Shirodhara is a unique body therapy from the ancient natural medical system of Ayurveda. It has a profound impact on the nervous system. That means, the treatment directly and immediately calms, relaxes, and has a cleansing effect on the mind and nerves.
Because information on shirodhara is a bit scattered, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about shirodhara therapy into this one article.
Here’s what you’ll learn.
Have you had this treatment and what was your experience like? Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Join us in the discussion.
Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy.
Warm oil (or other liquid) is poured in a continuous stream over the forehead or ‘ajna marma‘, 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.
The gentle pressure and soothing warmth of the oil allows the body, mind, and nervous system to experience a deep state of rest, similar to meditation.
Shirodhara is traditionally practiced as part of the panchakarma cleansing process where specially prepared shirodhara oil is used. It is also safe and effective as a stand-alone therapy.
NOTE: In Ayurveda, there are numerous benefits of applying oil to the head, body, feet, and scalp.
The term shirodhara is a union of two words. ‘Shir‘ means head and ‘dhara‘ means pouring in a stream or sprinkling.
Shirodhara means the pouring of liquid medicine in a continuous stream over the head for a stipulated amount of time.
This treatment is a type of ‘murdha taila’ procedure. This refers to the application of oil on the head or murdha or head.
The application of oil can be done in various ways.
Shiro Abhyanga – Massaging the head with herbal oils for a fixed duration of time, usually 30-40 minutes.
READ MORE: Shiro Abhyanga: Ayurvedic Ritual with Proven Benefits for Hair Health
Shiro Seka / Shiro dhara – A procedure in which herbal oils or medicated liquids like milk or buttermilk are poured in a stream over the receiver’s head for a fixed duration of time, usually 35-45 minutes or 60 minutes.
Shiro Pichu – The application of a cotton pad dipped in oil over the head.
Shiro Basti (Vasti) – This procedure involves a dam constructed over the head of a seated client. A cap is sealed to the head with wet, black gram flour. It is filled with herbal oils and held there for a stipulated time.
(NOTE: If you’re a Licensed Massage Therapist or even just interested in Ayurvedic therapies, shirodhara is a fantastic treatment you should add to your inventory. Shirodhara is a delightfully soothing experience, beneficial for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. If you have a loved one that would benefit from this treatment, you can learn online, practice at home, and offer this treatment to friends and family. Click below.)
Sneha Dhara: Oil Shirodhara
An Ayurvedic practitioner can make use of different herbal oils and ghee on his or her wisdom and experience.
Different oils can be mixed and used depending on the practical experience and judgment of the practitioner. Lakshadi oil may be used in Pitta disorders and Dhanwantram oil or Mahanarayana oil may be used in Vata disorders.
In a predominance of Vata, Kapha, or Vata Kapha imbalances, warm oil is generally used.
In the case of Pitta predominance or Pitta imbalances, cool (room temperature) oils and other liquids are used.
In Pitta disorders, lukewarm oil like Chandan Bala Lakshadi oil can be used. If the Pitta is also accompanied by Vata vitiation, then lukewarm herbal ghee like brahmi ghee or saraswat ghee can be used for the shirodhara.
Ksheer-dhara (Pronounced Shee-r-dhara): Milk Shirodhara
This is another type of shirodhara in which medicated milk or milk infused with herbs is used for the treatment. It’s rhythmically poured onto the forehead from a specific height and for a specific time period allowing the milk to run through the scalp and into the hair.
Takra-dhara: Buttermilk Shirodhara
Takra-dhara is a type of shirodhara in which herb-infused takra or buttermilk is poured from a specific height and for a specific time period continuously and rhythmically. The takra runs through the scalp and into the hair.
Consider the human body as an inverted tree. The roots are at the top and the branches point downwards.
The head of the human body will be the root of this tree. The central portion of the body, the thorax, and abdomen, will be the trunk of this tree. The limbs, both upper and lower, will be the branches of this tree.
Just as the roots of tree nurture and control all the activities and well-being of the tree, the head is the operational center of the entire body.
It controls the function of the brain and spinal cord. It has many marmas or vital points and is the house of the master endocrine gland, the pituitary. It is one of the seats of Vata dosha (Prana Vata in particular) and also houses subtypes of Kapha dosha (tarpak kapha) and Pitta dosha (sadhak pitta).
The seat of sadhak Pitta, a subtype of Pitta dosha, is considered the hridaya which means ‘heart’.
In Ayurveda, hridaya encompasses both the heart and brain. So the head, which houses the brain, also becomes a seat of sadhak Pitta.
