Shiro Abhyanga
Shiro Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic head, neck and shoulder massage using warm, medicated herbal oils to nourish the scalp, calm the mind, and relieve tension.
About Shiro Abhyanga
Shiro Abhyanga—literally ‘head massage’ in Sanskrit—is a therapeutic Ayurvedic oil massage focused on the scalp, neck, shoulders, and upper back. Performed with warm herbal oils chosen according to your prakriti and current dosha imbalance, the massage employs circular, tapping, and pressure-point strokes, emphasizing key marma points to enhance circulation, nerve function, and sensory organ health. It deeply relaxes the nervous system, promotes restful sleep, relieves headache and mental fatigue, and nourishes hair and scalp tissues.
Treatment Process
Consultation
An Ayurvedic practitioner assesses your constitution and chooses appropriate herbal oil formulations (e.g. Nilibhringadi, Kshirabala, Brahmi Taila).
Preparation (Poorva Karma)
You’re seated comfortably; the selected oil is gently warmed before application.
Main Massage (Pradhana Karma)
Warm oil is applied to the scalp, forehead, neck and shoulders using circular, tapping and directional strokes. Focus is placed on marma points and including temple, nape, shoulders as well. Massage lasts 30–40 min.
Rest
After massage, you rest quietly for 10–15 minutes to allow oil absorption.
Post‑Care (Paschat Karma)
Excess oil is wiped with a warm towel; hair is gently washed later with herbal shampoo. Avoid chemical soaps.
Benefits
- Reduces stress, anxiety and mental fatigue
- Relieves headaches and migraines
- Promotes sound sleep
- Strengthens hair roots and reduces hair fall
- Improves scalp nourishment and prevents dandruff
- Enhances blood circulation and nerve function in the head and neck
- Balances Vata and Pitta doshas
- Improves concentration, memory and mental clarity
Recommendations
- •Undergo treatment on a light or empty stomach
- •Avoid strenuous activity or meetings immediately after
- •Keep hair loosely tied or uncovered to allow the oil to breathe afterward
- •Delay hair washing for a few hours to allow deeper absorption
- •Drink warm water and rest after the session
Contraindications
- •Acute fever or infection
- •Open wounds or dermatological conditions on head/neck
- •Severe sinusitis, congestion or ENT inflammation
- •Recent surgery in head/neck region
- •Pregnancy in early trimester without physician approval
Related Treatments
Shirodhara
Continuous pouring of herbal oil on the forehead to calm the mind and nervous system.
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