Hair15 min
Champi: the Indian head massage for a relaxed scalp and mind
A weekly champi — warm oil massaged into the scalp with rhythmic fingertip movements — is as much about calming the mind as nourishing the hair. It's one of the most loved rituals in Indian families.
The Ayurvedic view
Ayurveda's murdha taila (oiling the head) is recommended as a regular practice to keep the scalp nourished, the senses clear and sleep sound. Warm oil calms vata, which in the head shows up as a busy mind, dry scalp and restless sleep. Whether done by a family member or by yourself, the slow, rhythmic pressure is deeply relaxing — the ‘champi’ is where the English word ‘shampoo’ comes from.
Ingredients
- 2–3 tablespoons oil: coconut (cooling, for summer and pitta), sesame (warming, for winter and vata) or almond
- A small steel bowl and hot water to warm it
How to prepare
- Warm the oil by placing the bowl in hot water until it's comfortably warm on the wrist.
How to use
- Part the hair and dab oil along the partings with fingertips.
- Massage in small circles with the pads of the fingers, starting at the hairline and moving back; spend extra time at the crown and the base of the skull.
- Finish with gentle squeezes along the scalp and light tapping. Continue for 10 minutes.
- Leave on for an hour or overnight, then wash with a mild shampoo. Once or twice a week.
Helpful habits
- An evening champi before an early night is especially soothing for stress and poor sleep.
- Use the pads of the fingers, not nails; don't rub the lengths of the hair, which causes tangles and breakage.
Precautions
- Avoid heavy oiling during a cold, fever or sinus congestion, or if you have oily dandruff or scalp acne.
- Skip if you have scalp wounds, infection or recent head injury; people with neck problems should ask for only gentle pressure.
- Don't leave oil on for days — wash it out to avoid buildup.
