Shirodhara comes from the Sanskrit words "Shiro,” meaning head, and "dhara,” meaning that which flows. Shirodhara massage is an ancient Ayurvedic healing technique, one of the upakarma treatments that involves the rhythmic pouring of warm liquids such as oil, milk, buttermilk, or even water onto the forehead.
The nervous system is extensively impacted by this therapy. It has a soothing and tranquil effect on your mind, which immediately helps clear the blockages in your nerves. Vata and Pitta doshas are mainly balanced with this therapy. A person with imbalanced Vata dosha can have anxiety, insecurity, and distress. Pitta imbalance, on the other hand, can lead to furiousness, impatience, and irritability; it can also make a person lose control over himself, leading to irrational decision-making.
Herbal liquids that help in alleviating the imbalanced doshas are used in the form of Tailas (oil), decoctions (kashayam), buttermilk (takra), or even milk. The liquids are selected based on the condition of the patient or client or based on the doshas involved.
Gentle pressure, along with the warmth of the oil on the forehead, can calm the nervous system and help relaxation by reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. It enhances the body’s natural sleep rhythms, leading to quality sleep. Shirodhara works on the endocrine system, helping in balancing the hormones. It also works on reducing hypertension, chronic headaches, migraines, and diabetes.
Many times Shirodhara treatment is combined with a shiro abhyanga (head massage) and also complete body abhyanga (massage). It lasts from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the condition and need of the patient.
The warm liquid is poured on the forehead, especially in between the eyebrows. This is the position of the agna chakra; it is connected to the pineal gland. A recent study conducted in NIHMANS showed that Shirodhara has an impact on the EEG level. It reduces elevated serotonin levels, gives a tranquilizing effect, and calms the mind.
Procedure:
- The person taking shiirodhara lies down on the treatment table with a pillow for comfort.
- Warm liquid is slowly poured in a steady, continuous stream from a Shirodhara pot positioned above the forehead. The Shirodhara pot is suspended from a Shirodhara stand like a pendulum.
- The liquid flows across the scalp, eventually collecting in a vessel kept below the treatment table.
- The liquid is collected, reheated, and used again in the same manner.
Exploring Shirodhara Therapy: A Path to Relaxation and Wellness
Book your appointment today at Ayurvedic Treatment Center to learn more about Shirodhara Massage Therapy .
Shirodhara massage is a very safe and effective upakarma treatment. One could take Shirodhara massage therapy from Ayurvedic Treatment Center, just for general relaxation too. It has great health benefits too. It can be advised for 7 days minimum to a maximum of 28 days depending on the severity of the health condition. Though it has immense health benefits, it can’t be given to pregnant women in the 9th month. It should be avoided in those who have any allergic reactions to the liquid used; it can be avoided in those who have undergone any head injury or tumor in the brain; and it can be avoided in those who have had any neck injury. While some experience relaxation, others may experience heavy-headedness, and a few may experience giddiness too if they haven’t kept their eyes closed during the procedure.
Conclusion
In the present world, when psychosomatic disorders have immensely increased, Shirodhara massage works on the mind by calming it, which leads to reduced stress levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
1.What is Shirodhara, and how does it work?
Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic therapy where the warm liquid in the form of medicated oil, kashayam, or buttermilk is continuously poured over the forehead, promoting deep relaxation and balancing the mind and body.
2.What type of oil is used in Shirodhara?
Herbal-infused oils like sesame oil and coconut oil and medicated oils such as ksheerabala taila, Brahmi taila, and karpasahastyadi taila, suited to one dosha, are used. The choice of oil depends on the health condition. Apart from oil, buttermilk, kashayam, or even milk is used for Shirodhara.
3.How long does a typical Shirodhara session last?
Typically, Shirodhara lasts between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the practitioner, the desired effects, and the health condition.
4.Is Shirodhara safe for everyone?
Shirodhara is generally safe, but people with certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy or high fever, brain tumors, or pregnancy (in the 9th month), should avoid it. Always consult with a qualified practitioner.
