Combing Therapy and its Benefits

Combing therapy is an ancient method of health care that can be practiced by anyone to improve their health. 

Combing Therapy is really an extension of Tui Na (Chinese medical massage) and self-care therapies often characterized as Dao Yin (guiding/leading or guiding/pulling), or Yang Shen (nourishing life) techniques. 

These methods involve self-massage and movement to regulate the meridians and harmonize the functioning of the internal organs, thereby preventing disease. In Dao Yin exercises the scalp is combed with the fingers in order to stimulate the brain and the meridians that flow through the scalp.

Combing therapy focuses on the head. It has long been known that pathological disease states are reflected in the facial complexion and also that by treating the face and head with acupuncture and massage, therapeutic results can be achieved in a wide variety of diseases. Since all of the meridians in the body have either direct or indirect connections with the head, scalp and brain, stimulating the scalp can have global effects on the body’s health by regulating the meridians. Combing massages all of the acu-points of the head, which regulates excitement and inhibition in of the cerebral cortex.

In the Sui Dynasty, physicians discovered that the simple act of hair combing produced beneficial results, including brighter hair, less hair loss and a reduction in headaches. They also found that Combing hair can help you to sleep well and recommended combing the scalp 100 times before going to bed in order to calm the mind and produce peaceful sleep.

Most hair experts say feel that Male-Pattern-Baldness is caused by impaired blood circulation to the hair roots. This can happen because the tissue of the scalp is too tight. Regular combing can help improve hair quality, Combing deeply massages the scalp and helps clean the surface of dirt, dead skin, and dandruff. It also helps the sebaceous glands to release their secretions and stimulate their normal activity. Regular combing will not pull out your hair. Hair that is already so loosely attached to the cuticle that combing will dislodge it, would come out anyway.

About Combs:

A well-made wooden or horn comb should used for Combing therapy. Wooden combs prevents static electricity and do not catch and pull on the hair, Plastic or metal combs can generate static electricity, scratch the scalp and pull the natural oils out of your hair.

Different combs can be used. If you have thick curly hair you may need a comb with wider spaced teeth as opposed to someone with thinner hair who can use a comb where the teeth are spaced closer.  Various online companies including Amazon sell excellent combs. Peach wood is commonly used in the making of combs and peach is also a symbol of longevity in China. Other common choices are yellow willow wood, date wood. Pear wood, sandalwood, boxwood or bamboo.

Ox and Sheep horn combs are also recommended for combing therapy. They are made of keratin, the same material as human hair. Horn combs do not generate static electricity. Using a horn comb allows your hair to keep its natural oils resulting in richer, shinier hair.

Combing Therapy to Relieve Stress and Revitalize Mind and Body:

In modern times, we exercise less and sit more while processing information on the computer or cell phone. This focus of attention and energy on the head and eyes can lead to blockage in the meridians of the neck and head which in turn leads to headaches, eye pain, fatigue, neck and shoulder tension and back pain. By stimulating the scalp, the normal functioning of the meridians can be restored, relieving tension, stimulating the brain and improving functioning of the whole body.

Effects of Combing Therapy:

·         Increased energy

·         Greater mental acuity

·         “Wakes up” the brain in the morning

·         Improves visual acuity

·         Calms the body before sleep

·         Calms the spirit

·         Regulates the meridians

·         Relaxes the neck muscles

·         Prevents colds

·         Clears sinuses

·         Lowers blood pressure

·         Relieves headache

·         Stimulates the hair follicles

·         Improves the strength and health of the hair

How to Perform Combing Therapy:

Combing therapy involves stimulating the scalp by combing the scalp with a soft wooden comb or horn comb. The scalp can be combed in both directions starting at the posterior hairline and combing toward the frontal hairline. Hold the comb with the forefinger along the back of the comb and apply light pressure with the finger keeping the comb perpendicular to the head. This means the angle of the comb will change as it passes over the scalp.

Comb the hair from front to back and then from back to front. Comb the midline first, then comb one side of the head in overlapping sections followed by the other side of the head. Repeat each line several times. The hair can be combed this way for dozens or hundreds of strokes until the scalp is warm. Comb slowly and evenly with steady pressure. For maximum effect it is best to comb in the morning upon awakening and evening before going to bed, for 5-10 minutes each time. This therapy can be combined with other practices such as Dao Yin/Health Preservation Exercises or meditation. If you do not have a comb the fingers can be used to comb  and massage the scalp

If using the fingers, spread the tend fingers of the hands apart and knead in a circular manner from the anterior hairline to the posterior hairline and then massage the scalps from the sides to the top of the head. Use and even force.

COMBING THE RIGHT WAY TO TAKE CARE OF YOU HAIR:

If you are one of those people who just does not like combing your hair, are in a constant rush and do not take the time to comb your hair well or have curly hair and don’t want to unravel your curls? Well, you might be doing more damage than good. According to experts combing your hair is the simplest way to have healthy, shiny and lustrous hair. An added benefit is that if combed the right way you can actually keep hair fall at bay. So, forget those expensive treatments, shampoos and conditioners and try combing your hair well instead. Here’s how you should comb your hair the right way and why:

What you need:

1.    A wooden comb is the best thing to use while combing your hair. It helps get rid of static – the reason why hair tends to get frizzy and is responsible for making your hair brittle and susceptible to damage. Just remember that  it does not have sharp edges on its teeth and is well rounded off.

2.    A comfortable stool or chair to sit on.

Combing your hair the right way:

Sit comfortably on your stool. Make sure that you do not pick a chair with a back for this as it can restrict your movement. Now, bend at your waist and let your hair fall over your head. Hold the comb such that your index finger rides on the spine of the comb and start brushing your hair gently yet firmly from the back to the front. Remember to apply little pressure. If you are too rough with your scalp it will only lead to you hurting yourself.

First comb the midline of your hair and then go to the sides. Make sure the strokes you make on the side overlap the midline. You can comb one area multiple times and then move on to the next section. Do this till your scalp feels warm.

What does it do:

•  A majority of the blood vessels that supply your scalp are present at the back of your head. This is also known as the one point the supplies all the parts of your scalp with fresh blood supply and nutrients. Known as the occipital region it is packed with blood vessels – which is why you are least likely to go bald in that region.  
• According to traditional Chinese medicine the head is one area that all your ill health originates. It is the converging point of all your energy and is known as the point where all the meridians of your body have a direct or indirect connection to. So combing therapy is not only good for your body, it is also great for your hair, can beat hair fall, reduce the appearance of split ends and give your hair that illusive shine of healthy hair.
• Combing your hair helps you relax, has to ability to energize your body and helps your mind relax. This is one of the reasons why it is recommended that you comb your hair 100 times before you go to bed. So, if you are unable to sleep, try combing your hair before you  hit the sack.
• Combing also helps in the proper distribution of oils present on your scalp. This helps your hair get the natural nourishment it requires to grow. This oil adds a beautiful shine to your hair and is your body’s natural mechanism to fight off infections.
• Combing helps you get rid of dirt, chemicals, products and grime that usually get deposited at the roots of your hair and on your scalp. It also helps open up the pores allowing your hair to breathe. This not only is the most natural way of getting rid of dirt from your scalp it is also a great way to rejuvenate dull and dandruff ridden hair.