Unwinding with Shirodhara: The Ancient Ayurvedic Procedure for Relaxation and Clarity
In our lives, finding moments of peace can often feel like a challenge. Ayurveda teaches us that stress and constant overthinking can throw our bodies out of balance, leading to a variety of health concerns. A classic non-invasive Ayurvedic therapy aimed at providing deep relaxation for both the mind and body is, Shirodhara.
What is Shirodhara?
The term “Shirodhara” comes from two sanskrit words: “shiro,” meaning head, and “dhara,” meaning flow. During a Shirodhara session, a warm, medicated oil (or sometimes milk, buttermilk, or coconut water) is poured in a steady stream, onto the forehead specifically on the ajna (third-eye) area of a client lying comfortably on a therapeutic table.
Why Shirodhara?
In Ayurveda, there is a deep understanding that our mind and body are closely connected. Charaka, one of the foundational figures in Ayurveda, highlighted this thousands of years ago. He explained that stress and overthinking can disrupt the flow of vital energy through a body channel called the Rasa Vaha Srotas, which is responsible for transporting the essential fluids and nutrients that nourish our system.
When we experience stress or overthink, vata (the energy of movement) tends to increase. This can create imbalance and if left unaddressed, it can have lasting effects on both our mental and physical health such as heart discomfort, and may even affect our memory and intellect, clouding our ability to think clearly.
The Process of Shirodhara
A shirodhara session usually starts with a consultation with a trained and licensed ayurvedic or siddha professional. During this consultation, the professional will assess the recipient’s unique constitution (prakriti), current imbalances (vikriti), and any dosha disturbances to understand the health needs and decide on the right treatment.
The suitable oil may be infused with herbs, customized to match the individual health needs and imbalances. The oil is carefully prepared ahead of time, offering relaxation and balance for both body and mind.
The therapy is conducted as follows:
- Purva Karma: Preparation
Before starting a session, the Ayurvedic expert will first check the vital signs of the recipient like temperature, blood pressure, pulse, etc. to make sure everything is normal and fit for the procedure. Once that is confirmed, the client is invited into the treatment room, and some calming rituals are performed to set a positive intention for their wellness.
Next, the client will be asked to take care of any natural needs prior to starting the treatment. It is advised to wear a comfortable, thin garment as preferred. To further promote relaxation and circulation, the expert may give them a gentle massage on areas such as the neck or shoulders, following the specific treatment protocol. The scalp may be trimmed or shaved if the person is okay with it, as this can help the oil treatment absorb more effectively.
- Equipments needed for the procedure:
- – “Droni (Dhara table)”: A special table for the procedure where the client will lie down comfortably.
- – “Dhara Patra (Shirodhara pot)”: The pot that holds the warm oil, ready to be gently poured.
- – “Dharavarti (Cotton wick)”: A cotton wick used to create a steady stream of oil.
- – “Oil (1.5 litres)”: The oil used for the treatment, often infused with herbs based on your needs.
- –”Other Items”: A few additional essentials like cloth, cotton, a pot, and sometimes a special herbal powder called Rasnadi Churna to enhance the treatment.
This preparation process ensures that the individual is fully supported and comfortable, allowing deep relaxation.
- Position of the patient:
The recipient is asked to lie down on the back in a comfortable, flat position on a wooden table called a droni. A rolled towel is placed under the neck for support, and the head is slightly elevated for comfort. The dhara patra (oil pot) is a tapered vessel, usually made of brass or clay, that holds up to 2 litres of oil. It has a wick inside to ensure the oil flows steadily and continuously. The pot is positioned about 3 to 4 inches above the patient’s forehead to prevent any spills.
To help with relaxation and to protect the eyes, cotton pads are placed over the eyes, and cotton buds are gently placed in the ears. In some cases, a thick cotton cord is tied around the head, just above the eyebrows and ears, to keep the oil from running into the eyes.
This setup ensures a soothing and effective experience, helping the oil flow smoothly without any disturbances.
