Haven’t you all come across your elders telling you to apply oil to scalp regularly, especially when there is warm or hot climate or body has been exposed to hot temperatures or when a person is suffering from heat, burning sensation in eyes, mouth ulcers, burning urination etc. In all these situations you have heard them telling rub castor oil to vertex or over the crown of head, it will relief heat. Have you wondered why they said so?
Here is a simple
procedure in Ayurveda, which will provide many benefits.
Talam – Shiropichu- Murdhni taila are some of the procedures which are slightly
different from each other, but the most common thing that we all know about is application
of oil to the head. But it is difficult for an individual to carry it by
himself alone, for which you need to come to panchakarma center for getting the procedure done appropriately.
However, here is
a simple procedure which you can “Do it yourself”:
Step 1:
Take a piece of
cotton (probably a size of 5 X 5 cm) or a cotton swab
Take 10-15 ml of
oil preferably sesame oil (Til oil/ gingely oil), if not coconut oil, make it
warm by double boiling or indirect heating method (keep the bowl of oil in a
vessel containing hot water to maintain the temperature). Take care that the
temperature of oil is not too cold or too hot. It should be just tolerable
warm.
Step 2
Dip the cotton
piece in this oil and squeeze the excess oil, so that the cotton is not dry or
not dripping the oil.
Place this cotton
over the vertex of head or crown of the head. Before placing the cotton, care should
be taken that hairs are set aside to ensure the cotton touches the scalp, and
the larger surface area is provided for absorption.
Step 3
Take a bandage
cloth of 2 ½ inch, tie it over the scalp
to ensure that the cotton swab is in place for the stipulated time period. Tie
the bandage behind the ear taking a full round overhead and chin. It should not
be too tight or loose.
Here is a lazy tip
for those who cannot do these 3 steps. At least just apply few drops of oil
over the vortex of head.
Duration – keep
the cotton in place for 20-30 minutes. Based on the health problem, it can be
even increased upto 2-4 hrs by your Ayurveda physicians. This can be practiced
as a course of 7 – 28 days based on the medical condition. A healthy person can
apply once a week to avail the benefits and keep themselves healthy.
When to apply?
You can apply
any time in a day. However, avoid in the evening after 7PM. Best time to apply
is in the morning hours.
How it works?
Anything applied
over the skin is absorbed directly through the skin pores (ie. Transdermal
route). Medicated Oil or Ghee which is in lipid medium is directly absorbed
into the cell through the cell membrane. Cell membrane allows only lipid media
to enter. The drugs or medicines (herbs) in the medicated oil / ghee will start
its targeted action for the purpose which it is given for. It improves blood
circulation at the local area of scalp and provide nourishment.
How does it benefit you?
Head is also
considered as one of the best organ (Uttamanga)
which has all the sense organs. Hence caring and nourishing the head is
important to keep the sense organs function perfect.
·
It
strengthens and improves the function of all the sense organs.
· It improves blood supply and nourishment to brain and increases its working compliance.
·
By
improving blood circulation, it flushes out toxins from the cells in the body
and thus improving its overall functions.
·
It
relieves stress and anxiety by acting on pituitary gland and hypothalamus. It
cools down and relaxes the mind.
·
Hence
it helps in relaxing the whole body by easing the bodily functions.
·
It
nourishes the scalp and prevents hair fall and growth of grey hairs.
·
It
works at the level of thalamus and hypothalamus and helps in improving sleep, and
reduces hypertension.
·
It
acts as mood elevator by discharging happy chemicals in the brain.
·
It
imparts strength to the nerves and rejuvenates them by acting at endocrines
level.
·
It
reduces burning sensation in eyes and nourishes them.
·
It
works wonder in psychosomatic and psychological disorders.
·
It
helps in controlling aggravated vata dosha in the body.
·
It
reduces dryness of scalp.
Who can apply?
·
Migraine
/ Headache: people suffering from head ache and migraines often.
·
Hair
fall and premature greying of hair: it prevents hair fall and premature greying
of hair. Helps in hair growth.
·
Facial
health: improves complexion of the face by improving the function of sense
organs.
·
Insomnia
and stress: those suffering from sleep problems. People undergoing stress and
suffering from anxiety either by professional or personal issues.
·
Diabetic
or other chronic disorders: people suffering from diabetes, hypertension,
depression, anxiety, body pain, insomnia, excessive heat in the body,
neurological disorders like hemiplegia (stroke), facial palsy, trigeminal
neuralgia, cervical spondylosis, etc.
Who cannot apply?
Do not apply if
you have fever, cold or cough, sinusitis, Asthama, any cut wound or open wounds
in the scalp. If you have any skin problem in the scalp like eczema, scalp
psoriasis. If you are a person of cold body type then apply only after consulting
your physician. And if you have any major medical condition consult your
physician before application. Do not apply in rainy or cold seasons or cold
weather without your doctor prescription.
People with Vata and Kapha dosha dominant type
of body nature can apply medicated oil and, people with Pitta dosha dominant type
of body nature, can go for medicated ghee. The best medicated oil or ghee will
be selected as per your medical condition by your physician. If you are a
healthy person and want to practice this procedure for improvement in your
general health, go for Ksheera bala taila
(An Ayurvedic medicated oil).
It is recommended
to follow light diet and easily digestible food pattern while undergoing this
course of treatment for additional and complete benefits.
Thus this simple
procedure with huge benefits is a boon. But before jumping into practice of
this, it is better to consult your doctor for proper recommendation such as
appropriate oil, duration of procedure, watch your symptoms, etc. because in
these aspects, your doctor will know better.
Be tension-free
and lead a healthy-happy life with some of these Ayurveda home remedies
Visit our website: www.wellbeeing.in for more information
Dr. Vatsala H S, BAMS, MD (Ayu- Panchakarma).
WELLBEEING, Integrated Health Centre
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