Shirodhara

Shirodhara is an ancient method of Ayurvedic healing that can help one find harmony within the mind, body and spirit for holistic wellbeing. It is one of the most essential therapies mentioned in Ayurveda that can not only rejuvenate and purify the body but also relieves stress, mental fatigue and treats several disorders.
The word ‘Shirodhara’ is derived from two Sanskrit words – ‘Shiro’ meaning the head and ‘Dhara’ meaning stream, pour or flow. Together, it means to pour or drip lukewarm herbal oils on the forehead in a continuous stream. During the therapy, the oil is poured from a certain height for a specific time to allow it to run through the scalp and into the hair. It stimulates a vital point on the head called the ‘Ajna Marma’ or the ‘Maha-Marma’, which brings stability in the mind and consciousness. According to Ayurveda, the Ajna Marma is the key point through which vital life force or ‘Prana’ circulates. It is also known as the centre of intuition and is called the ‘Third-Eye Chakra’ as well.
In addition, Shirodhara balances the doshas in the body and enhances the functioning of the nervous system while delivering a truly rewarding and divine experience.

Benefits of Shirodhara Treatment

Relieves Stress
Stressful events may cause the body to go through physical or emotional changes that can make them anxious, frustrated and angry. Shirodhara treatment can help to significantly reduce the stress from the mind and body.

When warm herbal oils are poured on the forehead along with a light massage of the head, the body goes into a relaxation state, conserves energy, dilates the blood vessels and slows down the heart rate. Hence, Shirodhara therapy is crucial in the treatment of hypertension and arrhythmia.

As most of the diseases that exist today are in some way related to stressful lifestyles, minimising the impacts of stress is essential to ensure lifelong health. Shirodhara promotes tranquillity and calmness and counteracts stress. Even a single session of Shirodhara can help you fight the effects of stress for hours or days.

Awakening Intuition
The point between the eyebrows is considered as the ‘Third Eye’ in many Ayurvedic scriptures. As mentioned earlier, it is the centre of intuition and foresight as well as the point of spiritual awakening. Shirodhara benefits the mind as it stimulates this point and opens up the third eye leading to the free-flowing of one’s life forces or prana. It removes any blockages in the energy channels of the mind and helps the individual to look at events buried in their past from a viewpoint which wasn’t accessible earlier. Moreover, the downpour of the Shirodhara oil also helps them to gain immense mental clarity to deal with their past traumas, emotional experiences and unresolved pains.

Improves Quality of Sleep
Insomnia and sleep issues have become a common problem for individuals looking at the fast-paced lifestyle that most of us follow. The lack of or irregularity in sleep can be extremely exhausting and lead to lethargy, a decline in decision-making abilities and mental functions as well as negatively impact the physical and emotional wellbeing. Shirodhara treatment is known to reduce the cortisol levels in the body thereby alleviating the symptoms of stress and improving the quality and duration of sleep.

Fights Anxiety
Shirodhara therapy is a natural stress buster. With relaxing head massage and herbal oils, Shirodhara eliminates toxins from the head and enhances the cognitive functions of the brain. It regulates the levels of serotonin hormone in the body, which contributes to happiness and wellbeing of the individual. Consequently, it also reduces the symptoms of anxiety, like uneasiness, restlessness, cold hands and feet, etc.

Pacifies Vata Doshas
Aggravated Vata Dosha in the body can lead to unwanted and chaotic thoughts, forgetfulness, restlessness and lack of attention. Shirodhara is an excellent therapy and remedy to pacify the excess Vata Dosha. The balancing properties of the herbal oils used in Shirodhara counteract the cool, light and fluctuating nature of the Vata dosha thereby alleviating the symptoms of Vata imbalance