V. K. Agnihotri et al / Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm.

6(6), Nov - Dec 2015

Review Article
www.ijrap.net

THERAPEUTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF SHIROABHYANGA: A REVIEW

V. K. Agnihotri 1, Vijay Kumar 2, Richa Sharma 3*
1Head, Department of Swasthavritta, Rishikul Campus, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
2M.D. (Ayu.), Head and Associate Professor, Department of Swasthavritta, Patanjali Bhartiya Ayurvigyan Avum

Anusandhan Sansthan, Patanjali Yog Peeth, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India

3PG Department of Swasthavritta and Yoga, Uttaranchal Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Dehradun, Uttarakhand,

India

Received on: 24/08/15 Revised on: 23/09/15 Accepted on: 08/10/15

*Corresponding author
Dr.Richa Sharma, PG Department of Swasthavritta and Yoga, Uttaranchal Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
E-mail: [email protected]

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.066135

ABSTRACT

Shiroabhyanga is to be considered in Snehana therapy. As it nourishes the senses of mind and gives the strength. If done on full body then it is termed
as abhyanga but if done in any region like localised in head, neck, legs etc then it is termed as shiroabhyanga, padabhyanga etc. Full body massage
gives strength to whole body but localised massage gives strength to that particular part of the body. Localised massage can be practised by oneself.
Thus it is easy to practise. But for abhyanga one need to be dependent on massage trainer. The instructions to be followed under localised massage also.
It gives its benefits; when it is done in right manner only.

Keywords: Head massage, Murdha taila, Snehana, oleation, Nidrajanya Bhava

INTRODUCTION Paryaya
The two synonyms of Abhyanga are Abhyanjana and
The Shiroabhyanga is coming under the classification of Snehana.
the Murdha Taila.1 Oleation or Snehana is told as Purva Abhyanjana
Karma of Panchakarma. Snehana is further divided into The word Abhyanjana derived from the root Anj by adding
Bahya and Abhyantara types, obviously Shiroabhyanga of Abhi Upsarga with lyut pratyaya which means to smear
comes under the former type Bahya. In Charak Samhita it or to Anoint (Shabda kalpa druma). The word Abhyanjana
is mentioned that Shiroabhyanga helps to promote Nidra means applying oil all over body including Shirah (Head).
i.e. daily practice of Shirobhayanga prevents headache, Snehana
balding greying, hairfall and it also gives strength to skull, The word Snehana derived from root Snih which means to
strengthens hair root and makes the hair black and long. It be adhesive or to be attached to. (Vachaspathyam)
helps in maintaining the health. It also nourishes the sense
organs, softens the skin and provides lustre to face and one Bheda
gets good sleep after Shiroabhyanga.2Abhyanga is one of
the Nidrajanya bhava’s are mentioned in Charak samhita.3 Vatsyayana Kamasutra explained the three types of
massage are as follow:
Etymology of Shiroabhyanga · Samvahana
‘Abhi’ upsarga is added to ‘Anga’ dhatu makes this word · Kesha-mardana
Abhyanga (Amar kosha) which means to induce specific · Utsadana4
and special movements. In this way; abhyanga (massage)
indicates some movement done on the body by using of According to Tiruka (Author of textbook of Anga-
Taila, Ghrita etc. mardana), there are 5 types of massage as:
· Shushkanga Mardana
Definition · Tailanga Mardana
Massage of the body with the help of Taila, Ghrita etc. in · Ksheeranga Mardana
the same direction of the body hair (Anulomana gati) is · Svayamanga Mardana
called as Abhyanga.
· Yamalanga Mardana5
Paribhasha
Basis of Classification of Massage
The oil (taila); which is applied to the Shirah Pradesha i.e.
head; Head Massage (shiro abhyanga) nourishes all the
By character of techniques
Indriya, Srotas and body parts like Bahu etc. such a
· Stroking
procedure is called Abhyanga.
· Pressure

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· Percussion · It is contra-indicated in person suffering from Pitta

