Have you ever heard about shirodhara? Here is a concise overview of Shirodhara for your reference. Spare your few minutes to discover the miracle therapy of Ayurveda. Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy that involves the continuous pouring of warm herbal oils or medicated liquids onto the forehead (specifically the third eye area). The therapy induces a relaxed state of awareness that results in a psychosomatic balance and Intense feelings of wellness. A total feeling of wellness, mental clarity, and comprehension is experienced in this process. It is quite recently that Japanese investigators have initiated state-of-the art studies on Shirodhara for its effects on psychoneuroimmunology.
The word shirodhara itself combines two Sanskrit terms
- Shiro: Refers to the head.
- Dhara: Signifies pouring in a stream
Synonyms
Shirodhara is considered under Murdhni taila(types of applying oil over head) in Ayurveda in which shiro abhyangam(head massage with herbal oil), shiroshek or shirodhara(pouring continuous oil or any liquid on forehead), shiropichu (cotton swab deeped in medicated oil and placed over crown of head), shirobasti(making cap like chef’s hat on head and sealed with some black gram dough and poured medicated oil in head and keep it for a while) are considered as Murdhni taila.
Mode of action
It works in both psychological and physiological ways to bring the mind, body, and soul to a harmonious feeling. Shirodhara helps in the elimination of hormones or toxins that are responsible for stress and over-functioning of the mind. By letting the oils flow onto the forehead, they soothe the mind and give a calming sensation to the head, free of thoughts. It regulates the pituitary gland that cures conditions like insomnia which is a lack of sleep. It physiologically calms the nerves around the head which enhance blood circulation in the brain and elevate serotonin hormones that make you content and healthy.We provide the finest and most professionalshirodhara at our place.
Benefits:
- Stress Relief: The gentle flow of warm oil over the forehead can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
- Improved Sleep:Shirodhara is known to help improve sleep quality and promote a sense of deep rest.
- Mental Clarity:The therapy can help enhance mental focus, concentration, and clarity.
- Nourished Scalp and Hair:The herbal oils used in Shirodhara can help nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
- Balancing Doshas:Shirodhara is believed to balance the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in the body, promoting overall health and well-being.
- Muscle Relaxation:The continuous flow of oil can help relax tense muscles and relieve physical tension.
- Detoxification:Shirodhara can help stimulate the lymphatic system and promote detoxification.
- Marma point relaxation: it believes to soothe some of head Marma points (vital point of body) like Apang marma, Avarta marma, Sathapani marma, Shankha marma, Utkshep marma, Simanta marma.
- Overall, Shirodhara is a soothing and therapeutic treatment that can help you unwind, rejuvenate, and restore balance to your body and mind.
Types: Shirodhara has different types according to liquid used in the treatment. Ex. oil, ghee, herbal decoction, takra(medicated buttermilk, Ksheer(milk) coconut water etc. Basic most ingredient of shirodhara is oil (sesame oil or any medicated oil).
- Tail shirodhara: Taila means oil. Material needed for Taila shirodhara is sesame oil,coconut oil sunflower oil, mustard oil or any medicated oil according to dosha predominance and constitution of dosha in recipient.
- Ghrit shirodhara: Ghrit means ghee(clarified butter) used in this type of shirodhara. It is commonly used in individuals with pitta imbalances.
- Takradhara: Takra means buttermilk. In Takradhara medicinal herbs induced buttermilk is poured on the forehead. It is useful in recipient having pitta types headache, hypertension, anindra(insomnia), Palitya( premature greying of hair), Khalitya(hair loss or hair fall), Darunak(dandruff) etc.
- Ksheerdhara: ksheer means milk. Medicated milk is poured over the forehead in this type of shirodhara. It is generally used in vata and pitta dominant conditions.
- Jaldhara: Jal means water. Continuous pouring of water on forehead is administered in this type of shirodhara which is highly beneficial in sunburns and dehydration.
- Kwathdhara: Kwath is decoction of herbal medicine which used during some conditions of recipient.
Procedure:
During a Shirodhara treatment, the recipient is comfortably positioned on a massage table, their head slightly tilted back. A therapist prepares a warm herbal oil or liquid mixture tailored to the individual’s needs and pours it from a special vessel called a “dhara pot” suspended above the forehead. The therapist adjusts the flow rate to create a continuous and gentle stream of oil that cascades over the center of the forehead, focusing on the “third eye” area. The rhythmic pouring of the oil induces a soothing sensation as it flows over the forehead and scalp. The session typically lasts for 30 to 60 minutes, during which the recipient is encouraged to relax and allow the therapeutic effects of the oil to take effect. After the session, the flow of oil is gradually stopped, excess oil is wiped off, and the recipient may rest for a few moments before getting up. Post-treatment care includes resting and avoiding exposure to cold drafts to maintain the balance created during the treatment. Warm healthy freshly cooked meal should be given to recipient for better effect of shirodhara. Shirodharais deeply relaxing and induces a relaxant state; these effects are mediated by the brain wave coherence, alfa waves, and a down regulation of the sympathetic outflow. The center of the forehead, which was evolution wise related to the third eye, is connected atavistically to the pineal gland. This spot is known asAgnya Chakrain the yoga tradition. Focusing onagnya chakrawith closed eyes during meditation leads to psychosomatic harmony. As the oil drips on theagnya chakra, it is proposed that the meditation-like effect is a consequence of stillness of mind leading to adaptive response to the basal stress. It gives tremendous results if assist with Medhya rasayan(Brain tonic) medicines. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions or need further details.