Pradhana Karma: The procedure
The oil used for shirodhara is carefully selected based on the individual’s needs. Warm, herbal oil is then poured in a steady stream over the midpoint of the patient’s forehead. The expert gently swings the oil pot to ensure the oil flows evenly across the head and scalp, adjusting the flow and temperature for comfort.
A small amount of oil (around 10 ml) is kept above the patient’s head during the process. Additionally, Abhyanga (oil massage) is performed on the face, neck, shoulders, and chest to enhance relaxation.
The droni (table) has raised edges to prevent the oil from spilling over. At the head end of the table, there is a setup to collect any excess oil, which will be saved and reused throughout the treatment duration.
The continuous stream of warm oil flows for the recommended time, allowing the recipient to relax deeply and enter a meditative state. The warmth, soothing aroma of the oils, and rhythmic motion help calm the mind. Any changes or sensations the recipient experiences during the treatment are noted by the expert.
Paschat Karma: Post Treatment Care
Once the Shirodhara treatment is complete, the expert will gently clean the patient’s scalp and body with a sterile cloth and warm sponge to remove any excess oil. After that, it is important to rest and avoid exposure to cold air, especially if there are no follow-up treatments planned. For individuals with a vata or kapha constitution, who may be more prone to catching colds or coughing, special care is needed. In these cases, applying Rasnadi Churna on the forehead can help retain warmth and reduce symptoms. Sometimes, a paste made from Rasnadi Churna is applied, along with leaves of the Chinese Chaste Tree (Vitex Negundo) or Castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), which are then secured with a bandage around the scalp to further support recovery.
The expert may also provide specific advice on how to care for the hair and scalp after the treatment, such as avoiding washing the hair with hot water immediately and giving it some time to absorb the benefits of the oils.
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations:
The expert advises to opt for warm, easily digestible foods like soups and steamed vegetables and avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, cold drinks, dairy, and fried foods, which can disrupt digestion and the calming effects of the therapy. Drinking warm water or herbal teas, like ginger or cumin tea, is suggested to aid digestion and maintain balance. They recommend engaging in gentle activities like light walking or meditation to prolong the effects of relaxation.
Benefits of Shirodhara
- A standardized Shirodhara treatment helps to feel a relaxed alertness, much like the calm offered by meditation.
- It can be beneficial for issues like tension, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and stress related to chronic health problems.
- The soothing nature of the therapy helps to reduce cortisol levels, promoting a deep sense of tranquility.
- It is beneficial for improving the functions of sense organs.
- By calming the mind, it can enhance brain functions such as focus, memory, and cognitive function, making it a valuable tool for those feeling mentally fatigued.
- It also helps in emotional release.
- Regular shirodhara can help improve sleep patterns, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
- The warm oil nourishes the scalp, potentially improving hair health, reducing dryness, and promoting growth.
- It is believed to help balance the doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha), which are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.
Who can benefit from Shirodhara?
Shirodhara is suitable for most people, particularly those seeking stress relief, emotional balance, or enhanced mental clarity. It is recommended for various conditions like migraines, facial paralysis, jaw stiffness, eye pain, anxiety, and insomnia. It is also commonly used to help with psychosomatic issues, and different neurological disorders, including epilepsy and chronic headaches, mental health issues like psychosis, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. However, it may not be recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as severe skin issues, recent head injuries, or specific psychiatric disorders. To ensure if it is right for you, always consult with a qualified practitioner before trying this therapy.
Who should avoid Shirodhara?
- Shirodhara should be avoided for disease conditions related to excess kapha (excess mucus, congestion, and a feeling of heaviness in the body), as it can make these issues harder to treat.
- It is also not recommended for people who have recently undergone panchakarma.
- And for those experiencing indigestion (Ajeerna), shirodhara is not advised.
What does the latest research say about Shirodhara?
