A steady stream of warm decoction or warm oil is gently poured on the forehead, balancing the space element in the body.
Shirodhara is Effective for:
1. Induces deep relaxation and the sense of expansion.
2. Insomnia
3. Hypertension
4. Stress
SHIRODHARA THERAPY
Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic treatment in which there is gentle pouring of liquids over the forehead for a specific period of time.
Shirodhara comes from the two Sanskrit words, “Shiro” (head) and “Dhara” (flow). Liquids used in shirodhara depends on the disease that is been treated. Medicated oils, medicated buttermilk, milk, plain water, coconut water etc. are mainly used in Shirodhara.
• Eye disease
• Sinusitis
• Insomnia
• Tinnitus
• Certain types of skin diseases
• Neurological disorders
• Premature greying of hair
• Anxiety and stress
• Tailadhara ( medicated oil)
• Takradhara ( medicated buttermilk)
• Ksheeradhara ( medicated milk)
• Jaladhara ( plain water)
Head is considered as “Uttamanga” as it contains brain and sense organs which manipulates the whole body. Shirodhara has a relaxing and cooling effect on brain and nervous system and hence releases thee stress and anxiety.
Vayu is the main driving force of all the activities of the body and mind. Pitta and kapha are dependent on Vayu. If Vayu is functioning properly, then all these elements are in equilibrium. Shirodhara has tremendous effect on controlling Vayu. Acharya Chakrapani clarified that Prana that is located in the Shiras is nothing but different types of Vayu.
Shirodhara helps to activate the Marmas (vital points in the body) , which in turn makes a strong impact on the functioning of central nervous system and important glands within the brain( Pitutary and other endocrine glands).
Shirodhara begins with Shiroabhyangam or head massage followed by whole body massage or Abhyangam. After this, person is asked to close his/her eyes closed. Slowly medicated oil is preheated to required temperature and poured into the Dhara pot. Then from the pot, the oil is slowly allowed to flow on the forehead from a certain height. This is continued for specific period of time. The oil is poured continuously as stream and in an oscillating manner. Light head massage during the procedure is given.
Forehead has a large number of nerve endings. Vibrations are created on the forehead by the pressure of the oil. This oil penetrates into the nervous system after saturating the forehead and scalp. The entire procedure enables the body, mind and nervous system to experience a state of deep rest, similar to the state a person arrives after meditation.
