Shiroabhyanga
A warm-oil head and scalp massage. Eases anxiety, headaches, hair fall and scalp tension.
Duration
40 min
Price
$100
Locations
Fremont
Over view
Shiroabhyanga: Warm Oil Head Massage for Mind and Hair Wellness
Shiroabhyanga at Ayurhitam is a 40-minute classical Ayurvedic warm oil massage focused entirely on the head, scalp, neck, and shoulders. Available at both our Fremont and Sunnyvale locations. Priced at $100 per session, this therapy is one of the most beloved standalone services at our clinic. Shiro means “head” and Abhyanga means “oil massage,” and this focused session works precisely with the region Ayurveda considers the seat of Prana (life force) and the master control of the entire body.
Shiroabhyanga is often chosen by clients working through chronic stress, tension headaches, hair fall, scalp tension, insomnia, and mental fatigue. The warm medicated oil, chosen based on your dosha, nourishes the scalp and hair roots while the specific stroke patterns calm the nervous system and settle a busy mind.
What is Shiroabhyanga?
Shiroabhyanga is a classical Ayurvedic head and scalp massage using warm medicated herbal oils. It is described in the Charaka Samhita as a daily practice traditionally used to support memory, sleep, hair health, and mental clarity. Regular Shiroabhyanga is traditionally used to strengthen the sensory organs, calm the nervous system, and support healthy hair growth.
The oils used in Shiroabhyanga are chosen based on your dosha and current concerns. Bhringaraj oil is a traditional favourite for hair fall and scalp nourishment. Brahmi oil is often chosen for mental calm and stress. Neelibhringadi oil is used for premature greying. Amla-infused oils support scalp health. The choice is made during the initial assessment.
How is Shiroabhyanga Done at Ayurhitam?
The client sits or lies comfortably in a warm, quiet therapy room. Warm medicated oil is applied generously to the scalp and worked in with circular, sweeping strokes for the first 15 minutes, so the oil reaches the roots and settles into the scalp. The therapist then works down through the forehead, temples, ears, back of the head, neck, and shoulders using specific stroke patterns and marma point stimulation.
The 40-minute session ends with a short rest, warm water, and post-session guidance. Clients are advised to leave the oil on for a few hours before a gentle warm rinse and to avoid cold air, cold food, and screens for the rest of the day. Deep, restful sleep on the night of the session is very common.
Benefits of Abhyanga
Deep Mental Calm: Traditionally used to quiet a busy mind and support relaxation.
Better Sleep: Often chosen by those working through insomnia and disturbed sleep.
Stress and Anxiety Support: Calms the nervous system through the head-based marma points.
Headache Relief: Traditionally used to soothe tension headaches and heaviness in the head.
Hair and Scalp Nourishment: The warm oil nourishes the scalp and roots.
Support for Hair Fall: Regular sessions with Bhringaraj oil are traditionally used to support hair health.
Improved Sensory Function: Classical texts describe Shiroabhyanga as beneficial for eyes, ears, and mental clarity.
Neck and Shoulder Release: Eases the tension held in the upper body from long screen hours.
Concerns Shiroabhyanga Can Support
- Chronic stress and anxiety
- Tension headaches and heaviness in the head
- Insomnia and disturbed sleep
- Hair fall and thinning
- Premature greying
- Dry, itchy scalp
- Mental fatigue and burnout
- Screen-related neck and shoulder tension
- Vata and Pitta imbalance affecting the head
- Migraines (as part of a wider plan)
Why Choose Ayurhitam for Shiroabhyanga in the Bay Area
- Available at two Bay Area locations: Offered at both our Fremont clinic (43255 Mission Blvd, Suite 100) and our Sunnyvale clinic (170 N Wolfe Rd) for your convenience.
- Authentic protocol: Shiroabhyanga delivered as per classical Ayurvedic texts.
- Personalised oil selection: Bhringaraj, Brahmi, Neelibhringadi, or Amla-based oils chosen for your dosha.
- Certified therapists: Every session delivered by trained Ayurvedic massage therapists.
- Quiet, private therapy space: Dedicated therapy rooms at both Fremont and Sunnyvale.
- Perfect standalone or add-on: Beautifully paired with Shirodhara, Nasya, or Abhyanga sessions.
Featured Questions
Shiroabhyanga is a classical Ayurvedic head and scalp massage traditionally used to support mental calm, better sleep, headache relief, hair health, and Vata-Pitta balance. It is often chosen by Bay Area clients working through chronic stress, insomnia, hair fall, and screen-related mental fatigue.
Shiroabhyanga is a warm oil massage of the head, scalp, neck, and shoulders (40 minutes, $100). Shirodhara is a continuous stream of warm oil poured on the forehead using a specialised device (60 minutes, $150). Both work on the mind, but Shirodhara goes deeper into nervous system regulation. Shiroabhyanga is often chosen as a lighter, everyday version of head-focused Ayurvedic care. Both are offered at Fremont and Sunnyvale.
Shiroabhyanga at Ayurhitam is a 40-minute session focused on the head, scalp, neck, and shoulders. Including pre-session assessment and closing rest, please plan for about 60 minutes at the clinic.
Shiroabhyanga is $100 per 40-minute session at Ayurhitam, at both Fremont and Sunnyvale. Package pricing is available for a series. Please call 510-556-3738 or refer to the Treatments page for current pricing.
Yes. Shiroabhyanga with Bhringaraj oil is one of the classical Ayurvedic approaches for hair fall. The warm oil nourishes the scalp and roots, calms Pitta (which is often behind stress-related hair fall), and supports the natural hair-growth cycle. A series of 5 to 7 sessions is typically recommended, alongside dietary and lifestyle support.
Weekly self-Shiroabhyanga at home with warm sesame or coconut oil is a beautiful Ayurvedic practice, and we teach the technique during consultation. A full clinical Shiroabhyanga with medicated oils, therapist-led marma work, and neck-shoulder integration is best received at our clinic.
Shiroabhyanga is generally safe when supervised by a certified therapist. It is best avoided during acute fever, active scalp infection, recent head or neck injury, or during migraine attacks. A brief assessment confirms your eligibility.
For general wellness, once every 2 to 3 weeks is a beautiful rhythm. For specific concerns like chronic stress, insomnia, or hair fall, weekly sessions for 4 to 6 weeks followed by monthly maintenance are typically recommended. Weekly home self-massage supports the benefits between sessions.
Shiroabhyanga in the Bay Area is offered at both Ayurhitam locations: 43255 Mission Blvd, Suite 100, Fremont, CA 94539, and 170 N Wolfe Rd, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. Call 510-556-3738 to book at your preferred location.
Book your Shiroabhyanga session at Ayurhitam today. Call 510-556-3738. Available at both Fremont and Sunnyvale.
Disclaimer: Ayurhitam is an Ayurvedic wellness center. The services offered are traditional Ayurvedic practices for wellness support and are not a substitute for medical care, diagnosis, or advice from a licensed physician. Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult your medical doctor before beginning any Ayurvedic wellness program, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing a medical condition.
