A proper ‘Head Massage’ is the most effective way to ease stress and relax. Shahnaz Husain, who received international acclaim for pioneering the Herbal beauty care movement and taking the Indian herbal heritage of Ayurveda worldwide, writes…

 I’m often asked if oil massages help in keeping the hair healthy. Actually, the application of oil with a light massage helps to soften the texture of hair and stimulates blood circulation to the follicles. The hair is fed by nutrients in the bloodstream. So good blood circulation to follicles helps in nutrition supply and is thus vital for healthy hair.

 Stress has assumed alarming dimensions in today’s world. Hectic schedules, work commitments, responsibilities and challenges… all these put the body and the mind under stress. Besides health-related issues, stress can have its toll on the skin and the hair. That’s why ‘Head Massage’ is among the popular services in salons and spas. Indeed, it’s highly effective in easing stress symptoms, bringing about relaxation and a sense of peace and tranquility.

 The ‘Head Massage’ treatments include the Ayurvedic Rejuvenating Head Massage, which is done with a combination of oils and extracts. The kind of extracts used for the hair and the scalp includes ingredients like amla (Indian gooseberry), bael (Indian quince), bhringaraj (eclipta alba), brahmi (Indian pennywort) and so on. Pure olive oil, coconut oil or sesame seed oil may be used. Many of the ingredients, like brahmi, are known to induce relaxation and help stress-related hair problems. When the oil is warmed and applied, it gets absorbed through the roots. This helps to nourish and strengthen the roots and the scalp. The massage helps to improve circulation of blood and lymph, while supplying fresh oxygen to the brain. It also enhances circulation of the spinal fluid. All these refresh the body, relieve tension and reduce fatigue.

 Ayurveda recognises specific points, called marmas, on the body and the head, where massage has specific benefits. The marma points are massaged gently, using circular motions in a clockwise direction. Pressure is also applied and released gently.

 Massage of the head is popular in Ayurveda. According to Ayurvedic tradition, the Mardhi Marma, or crown of the head, is said to be the point where blood vessels and nerves meet. It also helps in rectifying dosha imbalances as all the three doshas are said to meet at this point. To determine this point, measure eight finger widths from above the eyebrows, towards the centre of the head. Choose from pure almond oil, pure sesame seed (til) oil or pure olive oil. Warm the oil. The oil should be poured onto the centre of the head.

 Smoothen the oil by massaging both sides of the scalp, in the direction of the ears. Pour some oil on the back of the head and massage oil along the sides and the back of the head. The marma points are to be massaged gently, rubbing in small clockwise circles, increasing and releasing pressure gradually. Gentle tapping movements should be followed all over the head, to stimulate circulation. With your fingers, rub all over the scalp and try to move the skin of the scalp gently.

 Then there is the Champi Massage of India, which has actually become very popular in other countries. We have introduced it in our salons and spas abroad. It gives a feeling of deep relaxation and involves gentle and deep strokes, as well as soft thumping on the scalp with the palm. Here too, pressure is applied at different marma points.

 Champi is a rhythmic massage, which employs various techniques of applying and releasing pressure, stroking, thumping, etc. Again, combinations of oils are used, which actually help to strengthen the hair, nourish it and make it healthy and lustrous. The Champi massage is also said to help with detoxification, apart from improving blood circulation. It reduces stress and anxiety and helps in relieving muscular and skeletal tension. It’s useful in treating depression and insomnia.

 Today, we recognize the various benefits of ‘Head Massage’. It not only induces relaxation, but eases pain in the shoulders and the back of the neck. It also relieves eye strain, which is most relevant to our times, when we spend so much time gazing at mobiles, televisions and computer screens. It also detoxifies the body and encourages lymphatic drainage, not to mention the benefits for the hair, in terms of healthy, lustrous hair.