YO1 Longevity & Health Resorts, Catskills


Map

Call

SHIRO ABHYANGA - THE AYURVEDIC HEAD MASSAGE

What is Shiro Abhyanga Therapy?


Shiro Abhyanga is a Sanskrit term comprised of two words: Shiro (head) and Abhyanga (massage). Shiro Abhyanga essentially means a complete massage of the head, neck, and shoulders using Ayurvedic herbal oils. These are the areas that are most affected by stress, which is why this Ayurvedic head massage is beneficial in reducing pain and stress in these regions.
 
 

How Shiro Abhyanga Works


Shiro Abhyanga treatment is a synchronized combination of two distinct Ayurvedic treatments – Shirodhara and Abhyanga.

Shirodhara is performed by pouring a relaxing and gentle flow of herbal massage oil formulations on the scalp, forehead, and neck. Abhyanga is a gentle massage on the forehead, head, neck, and shoulders so the oil formulation on these parts of the body take effect.

Hence, Shiro Abhyanga is an Ayurvedic massage therapy that works in two different processes that are administered consecutively.
Person lying on a table receiving a stream of liquid poured onto the forehead by a practitioner using a suspended vessel during treatment

The Importance of Shiro Abhyanga


The science of Ayurveda considers the human body an inverted tree, where the roots are at the top and the branches are pointing downwards. Here, the head is considered to be the roots, the thorax and the abdomen are said to be the trunk, and the limbs are the branches.

Just like roots nurture a tree, the head is the operational center of the entire body. It consists of the brain which is the seat of consciousness and the sense organs with which we interact.

Marmas, or life centers, are the vital points in the body where the Prana or energy is converted, regulated, and stored for use by the body and mind. They are also the sites of the Tridoshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

It is generally accepted that there are around 107 Marma points throughout the body, where 12 are classified as vital life centers, many of which are located in the head and neck region. This shows how critical the head and neck region are to our physio-psychological functioning.

The Most Important Marma Points for an Ayurvedic Head Massage Are:

 
  • Adhipati: The “soft spot” located 8 finger widths above the eyebrows in the center of the skull.
  • Simantaka: Located 12 finger widths above the eyebrows on the skull where the hairs gather in a swirl.
  • Krikatika: These are 2 points located on either side of the first cervical vertebrae behind the head where the neck meets the skull (occipital – cervical joint).
  • Vidhuram: The depression behind both ears, just behind the earlobes.
  • Shankha: The depressions on both sides of the forehead between the end of the eyebrow and the hairline (temples).

The Oils Used and Why

Small bottles placed on a table with a bowl and plant leaves arranged beside them
Ayurveda uses more than 300 herbs to support rest, recovery and general well-being. These herbs can be taken internally or infused with base oils. Shiro Abhyanga oils can consist of a range of a single herb to over twenty, depending on the purpose for which the Abhyanga is performed.

It is important to consider the properties of the base oils used. For example, coconut base oils are very cold in potency so they are used in hot and humid places, whereas sesame base oil is hot in potency and therefore used in colder climates.

Base oils should also be selected by “Prakriti” which is one’s body type.

Vata Prakriti (dry scalp) – Castor oil and sesame oil provide extra nourishment and warmth
Pitta Prakriti (sensitive scalp) – Coconut oil and sandalwood oil provide cooling properties
Kapha (oily scalp) – Mustard oil is beneficial in small amounts for scalp health

Diseases/Conditions Treated in Shiro Abhyanga


Prevention of any disease related to the head, mind, and sense organs is the first indication of Shiro Abhyanga. Since head massages can be done on a daily basis, Shiro Abhyanga is predominantly a treatment used for the prevention of many psychosomatic disorders.

Some other indications are:

  • Shiro Roga – Different types of headaches and diseases related to the head
  • Anidra – Insomnia
  • Vata Roga – Degenerative diseases
  • Pitta Roga – Inflammatory diseases
  • Shiro Rukshata – Dryness of the scalp
  • Shiro Kandu – Itching in the scalp

Shiro Abhyanga’s Numerous Health Benefits

 
  • Improves and rejuvenates central nervous system health
  • Reduces eye strains and pains
  • Relieves pain, headaches, migraines, stress, and insomnia
  • Relaxes muscles and reduces stiffness
  • Stimulates hair follicles and can help reduce hair fall and dandruff
  • Calms the mind and rejuvenates the body
  • Calms the Vata to prevent degenerative diseases
  • Calms the Pitta to prevent inflammatory diseases
  • Highly rejuvenates the senses of sight, sound, and smell
  • Helpful in treating tinnitus, jaw aches, and sinusitis
  • Stimulates lymphatic drainage and aids sound sleep
  • Increases blood and oxygen circulation in the brain
  • Relieves fatigue and cloudiness of thought
  • Anti-aging and helps in relaxing facial and eye muscles

Book Shiro Abhyanga at YO1


Explore the techniques and benefits of Shiro Abhyanga with YO1's experts. Book your session today! Check out our wellness menu to learn about our other offerings.

Prices and Timings for Shiro + Padabhyangam: -

$130 for 30 min; $200 for 50 min

Weekdays: 10:00-20:00
Weekends: 12:00-20:00
 
Book Your Session Today

Reference Links

 
  • https://easyayurveda.com/2016/05/09/ayurvedic-head-massage-shiro-abhyanga/
  • http://www.mahaaushadhi.com/info/panchakarma/what-is-shiroabhyanga.html
  • https://ancientbest.com/treatment/ayurvedic-treatment/

Glossary

  • Abhyanga / Abhyangam = warm-oil massage over the whole body
  • Shiroabhyangam / Shiro Abhyanga = head and scalp oil massage
  • Padabhyanga / Padabhyangam = foot massage
  • Shirodhara = a steady stream of warm oil poured across the forehead
  • Vata = the dosha associated with movement
  • Pitta = the dosha associated with heat and digestion
  • Kapha = the dosha associated with structure and fluid
  • Panchakarma = a five-procedure cleansing programme
  • Marma = a point on the body treated as vital in Ayurveda
           

GET IN TOUCH



Please take a moment to fill out the form below with your contact information. A YO1 Longevity & Health Resorts representative will reach out to you with additional information.
A woman sits on a couch talking on a cell phone while smiling with her hand on her head resting on the couch

BOOK YOUR HEALTH PROGRAMS AND THERAPIES NOW


We welcome the opportunity to assist you. If you would like to learn more about the health programs or therapies offered at YO1, please contact us to speak directly with a YO1 Longevity & Health Resorts representative.


+1 845 237 9100

BLOG

3 women on yoga mats meditating indoor with their open palms over their eyes at YO1 Longevity & Health Resorts

Lifestyle Management with Yoga and Meditation


Yoga and meditation, both ancient practices are an important aspect of lifestyle management. The two have become very popular in Western culture as people face more and more stress due to the demands of life in general.
 

 
 

A person touching the back of their neck, with a visual illustration highlighting the spine along the upper back area

Greeva Vasti (Herbal Neck Pain Therapy)


Greeva Vasti is a Sanskrit term where greeva stands for neck and vasti means to hold something. Greeva Vasti is essentially the holding of herbal oils on the spine, starting from the neck.

 

A hand holding a pile of grains, letting it fall freely

Shiro Vasti (Herbal Oil Head Bath Therapy)


The head is an integral component of our bodies and runs the administrative system in the most efficient way. What would happen if this system were to fall out of balance?
 

 
 

Continue your Booking