| | You'll need to massage a good conditioner into your scalp every time you bathe, and let it sit for at least five minutes before rinsing it out. If you're going to wash your hair during that bath, then do so before applying the conditioner. Even if you aren't going to shampoo, you should still condition.
A tea tree oil or dandruff conditioner may work better. If that's still not strong enough, then the most powerful combination is dandruff shampoo AND highly moisturizing conditioner that you've added tea tree oil to. (A good ratio is about 1 tablespoon oil for a small container of conditioner, 2 tbsp for a medium sized container, and 3 tbsp for one of those giant Sams Club conditioner bottles.)
There's no reason to assume that this has anything to do with vipassana; it's simple dry scalp and dandruff.
Reasons it gets worse on retreat: 1. Your awareness is sharper, causing you to perceive the itching more strongly. 2. Your bathing habits may change on a retreat away from home. 3. If you go to a place that's colder, windier, or drier, any of those weather conditions would aggravate any dry skin on your body, including on the scalp. I bet it's worse in the winter than in the summer, even when you aren't on retreat. |