Bikram Yoga
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Hair and Scalp Massage: The Ayurvedic Secret for Gorgeous Hair
   
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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:
1. It lubricates and conditions the scalp, helping to prevent
flakes and dry scalp without the use of harsh chemical shampoos.
2. It helps enhance blood circulation in the head and neck area.
When the scalp is "tight" from stress, circulation and hair
growth are impeded. 3. It helps relax the scalp and increase
pliability. 4. It helps strengthen the roots of the hair and
nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting new hair growth and
strengthening current hair. 5. It helps soften and condition the
hair, making it more manageable. 6. It spreads the natural oils
of the hair, increasing hair luster and vibrancy. 7. It helps
protect hair from the damaging effects of the sun and harsh
weather by improving resiliency over time. 8. It is replenishing
and rejuvenating for dry, damaged hair, and helps prevent
excessive brittleness and split-ends. 9. 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. 10. When fortified with cooling,
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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
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promote emotional balance. 11. The massage helps relax the
muscles in the neck area. 12. 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 conditions 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#8212;place a
thick towel over your pillow to protect your linens. Shampoo out
with a gentle, natural shampoo.
Note: This information is educational in nature and is not
intended to replace standard meducal care or advice. If you have
a medical condition, please consult your physician.
About the author:
Shreelata Suresh is a yoga instructor who lives in the Bay Area.
She writes for various publications on yoga, ayurveda and Indian
culture. For more articles on ayurveda and premier ayurvedic
products, please visit http://www.ayurbalance.com.
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