Shirodhara therapy
Shirodhara is an Ayurveda therapy in which medicated oil or other liquids are steadily dripped on the forehead. Shiro means head in Sanskrit and dhara means flow. Shirodhara calms the nervous system, much like the effect of meditation. I have heard it described as a massage for the brain. Viewing the human body as an inverted tree, shirodhara nourishes and lubricates the entire organism through the operational center in the head and spreads throughout to every cell.
Among the benefits of shirodhara are better sleep, improved concentration, memory, circulation, vision, hearing, hair growth, reduced stress and anxiety, and slower aging. Shirodhara normalizes hormones, clears nasal passages, and strengthens the entire body.
Herbal sesame oil is the most common liquid used, but coconut, sunflower or olive oil can also be used alone or in combination. Buttermilk is used when there is high Kapha, or too much of the water and earth elements. Water or coconut water can also be used.
After a shirodhara treatment cover your head for several hours and, if possible, wait until the next day to wash out the oil. A towel over the pillows will prevent the oil from staining bed clothes. Total rest is also recommended for the day.
Among the benefits of shirodhara are better sleep, improved concentration, memory, circulation, vision, hearing, hair growth, reduced stress and anxiety, and slower aging. Shirodhara normalizes hormones, clears nasal passages, and strengthens the entire body.
Herbal sesame oil is the most common liquid used, but coconut, sunflower or olive oil can also be used alone or in combination. Buttermilk is used when there is high Kapha, or too much of the water and earth elements. Water or coconut water can also be used.
After a shirodhara treatment cover your head for several hours and, if possible, wait until the next day to wash out the oil. A towel over the pillows will prevent the oil from staining bed clothes. Total rest is also recommended for the day.
Contraindications
Contraindications for shirodhara are fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting, third trimester of pregnancy, neck injury, brain tumor, spontaneous sweating, and rashes or sunburn on the forehead or scalp.
Additional Benefits of Shirodhara
Shirodhara relieves dryness and itching, hypertension, headaches, paralysis, cracked lips, PTSD, jet lag, shift work or circadian disruption, premature grey hair, vertigo, tinnitus, and skin diseases like psoriasis.
