and backward to forward.
When oil is applied to the head it gets absorbed in the scalp and reaches to the roots of the hair. This nourishes, lubricates and strengthens the hair roots and skin of the scalp preventing hair loss and premature graying. It helps to improve circulation to head relaxing the muscles & nerve fibers. This helps to refresh both mind and the body and relieves tension and fatigue. Massage to the head improves circulation of spinal fluid around the brain & spinal cord. It also increases the release of hormones and enzymes necessary for the growth of brain and relaxation of the body. Massage to the head increases Prana, the subtle aspect of Vata dosha to the body. Massage to eyebrows and forehead improves eyesight and power of concentration. Head massage should be included in the daily schedule.
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