· Vibration Roga, Trishna, Rakta Pitta, Prameha and Ati
Kshudhita.
By which; depth of tissue approached · It is contra-indicated in Kaphaja Roga and Santarpita
· Light massage Roga if done then it gets aggravated.
· Deep massage · It is contra-indicated immediately after consumption of
food, accustomed to Ruksha and Abhishyandhi Ahara.
By which; part of body used · It is contra-indicated immediately after Snehapana and
· General Massage Tarpana Kriya.
· Local massage · It is contra-indicated after Snana, Vyayama,
Divasvapna, Vegadharana, Prajagarana, Sheeta Vayu
By the means of application of pressure Sevana.8,9
· Manual massage
· Mechanical massage Prerequisites to perform Abhyanga
Abhyanga (massage) should be performed only when
By which; the basis of nature of drug used person has digested the previous food taken and when he
· Dry Massage is Kshudhita (hungry) and Trusha (thirsty).10
· Powder Massage
· Oil Massage Time of Abhyanga
Abhyanga (massage) is advised to practice once in a day or
On the basis of Swedish massage; according to once in two days or once in three days regularly as it does
movements not vitiate any Dosha.11 Daily Abhyanga is advised in
· Touch - a sensation which is carried through brain. children during night time.
· Stroke - is a touch with movement with one/both
Direction of Abhyanga
palms slowly.
According to Chikitsa Manjari and Chikitsa Sangraha; it is
· Friction - is grasping the part and move with little mentioned that generally Abhyanga should be performed
amount of pressure. in Anuloma Gati (same direction). They have also
· Kneading - is alternative compression of the tissues explained the specific direction of movement depending on
by grasping them against the underlined body surfaces; different involvement of Dosha as, one must follow the
Muscle mixing. movement as Anuloma Gati in Vata Dushti, Pratiloma Gati
· Vibration - is fine vibratory/Shaking movements in Kapha Dushti and alternate Anuloma and Pratiloma Gati
communicated to the body through the hands. in Pitta Dushti.
· Percussion - is administered in various ways with
varying degrees of force. Abhyanga Dravya
· Joint movements – in this; Both assisted and resisted Abhyanga (massage) should be performed with lukewarm
movements are given.6 medicated oil (taila or ghee) or ‘Vasa’ prepared with
'Doshaghna' drugs. Generally; oil (taila) is used for
Indications of Abhyanga Abhyanga. The oil (taila) should be lukewarm in general
· Shiro abhyanga is indicated in dry scalp associated with condition but cold oil may be used in Shirobhyanga. In
itching sensation.7 winter season warm oil and in summer season cold oil is
· Taila Abhyanga (oil massage) indicated in Bala, indicated to massage.
Vruddha, Krusha and Rogi.
· Indicated in all types of Vata Roga, Vishama Jvara and Method of Abhyanga
all Tvak Vikara. Abhyanga should be performed gently and in the direction
· Indicated in disease of hairs like Darunaka, Khalitya, of the hair (Anulomana gati). Shiro abhyanga (Head
Palitya etc. massage) should be followed with cold or lukewarm oil
· Indicated in daily routine for maintenance of the health because the head is the place of all senses and it is
of the body. explained as the most vital part. Shiro abhyanga should be
performed gently with finger-tips because forceful
Contra Indication of Abhyanga massage may damage the hair. Seven positions are to be
· It is contra-indicated in Ajeerna and Nava or Taruna adopted for proper massage of each and every part of body;
Jvara because if performed in this condition becomes but in shiro abhyanga; sitting position must be adopted.
Krucchra Sadhya or Asadhya.
· It is contra-indicated after Samshodhana i.e. immediate Method of Shiro abhyanga
after Vamana, Virechana and Niruha Basti; as it causes Requirements
Agnimandya. · Comfortable knee high chair.
· It is contra-indicated in person suffering from Netra · Bowl of 100 ml capacity to take oil.
Roga, Karna Roga, Atisara, Adhmana, Peenasa, · Oil for application.
Agnimandya and other Saamadosha conditions.