Through the respective nerve centers in the brain, the head also controls the sense of hearing, smell, taste, and sight.
Since the three doshas are represented in the head region, any vitiation in the dosha can cause respective disorders with widespread repercussions in the whole body.
Here shirodhara, through the use of various mediums like oils, ghee, and buttermilk, pacifies these doshas and works on the entire body indirectly. Shirodhara will make the head region strong so that the entire body works smoothly.
Shirodhara is a great treatment for a compromised nervous system.
Shirodhara can help relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress, fatigue, and hypertension. It relieves tension, worry, fear, and headache as well as depression. It regulates mood and gives feelings of pleasure and relaxation.
Shirodhara treatment is advised for the prevention of many psychosomatic disorders. In a healthy individual, the prevention of diseases pertaining to the body, mind and sense organs is the foremost indication.
Shirodhara can also assist with the following conditions.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Shirodhara reduces excess Vata dosha which is a primary factor in PTSD. According to Alakananda Ma of the Alandi Ayurveda Gurukulam in Boulder, CO, shirodhara done with an appropriate shirodhara oil containing nervine herbs will deeply soothe the nervous system and help ease the symptoms of PTSD.
Insomnia and Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD)
Shirodhara is traditionally known for its ability to assist with sleep problems.
Research proves the treatment is effective alone and also when coupled with herbal support.1 Shirodhara with milk has also proven effective in treating insomnia.2 The process stimulates the pineal gland which produces melatonin, the regulator of the wake-sleep cycle.
It calms an unquiet mind and induces rest. If your insomnia stems from working the night shift and your wake-sleep cycle is out of sync with the natural rhythms of the sun, shirodhara can assist in removing fatigue, restoring energy, and re-establishing harmony in the doshas or constitution.
Jet Lag
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 as well as remove built-up fatigue.
Travel with a Vata soothing oil or Bhringaraj oil and apply to the head before bed or find a local practitioner to receive the treatment.
Hypertension
Raktagata Vata is an imbalance of Vata dosha that may be correlated with hypertension. Shirodhara has proven effective in lowering blood pressure.3
Healthy Individuals
Shirodhara is also a great treatment for the healthy individual looking to maintain health and enhance well-being, clarity, calm, and immunity.
Shirodhara promotes deep relaxation, relieves fatigue, and renews and reinvigorates the body and mind.
It also balances one’s energy level. If you are in need of rest and relaxation, the process will provide you with that. If you are well rested the process will enhance your clarity and perception.
Shirodhara increases immunity by relieving stress and worry, and balancing the Ayurveda mind-body types or doshas so that your constitution remains strong.
Shirodhara gives deep rest and renewed energy producing an ageless and youthful countenance. Shirodhara relieves stress, worry, and excessive thought. It gives total relaxation as if from meditation. This naturally relaxes and rejuvenates the face and softens worry lines.
READ MORE: How Shirodhara Can Enhance Your Massage Therapy Practice
Various ancient texts of Ayurveda have advised the use of oil on the head for the following indications.
Shirodhara is suitable for any dosha or constitution however there are some contraindications.
Shirodhara should NOT be given to women in their third trimester of pregnancy. It is very difficult to lay on the back for 40-60 minutes at a time without feeling discomfort. Pregnancy is contraindicated in dhara where warm oil is poured all over the body.
Other contraindications include brain tumor, recent neck injury, abrasions or cuts on the head, fever or chills, acute illness, nausea, vomiting, severe weakness, exhaustion, dizziness, fainting, or spontaneous sweating.
Shirodhara should not be given to those with a rash or sunburn on the forehead or scalp.
If you have an aversion to oil then it is also not recommended for you.
(NOTE: If you’re a Licensed Massage Therapist or even just interested in Ayurvedic therapies, shirodhara is a fantastic treatment you should add to your inventory. Shirodhara is a delightfully soothing experience, beneficial for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. If you have a loved one that would benefit from this treatment, you can learn online, practice at home, and offer this treatment to friends and family. Click below for more information.)
There are a few ways to look at how shirodhara works.
According to Ayurveda, shirodhara is beneficial for Vata and Pitta dosha. When accumulated, Vata dosha exhibits fear, insecurity, worry, and racing thoughts. When Pitta dosha is in excess, it is exhibited as anger, irritability, frustration, and judgment.
The action and qualities of the liquid used in shirodhara counter the qualities of the increased doshas. It soothes, nourishes, and pacifies the doshas through the application of the liquid to the forehead, scalp, and nervous system.
