Shiroabhayanga refers to ‘head massage with oil’. Shiroabhayanga is an excellent combination of the Shirodhara and Abhayanga treatments into one. After giving Shirodhara, Abhayanga is provided. The process starts with gentle drizzling of warmed medicated oils onto the forehead for over 45 minutes. This melts away all chatter and mental activity leaving the mind calm, cooled and refreshed. Then gentle but firm hand massage movements of Abhayanga are given to the entire head, neck and shoulders. This loosens tight muscles and encourages much needed blood circulation that flooding the head with oxygen-rich blood and help to remove harmful toxins. This process nourishes the five senses by focusing on the ‘marma’ or energetic points, many of which are located around the head. 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. These points, when gently massaged have a huge calming and balancing effect throughout the body and nervous system.
Shiroabhayanga is recommended for persons with regular headaches/migraine, high stress levels, insomnia, scalp problems and clouded or frustrated mind.
The benefits of Shiroabhayanga are :
- deep relaxation
- balancing of the nervous system
- improved and enhanced sensor perception
- improved blood circulation in the brain
- strengthened hair roots
- improved hair condition
- promotes natural detoxification of the lymph glands around the neck and armpits.