Duration: 45 minutes
Number of days: Based on the individual’s condition and specific needs.
Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic therapy known for its meditative and relaxing benefits. Shirodhara is derived from two Sanskrit words, where shiro means ‘head’ and dhara means ‘flow’. This treatment involves pouring a continuous stream of liquid, such as warm oil, milk, herbal decoctions or buttermilk, over the forehead and scalp. The vessel containing the liquid used for the treatment is suspended at a specific height, and the liquid flows continuously for a specified time without any interval in between. Before undergoing Shirodhara, the Ayurvedic practitioner will assess the individual’s health conditions and determine the suitable type of oil or liquid for the treatment. This treatment targets healing the body at the hypothalamus level by stimulating the nerves, which are responsible for regulating the hormones in the body in response to stimuli, either physical or emotional. Shirodhara helps bring balance to the body as the hormones are regulated to trigger a suitable response.
This treatment is recommended for mitigating stress, recovering from the effects of stroke and for individuals with conditions such as psoriasis, dandruff, insomnia, diabetes etc. It is also beneficial in providing overall rejuvenation and wellness.
Types of Shirodhara:
Shirodhara uses different types of oils or liquids to treat specific conditions related to the body and mind:
- Kshiradhara: It uses milk infused with selected herbs.
- Kashayadhara: It uses decoctions made out of different Ayurvedic herbs.
- Tailadhara: It uses herbal oils mixed with herbal extracts.
- Takradhara: It uses buttermilk infused with Ayurvedic herbs.
Benefits:
- Promotes better sleep
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Helps relax the mind and provides mental clarity
- Nourishes hair and scalp
- Promotes detoxification
