Your nani or dadi was not wrong when they said that scalp massage is the only hair fall remedy you will ever need. While there are many hair growth treatments available on the market today, one cannot deny the fact that scalp massage is undoubtedly one of the most affordable and effective remedies. So how does scalp massage work? Well, massaging your scalp regularly increases blood circulation and also stretches out the hair follicles on your scalp which eventually leads to thicker and stronger hair. Besides increasing hair growth, scalp massage is also great for relaxing the muscles around your neck and shoulder with the added benefit of reducing stress. 

The Ayurvedic term for scalp massage is “champi” which has been an age-old practice in Ayurveda. The benefits of champi or scalp massage are not only limited to hair growth and relaxation but it also has countless other uses.

Key benefits of scalp massage

Scalp massage or champi has numerous benefits because of which it has been a regular practice in almost every Indian household. Following are a few of the magical benefits of scalp massage.

• Promotes hair growth
• Provides relief from headaches
• Reduces muscle tension
• Reduces anxiety and depression
• Increases energy and reduces fatigue

Promotes hair growth

One of the major benefits of scalp massage is hair growth. Scalp massage stimulates blood circulation and increases the flow of oxygen on your scalp. the gentle massage movement also causes the hair follicles to stretch out thus making the hair strands stronger from its roots. In addition to this, scalp massage is known to be extremely effective for other haircare concerns such as frizziness, dryness and dandruff. The idea of scalp massage is to improve the overall health of your scalp which will eventually result in thicker, healthier-looking hair.

Provides relief from headaches

Remember when Dadi or Nani used to offer to give us a magical champi whenever we had a headache? Well, that was not only a sweet gesture but also an extremely effective home remedy for headaches. Scalp massage does not include a very harsh and strong massage, instead, it has a much more gentle approach. It targets major pressure points which eventually provide instant relief from headaches and also detoxifies our body.

Reduces muscle tension

Another added benefit of scalp massage is reducing muscle tension. The authentic scalp massage technique has been an efficient tool to provide instant relief from not only headaches but also neck, shoulder and backaches. Although scalp massage can be done without the presence of oil, the incorporation of a natural and aromatic essential oil can further increase its effectiveness. Regular scalp massage, if practised correctly, can be extremely effective in providing relief from acute neck and shoulder pain.

Reduces anxiety and depression

Besides its hair growth properties, scalp massage is also extremely effective in reducing stress and anxiety. The various steps and techniques included in scalp massage target specific pressure points which are responsible for releasing muscle strain. Because of the increased flow of oxygen in the brain as a result of the massage, major symptoms of anxiety and depression can be reduced in the long run.

Increases energy and reduces fatigue

Scalp massage has also been proven to be extremely beneficial in increasing energy and maintaining the balance of the mind, body and soul. It targets the prime chakras (a concept of Ayurveda) and thus results in increased energy and reduced fatigue.

How to massage your scalp

While traditionally scalp massage does not include oil, however, specific spa settings or massage parlours incorporate the use of aroma-infused oil to enhance the benefits of scalp massage. 

Because of its simplicity and easy-to-follow steps, scalp massage is practised widely in every Indian household and its benefits are not hidden from the world. Following is an easy guide for you to incorporate scalp massage treatment at home.

• Using your fingertips apply gentle pressure on your scalp.
• Move your fingertips in a circular motion making sure to cover the entire scalp.
• Gently tap the back of your neck with your fingertips.
• Repeat the same motion on your shoulders as well.
• For added benefits, you can include an essential oil of your choice in the massage.
• Simply apply 2-3 drops of essential oil on your fingertips and repeat the same motion as mentioned above.
• Massage for a minimum of 5 minutes.
• Repeat regularly to see visible results.

To take your massage experience to the next level, you can also include massage tools and equipment which are easily available online.

Home remedies and additional tips for hair growth

By now you might already have an idea of just how effective scalp massaging or champi can be, especially when it comes to hair growth. However, in addition to scalp massage, there are many other home tips and remedies that you can incorporate into your daily hair care routine to get that silky, smooth hair.

1. Oiling hair on the night prior to washing

Oiling is great for your hair, it not only makes your hair follicles stronger but also provides shine and lustre to your hair. However, excessive oiling may also lead to dandruff so make sure you select the right oil for your hair concerns and apply oil only during the night like Blue Nectar Rosemary hair oil, which contains natural ingredients and provides extra nourishment. Another tip to keep in mind is to not leave the oil on your hair for a prolonged period as it may induce fungal growth on the scalp.

2. Avoid using excess shampoo

While most people prefer washing their hair daily, some wash their hair just once a week. However, it is recommended that people with major dandruff concerns should wash their hair at least 2-3 times a week. Also, the amount of shampoo used to wash your hair plays a major role. Using a huge quantity of shampoo may result in product build-up, hence it is recommended to use just the right quantity hair shampoo depending on your hair length.

3. Do not comb your wet hair!

It is a common practice to aggressively rub your wet hair with a towel post washing and combing out your wet hair. This is extremely damaging to your hair as it might lead to major hair breakage and hair fall. Instead, we recommend you comb your hair before the wash and use a gentle microfibre cloth to dry your here. Here is a protip, using a comb made from neem wood can drastically improve your hair health.

4. Use a homemade Aloe vera mask

It is not a secret that aloe vera is extremely beneficial when it comes to improving hair health. An easy way to enjoy the benefits of aloe vera is to make this easy hair mask at home!

• In a bowl add natural aloe vera gel and 2-3 drops of an essential oil of your choice.
• Blend the concoction well and apply the mix to your hair.
• Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and wash it off.
• And here you have it, the silky smooth hair of your dreams.

So the above mentioned were some of the few tips and home remedies that you can easily follow that will induce hair growth and improve your scalp health.

Wrapping up

We hope that this article has clarified all your doubts about scalp massage and the benefits of scalp massage for hair growth. Champi or scalp massage is an age-old practice that has proven increased hair growth and improved hair health among all its users. So, next time you hear your nani or dadi call you for a champi, you know what you have to do.

Recommended products by Blue Nectar:

Briganantadi Rosemary Hair Growth Tonic | Revitalization & Nourishment

Briganantadi Rosemary Hair Nourishment Oil | Hair Repair & Replenishment

Briganantadi - D Tea Tree Anti Dandruff Hair Oil | Clean & Healthy Scalp