Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves pouring a continuous stream of warm herbal oil on the forehead to promote relaxation and balance the mind.
The therapeutic effects of hair massage induce pleasure and this makes you forget your worldly worries and drift off to sleep faster.
Shirodhara is a more relaxed and therapeutic head massage experience that offers immense physical and mental benefits. So if you think a head massage is great, Shirodhara is even better. In this, a light massage is given at the end after dripping oil on the forehead. And yes, it is just as relaxing as it sounds.
In simple terms, Shirodhara therapy can be described as pouring medicated oil over the forehead. Let’s understand the procedure in detail.
In this Ayurvedic therapy, the person receiving the treatment lies down on the back. Next, warm, medicated oil is poured over the forehead from a certain height in the next step.The oil then flows around the forehead and down into the scalp, which is then gently massaged into the skin by the practitioner.
While a regular head massage may induce sleep and relaxation and strengthen the hair follicles, Shirodhara’s benefits go above and beyond. It’s a divine process that helps exfoliate dead skin, relieve stress, improve blood circulation, pacify elevated doshas and transport lymphatic fluids.
When performed by an experienced practitioner, Shirodhara can help purge toxins, reduce mental fatigue and improve brain function.
According to Ayurveda, Shirodhara treatment uses medicated oil, milk-based solution, herbal decoction, or aqueous formulation. It depends on the therapeutic benefits you seek.
Steps to Perform Shirodhara Therapy
Step 1
We will prepare a comfortable and quiet environment for the recipient.
Step 2
The person receiving Shirodhara lies down on their back on a massage table or bed.
Step 3
We will provide a pre-warmed herbal oil or a suitable liquid based on the recipient’s dosha and needs.
Step 4
We will use a small container or a cup to gently pour the warm oil or liquid onto the recipient’s forehead.
Step 5
We will start with a few minutes of continuous pouring
Step 6
We encourage the recipient to relax and focus on the sensation of the liquid flowing on their forehead.
Step 7
After a session (typically 30-45minutes), gradually stop pouring the liquid.
Step 8
We will allow the recipient to rest for a few minutes.
Benifit Of Shirodhara
Relieves stress and anxiety
Improves sleep quality
Helps in reducing headaches and migraines
What is the benefits of Shirodhara?
Lowers stress, anxiety, and depression. It also works in reducing elevated serotonin levels and stress hormones such as noradrenaline and adrenaline, to effectively manage stress. Due to the constant flow of liquids over the head, Shirodhara tranquilizes and stabilizes the mind, so the mind becomes serene and calm.
Who should avoid Shirodhara?
Shirodhara should not be given to those with a rash or sunburn on the forehead or scalp. Brain tumour, recent neck injury, abrasions or cuts on the head also make this treatment difficult. Excess Kapha & Excess Ama: This should be balanced and maintained in the body with morbid obesity and the problem of indigestion.
Does Shirodhara help in anxiety?
It aids in recovery from exhaustion stress, debility and aggravation. Our patients testify that after a few sessions of Shirodhara therapy, they fell far less stressed and anxious than before, and have reported better sleeping patterns.
What is the science behind Shirodhara?
Minimize exhaustion- Shirodhara gives a rejuvenating effect on the mind and also removes toxins from the central nervous system which results in reducing fatigue. Promotes better sleep- It helps to cure insomnia which is disturbed sleep by regulating the pituitary gland which improves sleeping conditions.
Is Shirodhara good for hair?
Shirodhara, with the medicated hair oil treatment not only stimulate hair growth, but also treat stress. Arrest hair fall and nourish scalp. Hair roots can be strengthened by Brahmi taila and the massage improves blood circulation which intends hair growth.
Can I do Shirodhara at home?
1 Power drops: Shirodhara, the powerful ayurvedic therapy to relieve stress and restore calmness of the mind, can be experienced at home with a steady stream of warmed medicated oil or butter milk poured over the third eye on the forehead.
What are the side effects of Shirodhara?
Although Shirodhara being the ultimate restorative and regenerative therapy, has no recorded side effects, one must take proper precautions so that the oil does not enter the eyes or ears during the process.
What are the side effects of Ayurvedic massage?
No, there are no known side effects due to this treatment. After the treatment, you might feel a slight chill or slight increase in body temperature. This is your body’s fundamental and natural way of removing the toxins, and usually, these symptoms go away on their own.