In the Spring 1995 issue of the journal of The Ayurvedic Institute ‘Ayurveda Today’, Ayurvedic practitioner Ed Danaher explains how shirodhara affects stress.
Stress, according to Ayurveda, is a state of imbalance of prana vayu, sadaka pitta, and tarpaka kapha. Shirodhara reestablishes the functional integrity between these three doshic subtypes and thus helps alleviate stress.
The gentle pressure of the oil falling onto the forehead may also play a role in inducing rest.
In the procedure of shirodhara, particular pressure and the vibration is created over the forehead. The vibration is amplified by the hollow sinus present in the frontal one. The vibration is then transmitted inwards through the fluid medium of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This vibration along with little temperature may activate the functions of the thalamus and the basal forebrain which then brings the amount of serotonin and catecholamine to the normal stage inducing sleep.
Again, it is explained in modern textbooks of physiology that pressure has an effect on impulse conduction through tactile and thermoreceptors. If prolonged pressure is applied to a nerve, impulse conduction is interrupted and part of the body may go to rest. In Dhara therapy, prolonged and continuous pressure due to pouring of the medicated liquid may cause tranquility of mind and induce natural sleep.5
Shirodhara can be done for a period of 45 to 60 minutes depending on the nature and severity of the dosha imbalance or depending on the individual’s constitution or Prakruti.
Shirodhara is usually done for a period of 7 to 14 days or as recommended by the practitioner. The relief of complaints is taken as a parameter for the number of days of treatment to be done in one stretch.
Shirodhara can also be done for 7, 14, 21, or 28 days or longer in chronic and stubborn cases. Generally, a small-time gap is provided between two treatments and often is not continued beyond three weeks’ time.
Shirodhara is usually done in the early hours of the morning, preferably between 6 am and 10 am. In high Pitta conditions, it can also be done in the afternoon.
Shirodhara can be combined with the following Ayurvedic treatments for added benefits.
If you’re new to shirodhara and would like to receive a treatment ask your therapist to observe these three key points. Take this free Dosha Quiz to determine your prakruti or constitution.
1. Observe Silence
No music should be playing during shirodhara. Cell phones should be turned off and there should be no interruptions and no conversations taking place. Any noise will disrupt the experience of disengaging from outside stimuli and experiencing mental rest.
2. Be Mindful Of The Room’s Temperature
In cooler climates and during the cooler seasons of the year the room should be ‘toasty’ warm throughout the treatment. A space heater can be used to make sure the room is warm enough.
The head will be wet with oil during the treatment so it is very important that the client does not get cold during the process. If so, the experience could become unpleasant.
Vata body types can be additionally soothed with a few layers of blankets.
In the warmer months of the year, blankets can also be beneficial. If someone is susceptible to drafts, strong air conditioning or poor circulation, a blanket may help. Make sure the temperature of the room is comfortable and avoid cold air-conditioned rooms for shirodhara when possible.
3. Choose The Proper Liquid
Shirodhara oil should be carefully chosen for one’s constitution and climate. Consult a qualified Ayurveda practitioner or trained therapist for a proper shirodhara.
Sesame and sunflower oil can also be used. Sesame has heating effects and is good for Vata dosha. Sunflower oil has cooling effects and benefits Pitta dosha. The two are often blended together.
Use caution when choosing coconut oil.
Coconut oil has a cooling action on the body and can actually make the body cold. It should not be used on someone that has a Vata imbalance or on the Vata dominant person. It may be used during the hot summer months for someone with a Pitta imbalance, or it may be blended with oils that have a healing action on the body to negate its cold effects.
(NOTE: If you’re a Licensed Massage Therapist or even just interested in Ayurvedic therapies, shirodhara is a fantastic treatment you should add to your inventory. Shirodhara is a delightfully soothing experience, beneficial for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. If you have a loved one that would benefit from this treatment, you can learn online, practice at home, and offer this treatment to friends and family. Click below for more information.)
When scheduling an appointment for shirodhara, keep in mind that you may need additional rest following the treatment.
Shirodhara cleanses the mind and senses.
Make use of this time and avoid unnecessary stimulation after your treatment. Avoid large crowds like concerts, restaurants, bars, and large gatherings. Instead, make the remainder of your day peaceful. This is your time for mental rest.
Eat lightly before your appointment.
Shirodhara has an effect on the digestive system and a full stomach is not advised.
Your hair will be saturated with oil.
Dress appropriately and comfortably. Wear an old shirt or something you don’t mind getting oil on.
