Relax your Kids body and mind with Shiro Abhyanga:
Shiro Abhyanga
Role of Shiro Abhyanga to reduce the symptoms of ADHD and Autism: Explained
In multiple mental health problems, there is a lack of serotonin and dopamine levels, and head massages have been affirmed to raise the level of these neurotransmitters. Often people living with autism and ADHD are quite dismissive of touch, so most of the parents never consider head massage for their children. But for children with ADHD and autism, head massage is such pure bliss.
In Ayurvedic terms, it is recognized as Shiro Abhyangathat indicates a complete head, neck, and shoulders massage with the use of Ayurvedic herbal oils.
Head is a significant part of our body that contains special energy points that are directly connected to the brain and mind. Shiro Abhyanga revitalizes the three higher ‘chakras’ – body, mind, and spirit whilst delivering balance to your vital core forces, Vata, pitta, and Kapha. These three doshas control multiple aspects of human health.
Why dosha imbalance happens :
Our sedentary lifestyle is the reason behind the dosha imbalance. If we consume food that is spicy, salty, sour aggravates the Pitta volume in our body. Imbalanced sleep patterns can exacerbate Vata dosha. Lack of exercise, afternoon sleep, or excessive intake of sweet food can provoke Kapha dosha.
Everything that we are feeding to our body reacts, but anything that overstimulates the level of the different doshas triggers the imbalance of the doshas and ultimately ends up disharmonizing the body’s natural rhythms.
Let’s know what Shiro Abhyanga is?
Shiro Abhyanga is the amalgamation of two different terms.
Shiro(head), or Abhyanga(massage) essentially means a complete head massage by utilizing the Ayurvedic herbal oils.
The Head is the main operational center that consists of the brain and the sense organs that enables communication and interaction.
If we talk about the vital points of the body(marmas) where the Prana or energy is transformed, managed, and stored for utilization by the body and mind. They also define the tridosha sites – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Most of the vital life centers are present in the head and neck region, showing that both the neck and head regions are significant to our physio-psychological functioning.
Shiro abhyanga is an excellent method to nourish many dhatus (organ systems) of the body. Head massage increases the blood flow towards the brain, nourishes the eyes, and calms down the anxiety or supports stillness which is good for children with autism and ADHD.
Why Head massage(Shiro Abhyanga ) is miraculous in ADHD and Autism-
A child diagnosed with ADHD or autism has an increased level of Vata dosha. Eventually, an increase in Vata level triggers symptoms such as restlessness, trouble with focus, anxiety, and difficulty in learning. Here Shiro Abhyanga for kids helps to decrease the excess Vata level and calm down the restless child. Within 40seconds, massage triggers the release of oxytocin, the hormone that brings very relaxing and calming effects on nerves.
In head massage, the temples and temporal lobes of the head are focused so that the pituitary gland can be stimulated and release the production of serotonin.
The level of stress is high in autistic children; thus, a boost in serotonin and oxytocin can help to ease the flight or flight reaction.
Along with that, dopamine(pleasure hormone) is naturally stimulated through head massage. The activity of dopamine is linked with higher brain functions such as focus, motivation, attention, productivity, and most importantly, concentration.
That is the reason why frontal lobe massage excites higher brain functions. The entire brain cycle is associated, when you sleep well or eat well, the energy level remains high in the body, which makes the children to plan things creatively.
But imbalances in doshas, upset digestive function, can lead to poor sleep, which further contributes to disturbing the mood.
The human brain has important responsibilities to play, and luckily it is very serious about its work. Massage treats the brain rightly, stimulating the areas that regulate social cognition, sensory association, eye contact, reading and empathy.
Benefits of Shiro Abhyanga in Children with ADHD –
Children with ADHD are said to endure “sensory deprivation”. Particularly children with ADHD, can have a little wick, be hyperactive, and wildly require physical sensations. This can involve playing intensive video games, demanding rubs or wanting very hot or very cold showers, etc.
These children possess an intense energy build-up that needs to be released in any way. But when there is no escape, it is quite challenging for children to concentrate and focus on the bottled-up energy level. The undesired increase in energy level makes children irritable and angry. But with Shiro abhyanga, this energy is being utilized, by fulfilling the physical stimulation. For both children and adults, head massage is a relaxing and enjoyable experience that is now receiving more attention due to incredible benefits.
Benefits of head massage in children with ADHD-
Children with ADHD are said to endure “sensory deprivation”. Particularly children with ADHD, can have a little wick, be hyperactive, and wildly require physical sensations. This can involve playing intensive video games, demanding rubs or wanting very hot or very cold showers, etc.
These children possess an intense energy build-up that needs to be released in any way. But when there is no escape, it is quite challenging for children to concentrate and focus on the bottled-up energy level. The undesired increase in energy level makes children irritable and angry. But with Shiro abhyanga for kids, this energy is being utilized, by fulfilling the physical stimulation.
For both children and adults, head massage is a relaxing and enjoyable experience that is now receiving more attention due to incredible benefits.
- For children with Autism, massage may produce relaxation, stress reduction, and calm the muscle spasms.
- Increase the attention span and sitting tolerance.
- Regular head oiling helps pull out and neutralize excess Pitta and vata in the head region. Meanwhile, touch therapy also encourages the child to become more habitual to tactile stimulation and helps in the body consciousness. Usually, by including head massage into daily routines, children with Autism encounter limited concerns with sleeping.
In this massage, the upper back, neck, and head these three areas are the key focus that has been acknowledged to improve sleep, keep children calm, and even strengthen their immune system. In Shiro abhyanga, the special areas in the head are stimulated that are responsible for particular tasks to address the particular issues.
At SREE PRATHAMA AYURVEDAM, the doshas that are imbalanced are treated first. We primarily address the Vata dosha to support the child with coordination, anxiety, and stress. Many children have challenges with a shift in routine, getting ready for school, or even going to school. A daily head massage can be comforting for a child.
Our Personalized plan
The oils for the head massage must be prepared with Pitta and Vata relieving herbs like Bhringaraj, Amla, Haritaki, Vibhitaki, Madhuka, Brahmi, etc. But at Sree Prathama Ayurvedam we have personalized formulation according to the dosha imbalance. For children with autism or ADHD, nourishing the brain is our particular concern.
What you can expect after one month of daily head massage –
After a month of regular head massage, you will start noticing wonderful changes in your child. He/she will start focusing better, or you can spot a sign of stillness, calmness. The child will feel less anxious with an improved sleep pattern. The eyes may feel calm and relaxed, not dry, and scratchy this time.
Special note to the parents –
These days life is indeed busy, but your small efforts can support your child’s growth. Daily head massage is important for your children; it has incredible benefits that last for the whole day. Well, at first, your child may feel uncomfortable, but we promise that we live up to your expectations.
To know more about Shiro Abhyanga for kids and schedule your appointment give us a call at +91 99897 59719 our experts will guide you.
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