According to the ancient healing system of Ayurveda, problems of the scalp arise from an imbalance in Kapha and Vata, two of the three Ayurvedic humors or Doshas in Sanskrit. While Kapha brings the quality of softness, nourishment, fluidity and stickiness, Vata is more about qualities like roughness, dryness, air and movement. When these doshas are aggravated over time, coupled with poor management of the scalp’s level of moisture and overall health, they manifest as impurities on the scalp like patches on the skin, sores, or dandruff, which can be both, wet or dry. The imbalance and can also lead to hair loss, numbness of scalp, itching and flakiness. So here are a few simple Ayurveda inspired tips to clean up your scalp!
To repair the scalp, Ayurvedic experts suggest treatments that bring Vata and Kapha into balance through Dosha balancing detoxes and proper diet tailored to reduce Vata-Kapha dominated imbalance.
Probably Causes Of Scalp Problems In Ayurveda
1. Consumption of cold water
2. Salty food
3. Poor sleeping pattern that vitiates Vata
4. Alcohol
5. Sweating
6. Not enough oiling or massaging the scalp or too much of it
Tips For Healthier, Hydrated Scalp And Stronger Hair
1. Coconut and Lemon juice
Mix coconut hair oil in a small bowl with equal amount of lemon juice. Massage the root of your hair with this mix for a few minutes. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before you rinse it off.
2. Hair wash with Neem essence
Boil water with a few neem leaves in it. Wash your hair with the water containing the essence of neem leaves. This will significantly reduce the dandruff and itching in the scalp. Neem has amazing anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties to treat fungal infections in the scalp.
Neem is nature’s best moisturizer. A natural blood purifier, rich in anti-oxidants with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, Neem is a storehouse of nutrients and compounds that act like magic for your skin. In Ayurveda it is called ‘Sarva Rog Nivarini’ meaning ‘the healer of all ailments’.
3. Detoxification of blood
Did you know impurities in your blood could also result in dandruff problems? According to Ayurveda, when Pitta and Kapha are imbalanced, it could affect the blood tissues represented in Ayurveda as Raktadhatu reflecting as impurities in the blood. Dr. Nisha Mankantan, author of the best selling book Ayurveda Simplified notes, “Dhātu can be defined, as one, which supports the body. There are seven tissue systems in the body : Rasa (Plasma), Rakta (Blood), Māmsa (Muscle tissues), Meda (Fat tissues), Asthi (Bone tissue) Majja (bone marrow) Śukra (reproductive tissue).” Raktadhatu is the representation of fire element in the body. An increase in Raktadhatu directly causes the Pitta Dosha to rise in the body and when Raktadhatu is weak, Pitta is reduced.
So you may need to detoxify your blood to get rid of the dandruff problem.
4. Virechana or medical expurgation
One of the best treatments prescribed in Ayurveda for reducing Pitta imbalance is Virechana or medical expurgation. It is a detoxification process that eliminates toxins in the blood and digestive system.
5. Panchakarma
Panchakarma treatments like Shirobasti, Nasyam or Abhyanga are recommended to balance the Doshas in the body and remove the toxins from the deepest body tissues. They also substantially help in reducing the stagnation of body fluids, better circulation of blood and open up the skin pores in the affected areas. Panchakarma is a set of cleansing processes prescribed by Ayurvedic doctors, based on the Dosha constitution of an individual. These treatments, using natural oils and lepas or maska/wraps, are tailor-made targeting the specific imbalances and Aama in the body.
6. pH of the skin
You must use products that have a PH level same as your skin. Products that are alkaline will damage the acid mantle of the epidermal layer on the scalp.
7. Mustard seeds and milk
Take powdered mustard seeds and licorice. Add milk to make a paste out of it. Apply it on your scalp and let it sit for 20 minutes before washing it off with water.
8. False daisies (Bhringraj) and gooseberries
Essential oils made from false daisies or Bhringraj have a calming effect on the scalp while it strengthens the roots, improving hair growth and luster. It balances all the three Doshas while being extra beneficial for pacifying Pitta! Excess Pitta can cause hair fall, premature graying, and damage to hair follicles. Similarly, gooseberries are an excellent source of antioxidants and nourish the bone tissues and therefore hair growth and scalp. It calms Pitta, detoxifies blood and cools the digestive system.
9. Oil massage the scalp twice to thrice a week
When you massage the scalp and hair, the oil nourishes the cells in the scalp, stimulates blood circulation in the head region, detoxifies the scalp and additionally causes the secretion of happy hormones like serotonin in the body giving you a relaxing and calming sensation. Oiling is a great way to have the rich nutrients and antioxidants present in the oil seep into the tissues for complete nourishment. But you must know your hair oil well and if it is suited for your hair and scalp type which could be weighing on the drier side or it could be sticky.
For example, Shankara’s Hair & Scalp Oil, made from the richness of
sesame oil, avocado oil, Jojoba oil, Vitamin E Tocopherol, gooseberries extract, sandalwood essential oil, bringraj extract, lavender essence, clary sage and rosemary, is specifically designed to moisturize dry and damaged hair for shinier, healthier, and luxurious locks. The oil is safe to use on colored hair. It deeply penetrates the hair shaft and conditions hair from the roots. It can be used for colored hair too!
10. Scalp and deep tissues
The health of your scalp is directly linked to the health of your tissue systems. So if these deep tissues remain undernourished, it is likely to reflect in the quality of your hair and scalp. You can take Ayurvedic Deep Tissue massages like Shankara’s Shiro Abhyanga Warm Oil Scalp Massage to make sure they are sufficiently oleated and nurtured. Abhyanga is one of the most popular and recommended therapies in Ayurveda that incorporates warm, aromatic oils, rhythmically massaged into your body, which loosen toxins, relax the nervous system, and provide rest, nourishment, and rejuvenation.