- Numerous studies have shown that Shirodhara effectively reduces anxiety levels.1 2 3
- Reduction in Cortisol and DHEA levels are observed after the Shirodhara.1
- Japanese researchers found that Shirodhara significantly lowers plasma levels of noradrenaline, a hormone linked to stress.1
- This treatment may help manage emotional disturbances and disorders.1 2
- The meditative effects may help change how we think, improve our sleep patterns, and balance our circadian rhythm (sleep cycles). This can lead to better sleep quality for those who have sleep disorders like insomnia.1 2 3
- It helps in lowering the pulse rate, conservation of energy, expansion of blood vessels, which helps to reduce mental and physical stress.1
Conclusion
Shirodhara is not a luxurious spa treatment that anyone can get at any massage parlour; it is a holistic therapy with deep roots in Ayurveda that can profoundly impact your physical and mental health. If you are looking to relieve stress, improve your focus, or simply indulge in some well-deserved self-care, consider giving Shirodhara a try. The tranquility it offers can help you reconnect with yourself, promoting a sense of peace and well-being that lasts long after the treatment ends. Embrace the ancient wisdom and explore deep relaxing effects of Shirodhara!
FAQs
Q: Can Shirodhara be done during pregnancy?
A: Pregnant women should consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before undergoing Shirodhara, as some forms of oil treatments may not be suitable during pregnancy. The practitioner will customize the treatment to ensure safety for both the mother and baby.
Q: How does Shirodhara work?
A: Shirodhara works by stimulating the nervous system and balancing the energy flow in the body. The steady stream of warm oil activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and stress relief. The therapy helps to calm the mind, improve circulation, and bring balance to the body’s doshas, especially Vata.
Q: When is Shirodhara done?
A: Typically, Shirodhara is best done in the morning, ideally between 7 and 10 am.
Q: How long is the shirodhara done?
A: The whole procedure lasts for 36 or 45 minutes to 1 hour and 12 minutes. While traditional texts do not specify the total number of treatment days, practices in India recommend doing shirodhara for 3, 7, 14, or even 28 days.
Q: What type of oil is used in Shirodhara?
A: The oil used in Shirodhara is usually a warm herbal oil, such as sesame oil or coconut oil, that is selected based on your individual health needs. The oil may also be infused with specific herbs that target imbalances in the body, such as ashwagandha or brahmi for calming the mind.
Q: If Shirodhara is done for several days, will there be any change in the medicated liquid?
A: Yes, there are specific guidelines for changing the liquids used in Shirodhara. When using milk for treatment, it is changed daily. Dhanyamla (fermented herbal preparations) is used for up to 3 days, while the oil is replaced every 3 days. Specifically, for the oil, half is used for the first 3 days and another half for the next 3 days. On the 7th day, both halves are mixed and used then discarded.
Q: Can I combine Shirodhara with other treatments?
A: Yes, Shirodhara can be combined with other Ayurvedic therapies like Abhyanga (oil massage) for more comprehensive detox and healing. The frequency of other treatments may vary, so it is important to consult your Ayurvedic or Siddha practitioner to design a personalized wellness plan that suits your specific needs.
Q: Are there any side effects from multiple sessions?
A: Shirodhara is generally safe with no harmful side effects when performed correctly. However, if sessions are too frequent or done improperly, it may lead to excessive relaxation or disturbances in the doshas. Always follow the advice of your practitioner to avoid overuse.
Q: Where is it performed?
A: Traditionally, Shirodhara is conducted in a calm and peaceful setting, typically within Ayurvedic hospitals or Ayurvedic massage therapy centres. This practice is led by trained Ayurvedic or Siddha professionals, ensuring a fully immersive experience.
Q: Can Shirodhara be done on healthy individuals?
A: Yes! Healthy individuals can certainly benefit from regular Shirodhara to maintain overall balance and prevent stress. For general wellness, once every 2 to 4 weeks is often recommended to help sustain mental clarity, relaxation, and balance.
References:
https://www.easyayurveda.com/2016/05/09/shirodhara-procedure-benefits-mode-of-action/