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Poorvakarma portion of the palmar aspect of the palm and fingers should
The patient is made to sit on a knee high chair. The body be in contact with the head. This method is followed by
of the patient is wrapped with a cloth below the neck then exerting gentle and firm pressure on the head. Every part
the procedure should be followed by standing behind the of the head is treated by the same method.
patient; it is the ideal position to perform Shiroabhyanga. Squeeze strokes
This step refers to grasping tuft of hair with hands followed
Pradhanakarma by gentle squeeze and producing comfortable traction on
The technique includes smearing the oil to the portions of the hair. Every part of the scalp is treated by the similar
the scalp above the neck and placing specific strokes. The manner.
oil is first heated on a water bath approximately up to 40oC, Karna-abyanga (Ear massage)
to make it lukewarm. Then the oil is applied in to the head In this step; ear pinna is grasped between the thumb
of the patient and spread all over the head including the anteriorly and the other fingers posteriorly. The pinna is
neck and ear pinna. To spread the oil on the scalp has short rubbed between the fingers. Further, followed by
trimmed hair; moving the palms from before backwards is supporting the pinna with the fingers posteriorly and then
enough. If the patient has long hair then the fingers have to thumb is firmly moved above downwards in the anterior of
be poked between the hairs to smear the oil to the scalp. the ear pinna.

Gharshana hasta (Massage from before backwards) Duration

After smearing the oil; massage the whole head by moving Each form of stroke and each step are continued for about
the palmar surface of the hand from before backwards 4 to 5 minutes and in this way the whole process of head
applying the oil gentle as well as with firm pressure. Thus massage takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
one should massage the complete area of the scalp that
includes vertex, temporal and occipital portions of the Paschathkarma
head. This procedure is continued for a desired period. After following this procedure; the patient is asked to rest
Mridvanguli Tadana (Picking strokes) on the chair for about 15 minutes and then advised to take
Fingers of the both hands are to be moved as if picking up head bath with hot water. Instead of soap, herbal products
tuft of hair. The fingers are partially approximated and then may be used.
gently and firmly placed on the scalp. This procedure is
followed by withdrawing of fingers to approximate the
fingers, simultaneously effecting rubbing of the scalp. This
method should be gentle producing mild traction effect on
the hair. By this way; each area of the head is similarly
treated. This method should effect a pleasant sensation to
the patient and should not cause any sort of discomfort or
pain also.
Dvihasta tadana (Flat palm strokes)
In this step; gentle strokes are placed with the palmar
surface on the scalp by both hands either simultaneously.
Strokes are followed on the vertex, occipital and temporal
region.
Taranga hasta (Rocking strokes)
In this step; gentle strokes are placed on the patients head Figure 1: Method to follow Shiro Abhyanga
by rapid movement of both the palms simultaneously.
While placing the strokes; the base of the little finger and Effect of Abhyanga on Various Dhatu
thumb must be in contact with the patients head. The commentator of Sushruta has described the effect of
Anguli kridana hasta (Finger strokes) Abhyanga (massage) is described according to its duration.
In this step; the gentle strokes placed on the patients head · When the Abhyanga is done for 300 Matras (1 Matra =
by making rocking movements of both the palms with its 19/60 seconds so, 300 Matra means 95 seconds); the oil
fingers stretched; while stoking only the palmar aspect of reaches to hair root
the little finger and thumb should touch the scalp · When done for 400 matras (133 seconds); the oil
Mridu mushti tadana (Fist stroke) reaches in skin.
In this method; gentle strokes placed on all areas of the · When done for 500 matras (160 seconds); it reaches in
head with the closed fist through the ulnar border. First; the Rakta dhatu.
strokes placed with both the hands simultaneously and · The oil reaches in Mamsa dhatu in 600 matras (190
followed by placing the strokes alternatively with right and seconds), in the Meda dhatu in 700 matras (228
left fist. seconds), in the Asthi dhatu in 800 matras (240
Ghatita hasta (Pressing) seconds) and in reaches to the Majja dhatu when the
In this step; flat of the palm is placed on the patients head Abhyanga is performed up to 900 matra (280
and is moulded in to the shape of the scalp so that every seconds).12

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Table 1: Shiro abhyanga matra as per dhatus

Tissue Time
Matra Seconds
Hair follicles 300 95
Skin 400 127
Blood 500 159
Muscular tissue 600 190
Fat 700 220
Bones 800 254
Nervous tissue or Bone marrow 900 285

