Given the stress, we are sure many of you would be in the mood to go to a spa and get a detoxing head massage. Even though stepping out isn’t entirely safe, what you can do is take some help from the ancient science of Ayurveda to relieve stress and revitalize yourself at the end of a heavy day.
How can Ayurveda help
According to Ayurveda, there are countable sensory neurons present on the surface of our skin which act as powerful channels to eliminate negative tensions and detox naturally. All you need is to press the right points, massage to calm down the body.
As a traditional remedy, Ayurveda also lays stress on the practice of regular self-massage or ‘Abhyanga’ as it is called. Therapeutic massage with the help of the right kind of oils can not just relieve stress and anxiety from the body’s receptor points, negate toxin build-ups, cut down the risk of catching chronic infections. Regular self-massage also strengthens your immunity. Self-massage can also pacify your doshas, relieve fatigue and boost blood circulation around the nerve channels, enhance mental alertness, lubricate the muscles and get rid of ailments.
With a few easy steps, here’s how you can do your own head massage at home
Things you will need:
A head massage at home is an inexpensive therapy for which you require only a few simple things
-Yoga mat, if you prefer to lay down and massage.
-A towel and an eye mask
-Essential oil
How to start
For your comfort, you can do this massage laying down or sitting in an upright position.
Keep your hair away from the forehead. Using your knuckles, gently extend pressure around the temples. Just as you feel a little relaxed, pour in some oil. Rub the oil between your hands first and let it collect around the third eye. You can also take help from your family if you find the process tedious.
Make slow, circular motions and use the tips of your fingers as you go about.
Gently massage the scalp area as well. Make circular motions for a minimum of 5 minutes. Use light pressure. The focus should be on releasing tension around the muscle and tissues.
Extend your hands backwards and begin massaging at the nape, below the scalp. Work your way down as you go about. You can also use the same massaging technique to release pressure around the shoulder and collarbone area as well. The pressure extended can be slightly higher as well. Place your left hand on your right shoulder near your neck. Repeat this cycle for a while. Finally, rub lightly with your hands all over the head; extend this movement to cover your face.
Once done, stay in this resting position for 15 minutes. Close your eyes and destress.
What is the right oil for this?
Traditionally, Ayurveda prescribes the use of a hanging Shirodhara pot through which the oil pours onto the affected part.
Even though you can make use of different kind of oils available to you, it’s important to realize that different oils serve a different purpose. Studying the properties of any oil before use is important.
Using coconut oil, which is very commonly used in Ayurvedic practices promotes healing and also cools down the body. It is also loaded with benefitting nutrients for the body. Since it’s commonly available, this is something you can use.
Sesame oil is another commonly used and available oils which is good for massage and therapeutic needs. It is considered to be anti-inflammatory, relieves pain as well as suppresses tension around important muscles in the body. For the same reason, it’s also used as a home remedy to treat joint inflammation as well. For the same reason, it is also hailed as the king of all oils.
Some also like using desi ghee, which is considered to be helpful in building sensory reception, facilitate nerve growth and working of brain cells.
If available, you can also make use of fortified oils with ayurvedic herbs (such as Mahanarayan or Brahmi Oil) for your benefit.
