Understanding The Inversion Method For Hair Growth With Ayurveda

You must have tried different quick hair growth tricks and products. Did they help you achieve the desired results? If not, try the inversion method for hair growth.

“Not just backed by numerous articles and positive reviews on the internet, the inversion method’s foundation lies in the ancient science of Ayurveda,” says Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.

Wondering how to go about it? Scroll down to know what is the inversion method, how it works and what are its benefits..

Highlights:

• What Is The Inversion Method?
• How Safe Is The Inversion Method For Hair Growth?
• Does The Inversion Method For Hair Growth Work?
• How Does This Method Increase Your Hair Length?
• How To Perform The Inversion Method For Hair Growth?
• How Often Should You Do The Inversion Method For Hair Growth?
• Do You Wash Your Hair After The Inversion Method?
• Does The Inversion Method Work Without Oil?

What Is The Inversion Method?

The inversion method is typically a hair growth acceleration technique where the head is inverted upside down to increase blood flow to the hair follicles. This coupled with ‘Shiro Abhyanga’ or head massage proves to be more beneficial.

According to Ayurveda, our body parts receive ‘Poshana’ or nutrition from Rakta (blood). When your head is tilted backwards or inverted, the blood supply to your hair follicles increase leading to better oxygenation and rejuvenation of your follicles. This makes your hair grow faster up to 2 inches per month and reduces the rate of your hair fall.

How Safe Is The Inversion Method For Hair Growth?

The inversion method includes stances like the headstand, handstand, front bend, inversion table. Hence, it is safer to not perform this method if you are suffering from back pain, neck problems, vertigo, low pressure, Glaucoma, Hypertension, Migraines or if you are pregnant. “There is no strictly specified technique for this method. So, if basic safety measures are kept in mind, and your health permits, there is no risk involved in trying this method for hair growth,” says Dr. Zeel.

Does The Inversion Method For Hair Growth Work?

The inversion method can be correlated to the Asanas mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for hair growth. Namely the Adho Mukha Svanasana or downward-facing-dog pose, Sirsasana or headstand, Sarvangasana or shoulder stand, Uttanasana or forward bending camel pose, Ustrasana or back bending camel pose and Sasangasana or rabbit pose. Each of these Asanas have proven to be effective over the ages and is practiced by women all over the world.

Since not much research has been done on the effectiveness of this method, it is difficult to validate it scientifically. However, several positive reviews from women who have tried it speak of its success rate within a period of 6 months.

How Does This Method Increase Your Hair Length?

The simple logic behind the inversion method and all the above mentioned Asanas is to increase blood circulation to your hair follicles for better hair growth. If blood flow to a body part is restricted, the growth on that part will also be affected. Similarly, loss of blood supply to the follicles leads to hair loss. [1]

Your hair follicles or Kesha receive their nutrition from the surrounding blood vessels originating from the dermis. These blood vessels supply nutrition to your hair follicles, remove waste and enhance growth. [2]

Hence, as per Ayurveda, various Asanas have been designed to increase blood flow to the head to rejuvenate the scalp and improve follicle health. The inversion method follows the same technique.

How To Perform The Inversion Method For Hair Growth?

1. Head Massage or Shiro Abhyanga

The inversion method is usually preceded by a session of head massage or Shiro Abhyanga. Use an essential oil such as lavender or peppermint oil with your choice of carrier oil and follow the below mentioned process.

• Spread the oil all over your scalp area and the strands of hair from root to tips.
• Comb through your hair to spread the oil completely along the hair strands.
• Gently massage for 4 to 5 mins using your fingertips in a circular motion. Alternate between clockwise and anti-clockwise movement.

Massaging your scalp before the inversion method stimulates your hair follicles. As per Ayurveda, an imbalance of the Tridoshas (life energies) on your scalp can cause hair loss and other hair related problems. Peppermint oil [3] is a perfect choice for restoring the Vata-Pitta-Kapha dosha imbalance. It is also known for its hair growth promoting properties.

Lavender oil [4] is used in Ayurvedic head massages for calming the effects of an aggravated Vata dosha. It deeply conditions your hair and provides essential antioxidants to your follicles.

2. Inversion of Your Head

• Hang your head upside down in a posture comfortable to you. Ayurveda recommends the 6 main Asanas mentioned above for the inversion method of hair growth. However, you can also sit on a chair with your head placed in between your knees or hang your head from the side of your bed.
• Bend enough so your head rests below your heart and bring all your hair down.
• Stay in this position for 4 mins.
• Now gradually return to your normal position to avoid dizziness.

It is considered more beneficial to leave the oil for 2-3 hours or even overnight before you wash your hair thoroughly. This allows better absorption of nutrients into your follicles helping in the growth of hair.

How Often Should You Do The Inversion Method For Hair Growth?

You can repeat the inversion method as frequently as 2 to 3 times in a week. After which leave a period of minimum 3 weeks before you do it again. Though not necessary, you can repeat the inversion method everyday for a week. However, overdoing it will not fetch you the desired results as your body will get used to the increased flow of blood that was stimulating the hair follicles.

Do You Wash Your Hair After The Inversion Method?

If you have done an oil massage before performing the inversion method, then a hair wash is required to get the grease out of your hair. If possible, avoid washing your hair immediately after the method and leave the oil for a couple of hours. This helps your hair to soak in some extra goodness.

Vedix Tip: Choose using an Ayurvedic shampoo or one made from Reetha and Shikakai to further enhance your hair growth process. Shampoos formulated with herbal ingredients do not strip your hair of its natural oils and maintain the pH level of your scalp. The result is a lustrous, bouncy mane.

Does The Inversion Method Work Without Oil?

The use of oil in the inversion method amplifies the effect of the process as it stimulates the hair follicles, making them more receptive. But it is not a completely irreplaceable component in the inversion method.

You can perform the inversion method without the use of oil if you have an oily scalp, following the same steps mentioned above. In that case, the hair wash can also be skipped. However, it is recommended that you oil your hair if you have a dry scalp as the sudden rush of blood may leave your scalp feeling more dry due to the elevation of your Kapha dosha.

The Last Word

The inversion method is likely to make your hair grow faster with the added supply of nutrition to your hair follicles. Remember to use an Ayurvedic oil that suits your hair type to massage your scalp to stimulate your hair follicles before you perform the inversion method. Many women across the globe claim that the method has helped them to gain the desired hair length within a short period of time. However, make sure you don’t overdo and keep in mind the safety precautions mentioned in this article to get naturally healthy hair in no time.