Benefits of Shiro Abhyanga Guru Guna

· It is useful in diseases of the central nervous system and This increases the body strength and Kapha. Hemadri has
head. mentioned it as nutritious for the body. According to Bhava
· It helps in preventing headache and induces sleep. prakasha; Guru Guna is having the properties like Vata
· It gives strength to all the sense and motor organs. hara, Kapha kara and Pushti kara. Because of these
· It improves vision. properties it alleviates the morbid Vata, increases the
· If performed daily then all senses of that person become decreased Kapha and nourishes the body.
healthy. Sheeta Guna
· It prevents dryness and itching of scalp It helps to keep the mind healthy by increasing pleasure
· It helps in prevention of early greying and falling of and enthusiasm. Sheeta Guna prevents fainting and
hair, decreases the perspiration. It helps in stabilizing the
muscles and organs.
· It helps in improving complexion of hair on the face.
Mridu Guna
· Facial massage with oil and application of cosmetics
Mridu Guna means softness. This is the opposite feature of
done to the face to improve the skin of the face, Kathina Guna. By the help of this property Abhyanga
preventing wrinkles and skin diseases such as pimples reduces the stiffness.
and strengthen the eyes and cheeks also. Drava Guna
· It helps in the growth of hair on the scalp; which grows Drava Guna means liquid, humidity. By this Drava Guna;
strong, long and black the drug propagates swiftly all over the body. It liquefies
· A person who performs Shiro abhyanga daily; is never the Doshas and mobilizes the Doshas by increasing their
affected with headache, hair falling. flowing capacity.
· A person who performs Shiro abhyanga daily; his facial Pichhila Guna
skin becomes soft, shiny and gets a good sleep.13,14 Pichhila Guna means slimy. It gives longevity, increases
On virtue of such good properties, Shiro abhyanga has been body strength. It aggravates Kapha and produces
included and explained in the chapter of Dinacharya. heaviness.
Sara Guna
Mode of Action of Abhyanga The meaning of Sara is mobility. Sara Guna mobilizes the
Dalhana has described the absorption of Sneha used in Doshas and Malas i.e. waste products by this property.
Abhyanga procedure in detail; the oil used in Abhyanga Manda Guna
reaches up to the different Dhatus when it is applied for the It means sluggishness. The drug diffuses slowly by this
sufficient time. property and it remains in the contact of Doshas, Dhatus
Thus, the drug used in the Abhyanga gets absorbed by the and Malas for longer time.
skin. Dalhana explains that when Snehana drug reaches to Sukshma
the particular Dhatu then it subsides the diseases of that Sukshma Guna means subtle, minute and it helps the drug
particular Dhatu. to enter in the fine channels.
Charaka has mentioned that Vayu dominates in the
Sparshanendriya and its Adhishthana is Tvacha i.e. skin. In this way Abhyanga acts through the above properties of
The Abhyanga is beneficial to the skin, so one should Sneha. Because all the properties are opposite to the Vata,
follow it regularly.15 Indriyas are in close contact of mind Abhyanga is considered useful treatment in the diseases
so when Indriyas remain healthy then mind automatically occurred by aggravated Vata. The different views
remains healthy. In this way; Abhyanga (massage) keeps pertaining to abhyanga have been explained while dealing
body and mind healthy. with the review of literature of texts.

The mode of action of Abhyanga can be understood by Effect of Shiroabhyanga

the properties of Snehana drugs that are used for The abhyanga is followed in two parts of 400 matra kala
abhyanga in the following way: each. The first part consists of shiro abhyanga of right and
Snigdha Guna left parietal regions and the second part consists of shiro
This is explained as the main property of Snehana drug. abhyanga of frontal, vertex and occipital regions.
Snigdha Guna acts by its Vata hara, Kapha kara and The procedure of the shiro abhyanga gives the meaning of
Vrishya gunas. This guna is responsible for the action like gentle massage of the scalp by patients own finger tips.
Snehana, Kledana and Vishyandana at cellular level of the With the help of this procedure the friction and hair loss is
body.

