Shiro Abhyanga | Āyurvedic Hair Rituals

ĀYURVEDA • BODY • RITUAL

Author: R.R. Shakti, PhD
Photo: Kasia Serbin

Do you know your Āyurvedic "Hair Type"?
Here's how to figure it out...and why it matters: 

It all begins with the three dosha (disorders):
According to Āyurveda, your entire being (and everything around you) is made up of five elemental forces: earth, water, fire, air, and space.
​These five māhābhutas (major elements) combine to form three dosha that effect your overall wellness: 

1. vata = space + air
2. pitta = fire
3. kapha = water + earth

Your unique arrangement of dosha determines your physical constitution. It contributes to your attitude and behaviors–wether you prefer a hot bath or a cool shower; if you have a sweet tooth or savor spicy dishes instead. It even determines if you will respond to a conflict with anxiety, frustration, or defeat. When your dosha constitution is balanced, you are better able to handle everything.
Seriously!
It is pretty darned valuable to know your personal Āyurvedic dosha balance (or imbalance) and how it contributes to your everyday choices and overall well-being. And your hair (or lack of it) can be a tell tale indicator of your unique dosha profile.

The wisdom sages of Āyurvedic medicine recommend a daily ritual of Shiro Abhyanga (head massage). This Self-care regime provides all kinds of benefits to your body and mind. Use the following guidelines to determine your Ayurvedic hair type and the corresponding Shiro Abhyanga protocol:

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Vata

The elemental properties of vata dosha include the cool, drying, and moving energies of wind and space. Vata hair type is generally fine, thin, course, dry, and brittle. It may be curly, but it is more often straight; and is prone to split ends and dandruff. 
The Ritual: Massage your head and ears with a nourishing oil like almond or sesame. If your scalp is very dry, use castor oil. Massage with oil 3 times each week. On the off weeks, massage your head with warm milk and honey for a rich cleansing and moisturizing treatment. Rinse with warm water. ​

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Kapha

The elemental properties of kapha dosha include the heavy, dense, fluid, and cool energies of earth and water. Kapha hair type tends to be oily and thick. It can be wavy or straight, but is generally lustrous, shiny, and strong. 
The Ritual: Rather than add oil, use dry hands to massage your scalp and distribute your natural oils to the ends of your hair. Then, spritz your hair with apple cider vinegar and massage through your hair shafts before rinsing with warm water to cleanse excess oil from your hair. Apply raw avocado or banana to your hair once a week (before your vinegar rinse) to maintain your lustrous shine. 

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Pitta

The elemental property of fire dominate pitta dosha making it hot, dry, and light. Pitta hair is generally medium thickness and density. It may be red or light blonde. When imbalanced, pitta dosha often leads to hair fall and premature grey. Pitta scalp be greasy and irritated with breakouts. 
The Ritual: Massage scalp with a light carrier oil that is balancing and cooling like coconut or jojoba oil. Use an essential oil of peppermint or lavender for calming the scalp. Aloe vera gel or yogurt can be applied to improve hair and scalp health. 

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Benefits of Shiro Abhyanga

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• improve circulation to the scalp
• moisturize and/or distribute natural oils
• cleanse hair and balance hair ph
• activate the parasympathetic nervous system
• prevent hair loss/improve hair growth
• improve memory and overall brain function
• promote sleep
• delay premature grey
• improve eye function

YOGA + ĀYURVEDA Workbook

Āyurveda is a system of wellness deeply rooted in nature.
It recognizes that humanity is created from, exists within, and eventually returns to the elements.

Āyurveda is a Vedic science that has been practiced for thousands of years for the sake of holistic wellness. The system of Āyurveda recognizes that the key to good health is balance at all levels of being. It employs mindful dietary considerations, yoga āsana (postures), prānāyāma (breathing practices), herbs, and meditation for optimal health.
It seeks to cleanse the body of toxins and eliminate excess inflammation.

Ayurveda views everything as comprised of the pancha mahābhūtas (five basic elements): earth, water, fire, air and space. These are the building blocks for the qualities of your mind, body, and environment.

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