To bring about positive change in both the mind and body we must understand the essential life force energy known as prana. Life exists only when prana is present. It is the constant flow of incoming air through our breath and nutrients by eating healthy foods. When prana is compromised, the health of the individual declines.
The shiras, or head, is a crucial part of the body as it’s the seat of the pancha jnanendriyas: the five sense organs. According to Ayurveda, the shiras is the location where the indriya (sense organs), indriyavahasrotas (channels of the sense organs), and pranavaha srotas (channels of vital life energy) are located and intersect with one another. It’s important to care for the head, and the best way to do that? Triphaladi Oil!
The shiras is also one of the trimarma (three major vital points of the body). There are 107 marmapoints (vital energy points) located throughout the body, and 37 of these marmapoints are located in the shiras. The shiras is where prana resides.
Ayurveda recognizes that both physical and mental disorders are interlinked with one another. This is observed when the shiras sustains an injury or the doshas are chronically vitiated. All urdhva jatrugata rogas (disorders located above the clavicle bone/collar bone) are treated within the region of the head. Ayurveda recognizes 84 different shiroroga or disorders within the region of the head.
Symptoms of Vata-Related Head Disorders
Excessive loud talking, staying awake at night, exposure to cold wind, excessive sexual activity, suppression of natural urges like hunger, coughing, sneezing, fasting, physical and emotional trauma, excessive panchakarma, excessive crying or grief, excessive fear and worry, carrying excessive loads, long walks or hikes, and severe emaciation all lead to vitiated vata, deeply affecting the life energy channels of the head. Vata head disorders are associated with excessive pain, throbbing sensations and jaw and neck stiffness.
Symptoms of Pitta-Related Head Disorders
Excessive intake of foods that are pungent, sour, salty, and alkali substances like wine or limes, too much exposure to sun (or heat) and prolonged or excessive anger leads to pitta vitiation within the head. Pitta head disorders are associated with burning sensation of the eyes, nasal passages, ears, mouth, and throat, and facial perspiration.
Symptoms of Kapha-Related Head Disorders
Excessive sedentary lifestyle and sleep, excessive intake of heavy and unctuous foods or excessive quantity of food leads to vitiation of kapha within the region of the head. Kapha head disorders are associated with a dull numbing pain and a feeling of heaviness.
Benefits of Triphaladi Oil for the Head
Ayurveda recommends shiroabhyanga therapy (head massage) for all disorders of the head, as well as appropriate diet and lifestyle modification and herbal supplements. Triphaladi Oil is one of the best overall oils for massaging the head for many disorders.
Triphaladi Oil is used for disorders related to the head, neck, eyes, ears, throat, nose, hair, and scalp. It helps to relieve disorders like headache, migraine, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, tinnitus, neck pain, burning itchy eyes, and much more. Triphaladi Oil has the ability to strengthen the inner lining of the nasal passages and is useful for sinus conditions.
Triphaldi Oil balances prana vayu or vital life energy which is primarily located in the region of the head. It also balances all three doshas, vata - pitta - kapha. It is one of the main oils used during panchakarma therapies for shirodhara and shirobasti. It nourishes the scalp and helps prevent hair loss and premature gray hair.
To learn how you can give yourself an Ayurvedic head massage read our related article: Shiro Abhyanga - Ayurvedic Head Massage.
Why should I book a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor?
It’s important to consult with Ayurvedic practitioners when any health problem becomes chronic. An Ayurvedic doctor can help you understand the root cause of your symptoms and your specific body constitution.
If you have a chronic health condition, we recommend consulting with our Ayurvedic doctor, Vishwanath Guddadar, to support your overall health. Following the advice from a personalized Ayurvedic consultation will change your life and give you the knowledge required to maintain your best health.
If you book a consultation with Dr. Vishwanath Guddadar, you will receive a personalized diet, lifestyle, and herbal protocol that will strengthen your vitality and improve your overall health.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and this information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic practitioner or doctor, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop and we will provide you with one of our affiliated Ayurvedic professionals. Check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant.