Going back to the Vedas is the solution to the surge in health issues stemming from contemporary lifestyle. Ayurveda holds the key to balancing the energies or doshas in the human body, namely vata, pitta, and kapha. Our body is governed by the space, air, water, earth, and fire elements. Any imbalance in these results in serious health concerns.
Shirodhara is an amalgamation of two Sanskrit words: shiro, which means head, and dhara, which means to flow. Shirodhara is an age-old conventional therapy practiced under the realm of Ayurveda. It is a part of the panchakarma cleansing process, and helpful in creating harmony between vata-pitta doshas. To know more about the magical benefits of shirodhara therapy, continue reading!!
What is Shirodhara Therapy?
Shirodhara therapy is a traditional ayurvedic treatment that revolves around using various oils or concoctions falling on the third eye. As per studies, the third eye is located at the centre of the forehead, often known as the ajna chakra.
Warm oils infused with herbs continuously poured from a specific height are induced to activate the chakra. You can experience the shirodhara therapy benefits or learn the therapy altogether at the Sri Sai Institute of Ayurvedic Research and Medicine, Bhopal. It tops the list of BAMS colleges in Bhopal and provides insights on various ayurvedic treatments, followed by hands-on experience and practical training.
Now let’s understand the process of shirodhara therapy, and understand what exactly it entails.
- Shirodhara treatment lasts for 45-60 minutes and is practised every day for two weeks or as per the underlying health condition.
- The client is asked to lie down on the shirodhara table with closed eyes. Usually, a thin layer of fabric is placed over the eyes.
- A combination of oils and medicated concoctions is poured from a pot hung at a specific height, usually 10 cm, aiming at the ajna chakra.
- Oil falls in the form of a thin but continuous stream. It is warm and bearable by the client. This process continues for the entire session.
- Slowly, the oil stream flows from left to right and vice versa till the oil covers the entire forehead and scalp. The purpose is deep penetration of the oil, which is later followed by a therapeutic massage.
- Post therapy, a warm shower and hair wash with medicated shampoo is suggested.
- Taking light and mindful meals at the right time is also suggested for better results.
These benefits can be availed at the Sri Sai Institute of Ayurvedic Research and Medicine, Bhopal. The institute owns a hospital which caters to the best ayurvedic treatments, and proudly flaunts the badge of the best ayurvedic colleges in Bhopal, equipped with modern amenities and expert practitioners.
Types of Shirodhara Treatments
Oils and concoctions used in the therapy play a vital role. Shirodhara treatments are customized by practitioners as per the issues faced by the client to provide maximum benefits. Let’s talk about the different options available:
Tailadhara
Tailadhara is best for vata dosha and helps manage stress and anxiety. Usually, medicated oils such as Ksheerbala and brahmi oils are used individually or combined.
Takradhara
Takradhara is a buttermilk-based treatment. It works wonders for pitta dosha and is beneficial in anger management, skin issues, inflammation, and excessive sweating. A combination of buttermilk and mixed herbs is used in the therapy.
Ksheerdhara
It is a milk-based treatment best suited for nervous disorders. It works around vata-pitta imbalance and calms down the nerves. Milk is infused with herbs, and the session is said to be a calming and refreshing experience.
Kwathdhara
It is a herbal decoction, shirodhara, best suited for chronic stress and neurological disorders. Decoction is customised as per the specific needs of a client, it shows improvement in conditions like migraine, nerve pain, muscle tension, and chronic stress.
Jaldhara
As the name indicates, it is a herb-infused water/coconut water-based therapy focused on managing issues like hypertension, body heat, and headaches. It works around balancing kapha-pitta doshas, and has shown positive results for sinus congestion and allergies.
| Types of Shirodhara Therapy | Area of concern |
| Tailadhara | Stress, Insomnia, anxiety |
| Takradhara | Anger issues, digestive issues, and skin conditions |
| Ksheerdhara | Emotional imbalance and nervous disorders |
| Kwathdhara | Neurological issues and chronic stress |
| Jaldhara | Migraine and hypertension |
Top Benefits of Shirodhara Therapy
Shirodhara therapy benefits are phenomenal and have shown visible signs of improvement for various underlying medical issues. Some of the top benefits are listed below:
- Stress management
Shirodhara therapy has achieved significant success in reducing stress and improving the quality of sleep. It is a godsend for those who deal with a high-pressure environment daily.
- Insomnia
A lack of sleep and poor sleep cycle can bring underlying health issues to resurface. Dizziness and fatigue can affect physical health in the long run. Shirodhara Therapy benefits in reducing stiffness and relaxing the muscles, which improves the quality of sleep.
- Hormonal imbalances
Shirodhara therapy works positively on the endocrine system and balances the hormones. Stress is the root cause of various hormonal issues like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, PCOD, and PCOS. Therapy helps to calm the muscles and releases stored trauma, which further helps with hormonal health.
- Headaches and Migraine
Shirodhara therapy is a miracle for patients suffering from migraine, chronic headaches, and hypertension. Serving as a muscle relaxant, it provides instant relief. Shirodhara benefits patients dealing with neurological disorders.
- Blood circulation
Warm oil flowing continuously, followed by a shirodhara massage, improves the blood circulation in the scalp and skin. It is an elixir for hair and skin, which shows naturally.
- Controls hairfall
Shirodhara treatment benefits are highly recommended for hairfall issues. Improved blood circulation and proper oiling control thinning and hairfall. It boosts hair health and speeds the hair growth process while working on the receding hairline.
- Detoxification
Shirodhara therapy benefits lymphatic drainage. It helps in regulating the detoxification process by stimulating the lymphatic system through oiling and massage at the nodes.
- Depression
Shirodhara therapy benefits have been experienced by patients suffering from depression. Different oils penetrate deep into the skin, combined with massage at a specific pressure, clear the negative thoughts, and add mindfulness.
- Promotes emotional stability
Shirodhara therapy benefits in psychosomatic release through elevated functioning of the Pineal Gland, connected to the third eye. As a result, feelings of mindfulness, awareness, relaxation, and clarity are experienced post-session.
- Hypertension
Agni chakra is located between the eyes, which gets activated during shirodhara treatment. As a result, blood vessels dilate and better blood circulation reduces hypertension. Shirodhara therapy benefits are vouched for by thousands of clients from all over the globe.
Conclusion
Fast-paced life, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy meal choices do more harm than good. We are too busy to take a pause and live in the moment. It is high time to introspect our life choices and make mindful decisions before underlying health issues resurface and leave us with fewer to no choices .If you want to study a complete ayurvedic course then you can learn from Sri Sai Institute of Ayurvedic Research & Medicine.
It is wise to work on the root cause rather than masking the issues with pills. Shirodhara therapy is a blessing in disguise for humanity, and it offers a complete reset of body and mind. Don’t wait, experience Shirodhara therapy benefits at your nearest ayurvedic centre today.