Shiro-Abhyanga Head Massage



Ayurvedic head massage focuses on the shoulders, neck, face and head, the areas most vulnerable to stress and tension. The head massage induces a state of calm, peace and tranquility and promotes high levels of alertness and concentration.

During the Ayurvedic Head Massage, Ayurvedic oil will be kept for a suitable period on the head of an individual. This is called Moordha taila or oiling of the head.


Four types of Shiro-Abhyanga

1. Shirobhyanga – anointing the head with oil
2. Shirodara or shirahsheka – pouring oil on the head
3. Shirahapichu – keeping a cloth dipped in oil on the head
4. Shirovasti – oil is kept on the head with an apparatus or holder


What are the results of the Head massage?

  • a wonderful and beneficial programme for de-stressing the whole body
  • an increase of the flow of cerebro-spinal fluids, thus strengthening the nervous system
  • a dispersion of toxins from tense and knotted muscles, improvement of blood circulation in previously congested muscles and helps oxygenate the brain
  • helpful against eyestrain, tinitus, jaw ache and sinusitis, stimulates lymphatic drainage and aids sleep
  • it helps to remove the toxins and other side effects caused by the use of dyes, etc.
  • the massage has the effect of nourishing the hair roots and prevents excessive hair loss

For both men and women, old and young, head massage can be the most relaxing treatment and when combined with neck and shoulder treatments it will leave the client feeling elated.


Some background: Marmas and Head massage

Marmas or life centers can be considered as vital points in the body where the subtle energy of Prana is converted, regulated and stored for use by the gross body and mind. They are also sites of the Tridosha (Vata, Pitta & Kapha). In total there are 108 Marmas throughout the body and 12 from these are classified as Padu Marmas or Vital life centers. Six from the 12 vital life centres are located in the head and neck region alone. This shows how very critical and vital the head and neck region is in relation to the whole of our physio-psychological functioning.

Obstruction of Prana or Life energy, due to external accidents and injuries and also psychological disturbances due to passions etc, can be felt in the Marmas. The Marmas are subtle and invisible but their state can be understood among other things by means of touch.

An Ayurvedic or Siddha diagnosis (pulse reading) is also essential to establish and confirm this fact. We may often suffer discomfort and pain in certain parts of our body and not understand the reason why. It could be due to knocking or banging accidentally a Marma. A sprain in some part of the neck due to a bad pillow could cause such a problem too.

It is also generally understood and experienced that Ayurvedic Head Massage is especially useful in treating the following health conditions: anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, coeliac disease, colitis, constipation, crohn's disease, depression, diarrhea, headaches, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, insomnia, pain relief, peptic ulcers, sinusitis, stress.