PROCEDURE OF SHIRO ABHYANGA

PROCEDURE OF SHIRO ABHYANGA

Shiro Abhyanga is a specialized form of massage focusing on the head region. It is a vital component of Panchakarma therapy, aimed at promoting relaxation, improving circulation, and balancing doshas in the head and neck area. Shiro Abhyanga helps alleviate stress, headaches, insomnia, and neurological disorders.

DEFINITION
Shiro Abhyanga (शिरो अभ्यङ्ग) refers to the therapeutic massage of the scalp, neck, face, and shoulders using medicated oils.

CLASSICAL REFERENCES

• Ashtanga Hridaya
  शिरो अभ्यङ्गं तैलेन वातहरं गुरुं स्निग्धं च॥
  (अष्टाङ्ग हृदयम्, सुत्री द्वितीयः ५३)
  Shiro abhyangam tailena vataharam gurum snigdham cha
  Meaning: Shiro Abhyanga with oil is heavy, unctuous, and alleviates Vata dosha.

• Charaka Samhita
  अभ्यङ्गः स्निग्धः सुखकरः स्फुटः स्यान्नरोत्तमाय।
  (चरक संहिता, सुत्री स्तान २८/१७)
  Abhyangah snigdhah sukha karah sphutah syannarottamaya
  Meaning: Abhyanga is unctuous, pleasant, and beneficial for the best human health.

• Sushruta Samhita
  शिरसा अभ्यङ्गः शीतः स्नेहमयः स्निग्धः च।
  (सुश्रुत संहिता, शारीरस्थान ४/९)
  Shirasa abhyangah sheetah snehamayah snigdhah cha
  Meaning: Massage of the head is cooling, oily, and unctuous.

INDICATIONS

• To relieve Vata disorders such as headache (शिरशूल), dizziness (वर्तिका), and insomnia (अनिद्रा).

• To improve scalp and hair health.

• To reduce stress and mental fatigue.

• In neurological conditions like migraine and facial palsy.

• Enhances circulation and lymphatic drainage in the head and neck region.

MATERIALS REQUIRED

• Medicated oils (e.g., Brahmi Taila, Ksheerabala Taila, or other tailor-made oils as per patient constitution).

• Cotton cloth or towels for draping.

• Comfortable massage table or seating arrangement.

• Warm water for oil heating.

PREPARATION OF THE PATIENT

• Patient should be in a relaxed, seated or supine position.

• Remove any headgear, jewelry, or hair accessories.

• Ensure the room temperature is comfortable and free from disturbances.

• Warm the oil to an optimal temperature (body temperature or slightly warm) before application.

PROCEDURE

• INITIAL ASSESSMENT: Examine scalp and neck for tenderness or any skin conditions.

• OIL APPLICATION: Begin by pouring warm medicated oil onto the scalp and neck region.

• MASSAGE TECHNIQUE:

  • Use gentle, rhythmic strokes with fingertips and palms.

  • Start from the vertex of the scalp and move towards the forehead, temples, occiput, and neck.

  • Include circular motions on the temples and base of the skull.

  • Massage the ears gently and behind the ears to stimulate cranial nerves.

  • Duration typically lasts 15–30 minutes.

• POST MASSAGE: Allow oil to remain on the scalp for 30 minutes to 1 hour to facilitate absorption.

• CLEANSING: Wash hair with mild herbal shampoo or warm water after the stipulated time.

PRECAUTIONS

• Avoid excessive pressure to prevent aggravation of Kapha dosha.

• Do not perform if scalp is infected or inflamed.

• Tailor oil choice to patient’s dosha and allergy profile.

• Avoid massage immediately after heavy meals.

• Avoid if patient has fever or contagious diseases.

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS

• Improves blood circulation in scalp and cerebral regions.

• Stimulates nerve endings and cranial nerves, promoting neuro-hormonal balance.

• Enhances secretion of sebum, improving scalp hydration.

• Activates parasympathetic nervous system resulting in relaxation and reduced anxiety.

MODERN MEDICAL PERSPECTIVE

• Scalp massage is known to increase local microcirculation (vascular perfusion), promoting nutrient and oxygen supply to hair follicles (Roberts et al., 2019).

• Massage activates mechanoreceptors, leading to release of endorphins and reduction of cortisol, beneficial in stress-related disorders (Field, 2016).

• The effect on autonomic nervous system modulates heart rate variability and reduces sympathetic overactivity (Keller et al., 2020).

• Useful adjunct in management of tension-type headaches and migraine due to reduction in muscle tension and enhanced blood flow (Buse et al., 2020).

BENEFITS

• Enhances mental clarity and reduces mental fatigue.

• Promotes healthy hair growth and prevents premature graying.

• Alleviates symptoms of anxiety, stress, and insomnia.

• Provides relief from headaches and neck stiffness.

• Improves lymphatic drainage reducing edema in head and neck.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Acute infections or wounds on scalp.

• Severe skin allergies or dermatitis.

• Post-cranial surgery or trauma without medical clearance.

• High fever or systemic infections.