Description

The term Shirodhara comes from two words “Shiro” and Dhara. Shir means “head” and “dhara” means stream. Hence Shirodhara means streaming on head. Shirodhara is traditionally done as part of the Panchakarma cleansing process using specially prepared Shirodhara oil. It is also safe and effective as a stand-alone therapy. In Shirodhara, warm herbal medicated oil is continuously poured in form of a stream on over the forehead or ‘ajna marma’, an area where nerves are highly concentrated. The pressure of the oil onto the forehead creates a vibration. The oil saturates the forehead and scalp and penetrates into the nervous system. Pouring of warm oils used stimulates and sooth the hypothalamus, thereby regulating the functions of pituitary gland and inducing deep state of rest, similar to meditation. The treatment directly and immediately calms, relaxes and has a cleansing effect on the mind and nerves. The warm oils used for Shirodhara also cause vasodilatation of all the channels and thereby improve the blood circulation of brain. Shirodhara also reduces the level of stress hormones such as adrenaline and thus relaxes mind. The medicated liquids and oils used in the process help relax the body and mind by removing the harmful toxins accumulated in the body. The stress levels are reduced and the concentration level is also increased. Sleeplessness is cured with this method. Shirodhara can help relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress, fatigue and hypertension. It relieves tension, worry, fear and headache as well as depression. Shirodhara can also assist with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Insomnia and Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD). If you’re a frequent flyer and your daily sleep rhythm is often out of sync and you suffer jet lag, shirodhara can help reset your daily pattern of waking and sleeping. Shirodhara may first begin with abhyangam (Ayurvedic body massage). After Abhyangam, Shirodhara is performed. The time duration of Shirodhara treatment may extend from 30 to 60 minutes depending Precaution needs to be taken to prevent the oil from entering into the eyes or nose. It is therefore advisable to go to a professional Ayurvedic clinic and get Shirodhara procedure done from experienced therapists. At Sparsh Ayurveda, all the therapists are well-trained and experienced who perform the Shirodhara Treatment skilfully.