Shirodhara is a type of Ayurvedic therapy in which a steady stream of warm oil is poured onto the forehead, specifically the “third eye” area. The word “Shiro” means “head” and “dhara” means “flow.” The therapy is designed to balance the mind and body, and has a calming and rejuvenating effect on the nervous system.
The flow of oil is directed towards the ajna chakra, also known as the third eye. This is associated with the endocrine glands (pineal, pituitary and hypothalamus) which regulate all hormonal secretions.
Shirodhara establishes a state of para-sympathetic rest, an ego-less state allowing the body to heal and rejuvenate.
Shirodhara can be applied towards conditions of high Vata or Pitta, as well as insomnia, migraines and headaches, memory loss, and for deep relaxation.
Shirodhara cleanses both the mind and the senses, which allows the body’s natural healing mechanisms to release stress from the nervous system.
As soon as you step into our Ayurvedic wellness clinic, the ambience of care and warm welcome you. Have a cup of tea and meet our Ayurvedic Practitioner who will discuss your goals and ask you about any health conditions that might impact your shirodhara.
Our massage spaces are designed to have a warm, peaceful and comfortable setting.
The shirodhara treatment is best experienced in a combination with an abhyanga massage.
You will lie down on a treatment table with a pillow under the head to elevate it slightly. Then, the practitioner will prepare a steady stream of warm oil (we use sunflower or sesame infused with adaptogenic herbs and essential oils blended by our Ayurvedic physician) which is poured onto the forehead in a specific pattern. The oil is poured from a height of about 4-6 inches above the forehead, and the flow of oil is adjusted as needed.
All you have to do is close their eyes and relax while the oil is poured for a period of time, usually between 30 and 50 minutes. The oil is allowed to soak into the skin and hair, and any excess oil is then gently massaged into the scalp and hair. After the treatment, we recommend you to rest for a short period of time before getting up.
It’s important to note that Shirodhara should only be done by a trained Ayurvedic practitioner, as it requires knowledge of Ayurvedic principles and the correct technique to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment.
Ayurvedic treatments, including Shirodhara, have been used for centuries in India and are considered an integral part of traditional Indian medicine. While there have been some studies done on the benefits of Shirodhara, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and to establish it as a treatment option. Here are the benefits as listed in classical Ayurveda texts.
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