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reduced. It also helps in explaining to do the massage for transmitter serotonin; which is made from tryptophan at
400 matra kala. motor ends plates.
Along with all these benefits, it also reduces abhynga The piezoelectricity is derived from pressure. While
dwesha and helps in inducing sleep. The advantages and utilizing a medium of unctuous substance to reduce the
benefits of Shiro abhyanga are self practicable, easy friction, a good amount of rhythm is used and creates
procedure, economic and effective. magnetic field and electricity in the body. By this charging
The gentle massage improves blood circulation to the the Conductivity of nerves will be increased which may go
kapala pradesha. The oiliness present in the oil reduces up to 100 metres per second. Electricity is discharged in
dryness so preventing the sleeplessness. Thus Shiro nerve fibre at regular intervals and moves in circular
abhyanga is achieving the samprapthi vighatana and thus pattern.
alleviates the disease. Abhyanga provides comfort due to Interruption to the momentum is resulting into the state of
temperature created in this procedure. The heat provokes disease, which may be pacified by doing massage with
the blood vessels to dilate; which increases blood specific pressure. Acetylcholine acts as transmitter at
circulation and promotes healing. motor end in the presence of calcium ion and facilitates
The effect of pressure and the effect of heat produced by synaptic action potential.
this method enhance the absorption of the medicine The nerve fibre has a mylenated sheet in which lipids are
through the skin. In this procedure the oil is applied over the chief ingredients. Na and K ions are responsible for
the head and massage is done for duration. repolarisation in the nerve fibre. This action with the
association of melatonin; a by-product of serotonin and a
Marmas and Shiroabhyanga neuro chemical is causing pleasant and calming effects by
Marmas or life centres may be considered as vital points in the massage.
the body where the Prana is regulated and stored for use by With the concentrated form of the drug; the absorption rate
the gross body and mind. They are the sites of the Tridosha increases. Percutaneous absorption is observed in the
(Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Totally; there are 108 Marmas in inflammatory condition due to the presence of substances
the body and among which 12 from these are classified as like serotonin.17
Padu Marmas or Vital life centres. Among those; 6 from
the 12 vital life centres are located in the head and neck Health Benefits of Massage
region. This explains how very critical and vital the head
and neck region is in relation to the whole of our physio- The following are the key effects of massage:
psychological function. Reduces Muscle Tension
Obstruction of Prana or Life energy, due to accidents, Massage affects the muscles in the body. It affects the
injuries and also psychological disturbances etc, may be muscles and other soft tissues in the body. Massage loosens
felt in the Marmas. The Marmas are invisible but their state contracted, shortened, hardened muscles. It may stimulate
is understood among other things by means of touch. We flaccid muscles. Chronic muscle tension is causing in
often suffer discomfort and pain in certain parts of our body reduction of the circulation of the blood and movement of
and not able to understand the reason. So it could be due to lymph in an area.
knocking accidentally a Marma. Improves Blood Circulation
It is also experienced that Ayurvedic Shiro abhyanga is The oxygen capacity of the blood can increase 10-15% by
especially useful in treating the following health the procedure of massage. With the help of indirectly or
conditions: anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, coeliac directly stimulating nerves that supply internal organs,
disease, constipation, crohn’s disease, depression, blood vessels of these organs dilate and allow more blood
headaches, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, supply to them.
indigestion, insomnia, peptic ulcers, stress.16 Induces Better Lymph Movement
Lymph is a milky white fluid that helps in draining of
Mode of Action of Abhyanga in Modern View impurities and waste away from the tissue cells. A
The internal fluids of the skin are subjected to movement component of these wastes is called as toxins which are the
in the massage because of osmotic pressure. Here massage by-products of metabolism. That’s why; it is a vital to our
is causing mechanical hydrostatic pressure in the extra health. Muscular contraction is having a pumping effect
cellular compartment. A forceful expulsion from that moves lymph. Massage helps to move lymph.
peripheral vessels causes splanchenic pooling of the body. Results in Increased Mobility and Range of Motion of
Massage helps fluid enter into viscera, tissues and dilute Joints
the accumulated toxins. Massage provides a gentle stretching action to both the
After the completion of procedure; when it refills the muscles and connective tissues which support the muscles
peripheral vessels, the diluted toxins are brought into and many other parts of the body and which help to keep
general circulation and during the course; they are expelled these tissues elastic.
out via elimination procedures. Stimulates or Soothes Nervous System
Abhyanga acts on skin (twacha), which is the seat for both Massage balances the nervous system by stimulating it,
vata and lasika. In this way; the lymphatic drainage will be depending on which effect is needed by the individual at
the prime effect of Abhyanga. Lymph exhibits large the time of the massage procedure.
amount of amino acid tryptophan.
Hypothetically, after massage; amino acids like tryptophan
increase in blood. It causes a parallel increase in the neuron