It is advised to leave the oil in your hair for at least a few hours following the treatment. It’s best to leave the oil in your hair overnight if you can.
Prepare to cover your head following the treatment.
If the weather is cool, windy, or cold, bring an old warm hat, again something you don’t mind getting oil on. An old scarf works well to cover the head and hair in warmer weather. A plastic shower cap also works well.
Get Up Slowly
If you’ve received Sarvanga dhara or whole-body oil dhara, relax for about half an hour, 10 minutes on the table, and then preferably on a recliner for the next 20 minutes.
Get up only after resting in a lateral position and do so slowly.
The body should not be exposed to cold air. Doing so might induce a cold, muscle cramps, or headache.
Light Massage
A light massage should be done after shirodhara on the head, neck, and whole body, and the oil wiped off with a soft cotton towel.
Bath
Following shirodhara a warm water bath should be taken. Alternatively, water boiled with nirgundi (Vitex negundo), nimba (neem), or dashamula (‘ten roots’) can be cooled and used for bathing. The client is advised to take a refreshing warm water bath after going home or after a few hours.
Use warm water for bathing and drinking purposes.
How To Wash Your Hair
If your shirodara was done with oil and you have a lot of hair, the easiest way to remove the oil is to add the shampoo to your hair before adding water.
The shampoo will grab hold of the oil so it can be easily rinsed out. Wash 2-3 times to remove all oil residue.
Avoid Caffeine For A Few Days
Caffeine creates disharmony in the body. It deranges all of the doshas and will have an immediate negative effect on your nervous system, especially after a soothing shirodhara treatment.
If you are in need of a pick-me-up, try juice or a piece of fresh fruit. Drink hot water instead of cold water or cold beverages.
Mind Your Colon And Enjoy Some Kitchari
After shirodhara it’s important to keep the colon clean. Oil-based laxatives may be given to flush out undigested food and doshas from the gut. External procedures like massage and shirodhara cause doshas and waste to accumulate in the colon.
If constipation develops after shirodhara, the individual will suffer from flatulence, distention of the abdomen sounds in the gut, sluggish metabolism, indigestion, tastelessness, and an increase in dosha aggravation.
Kitchari is a light and delicious stew that is highly nutritious and also easy to digest. Enjoying kitchari post-shirodhara will assist in the digestive process and help maintain the balance of the doshas.
Eating And Drinking
Keep a reasonably light diet and do not eat unnecessarily or in excess.
The person who has received shirodhara should abstain from the following for at least the same number of days as the duration of the treatment. If the treatment has been done for seven days, the restrictions should be followed strictly for at least the next seven days.
Shirodhara has been researched to be a safe procedure if it is used for appropriate conditions and the appropriate materials and methodology is used.
It is possible that for some people the effects of your shirodhara may not be immediately known. Continue to care for yourself and over time you will notice a change.
Follow the below three tips to maintain the peaceful qualities you experienced.
Meditate
Meditation is the ultimate cleanser for the body and mind and provides the same mental benefits of shirodhara – relaxation, separation from thought, rest, and renewal.
Keep A Proper Diet And Lifestyle
Eat well. A diet high in sugar, caffeine, and refined products will eventually take its toll on the body and mind.
Choose whole grains like rice, oats, and whole wheat. Enjoy fresh fruit for a snack and eat vegetables daily. Choose high-quality protein and dairy products.
Avoid caffeine.
Keep A Regular Schedule For Eating And Sleeping
A regular daily routine maintains the health of the doshas. Wake and sleep with the rise and setting of the sun.
READ MORE: Sleep Your Way To Good Health: An Ayurvedic Perspective | Ayurvedic Bodywork: 12 Popular Therapies From Ayurvedic Medicine (Ayurveda Bodywork)
Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before undergoing Shirodhara.
References
1 Pokharel, Sanjay, and Ajay Kumar Sharma. “Evaluation of Insomrid Tablet and Shirodhara in the Management of Anidra (Insomnia).” Ayu, Medknow Publications Pvt Ltd, 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215320.
2 http://www.ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/1058_pdf.pdf
3 Kundu, C, et al. “The Role of Psychic Factors in Pathogenesis of Essential Hypertension and Its Management by Shirodhara and Sarpagandha Vati.” Ayu., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22048535.
4 Charaka Samhita, Sutra sthan, chapter 5
5 Pokharel, Sanjay, and Ajay Kumar Sharma. “Evaluation of Insomrid Tablet and Shirodhara in the Management of Anidra (Insomnia).” Ayu, Medknow Publications Pvt Ltd, 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215320/.
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