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Enhances Skin Condition Chturvedi, Part 1, Published by Chaukhamba Bharati Academy,

Massage enhances the skin condition by improving the Varanasi; 2013. p. 127.
3. Charak Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter no. 21, Shloka no. 52-54 of
function of the sebaceous and sweat glands, which keep the Agnivesha by Sri Satya Narayan Shastri with Vidyotni Hindi
skin lubricated, clean. Commentary by Pt Kashinath Shastri and Dr Goraknath Chturvedi,
Results in Better Digestion and Intestinal Function Part 1, Published by Chaukhamba Bharati Academy, Varanasi;
Massage procedure increases the body's secretions and 2013. p. 421.
4. Vatsyayana, Sanskrit Literature, 2nd century, Kamasutra 3/15;
excretions. It also increases the production of gastric juices, 1883.
saliva and urine. There is an increased excretion of 5. Anga mardana p. 74
nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus and salt also. Thus results 6. Gourang Sinha Akhoury. Principles and Practice of therapeutic
in increasing of metabolic rate. massage, Physiotherapy speciality, 2nd edition; 2010. p. 4.
7. Vagbhata Ashtanga Hridya with Sarvanga Sundara commentary of
Relieves of Acute and Chronic pain Arundutta and Ayurveda rasayana of Hemadri. Sutrasthana 22/24,
Massage may promote recovery from the fatigue and from Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 8th edition; 1998.
aches and pains.18 8. Vagbhata Ashtanga Hridya with Sarvanga Sundara commentary of
Arundutta and Ayurveda rasayana of Hemadri. Sutrasthana, 2/9-18
Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 8th edition; 1998.
CONCLUSION 9. Acharya YT, Acharya NR. Sushruta Samhita of Sushruta. 7th Ed,
Varanasi: Chowkamba Orientalia, Chikitsa Sthana, 24th chapter,
The advantages and benefits of Shiroabhyanga are self Shloka No. 30
practicable, easy procedure, economic and effective. It 10. Surendra Mohana. Meharacanda Printing, Kaiyadeva nighantu;
1928.
improves arterial, venous and lymphatic flow and in this 11. Vagbhata Ashtanga Hridya with Sarvanga Sundara commentary of
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Shiroabhyanga are mentioned as; this is a beneficial Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 8th edition; 1998.
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Varanasi: Chowkamba Orientalia, Chikitsa Sthana 24/3
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previously congested muscles and helps oxygenate the and cosmetics; 2002. p. 49.
brain, stimulates lymphatic drainage and induce sleep, 14. Kashinatha Sastri ed, Charaka Samhita, vol-1, sutra 5/81-83,
removes the toxins and side effects caused by the dyes etc., Vidyotini Hindi commentary, 18thed, Choukhambha Sanskrit
Samsthan, Varanasi; 2004.
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1. Vagbhata-Ashtanga Hridya with Sarvanga Sundara commentary of

Cite this article as:
Arundutta and Ayurvedarasayana of Hemadri. Sutrasthana,
Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 8th edition; 1998.
V. K. Agnihotri, Vijay Kumar, Richa Sharma. Therapeutic significance
2. Charak Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter no. 5, Shloka no. 81-83 of
of shiroabhyanga: A review. Int. J. Res. Ayurveda Pharm. 2015;6(6):725-
Agnivesha by Sri Satya Narayan Shastri with Vidyotni Hindi
730 http://dx.doi.org/10.7897/2277-4343.066135
Commentary by Pt. Kashinath Shastri and Dr. Goraknath

Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared

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