Shirodhara
What Is The Shirodhara?
Shirodhara is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy or slowly and steadily dripping medicated oil or decoctions on the forehead. The treatment induces a relaxed state of awareness, resulting in a psychosomatic balance. Intense feelings of wellness, mental lucidity, and comprehension are experienced in the Shirodhara treatment.
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What Are The Different Types Of Shirodhara?
- Ksheer Dhara
In Tailadhara, Ayurvedic practitioners advise using herbal oils by mixing them with herbal extracts or different essential oils. It is beneficial for balancing the Vata dosha in the body.
- Takradhara
Takra Dhara uses buttermilk infused with special herbs. It is beneficial for balancing the Pitta dosha and helps maintain homeostasis, which is the body’s ability to maintain internal stability despite changes in external conditions.
- Ksheer Dhara
Ksheer Dhara uses milk infused with herbs. The medicated milk is poured over the head, and it is helpful in Vata and Pitta’s predominant headaches, stress, and anxiety and helps nourish and relax the body.
- Kwathdhara
Decoctions made with different herbs are used in Kwathdhara. It helps balance Vata and Kapha dosha and is considered therapeutic for various conditions.
- Jala Dhara
In Jala Dhara, Coconut water or regular water is used. It is mainly suggested in cases of ailments due to excess heat in the body.
Why Is Shirodhara Practiced?
Shirodhara relaxes the mind and helps eliminate mental toxins (ama) by purifying and balancing your doshas. It stimulates the vital points in your head, which help boost blood circulation. Massaging the head allows the oil to infuse deep into the scalp, imparting a comforting sensation, further permeating the forehead’s internal peripheral nerves.
How Do You Perform Shirodhara?
- The Shirodhara treatment usually follows Abhyanga. The person lies down on the Shirodhara table, their eyes closed and covered.
- A warm herbal decoction/oil stream is poured onto the person's forehead. Vibrations are created on the forehead by the constant stream of oil. The oil penetrates deep down into the nervous system after saturating the forehead and scalp. The oils used in this procedure improve blood circulation to the brain by the vasodilation of all the channels.
- The warm pressure and oil flow help you rejuvenate and relax completely. The practitioner rotates the Dhara pot to maintain the rhythmic and continuous flow of oil over your entire forehead.
- After finishing the Dhara, the patient is allowed to rest for a few minutes, and then a hot water bath can be taken, and the hair is cleaned out.
- The time and duration of Shirodhara treatment may extend from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the person's condition. It is essential to ensure that the oil does not enter your eyes or ears and is therefore recommended to be performed under the guidance of an experienced therapist.
What Are The Benefits Of Shirodhara?
Shirodhara is an extensive therapy performed in a purpose-built setting using specialized techniques and ingredients to maximize the health benefits. Let’s look at some of the significant benefits of Shirodhara.
- Activates Intuition
Shirodhara therapy is believed to open the ‘third eye,’ resulting in a heightened sense of mindfulness. Buddhists define it as spiritual awakening or complete awareness that enables a person to observe their past trauma and painful experiences from a different perspective, which was not accessible previously. Tapping into another vantage point gives them mental clarity and the willpower to move forward.
- Improves Sleep
When was the last time you slept like a baby? Need help to remember? You might blame your mattress or the weather for your inability to fall asleep, but in most cases, it’s the hyperactive mind or a neurological condition. Shirodhara is a sleep-inducing therapy.
- Reduces Stress
It’s a no-brainer that a head massage reduces stress and clears up your mind so you can think and perform better. However, Shirodhara works at a deeper level than that. When performed regularly, Shirodhara therapy can help reduce chronic stress and overcome past traumas. It also eases frustrations due to a hindrance in career growth or family disputes.
Oil for Shirodhara
It is essential to use the right therapy oil or herbal decoction to utilize the maximum potential and benefits of the Shirodhara treatment. Here are a few recommendations for you.
- Ksheerabala thailam
In Tailadhara, Ayurvedic practitioners advise using herbal oils by mixing them with herbal extracts or different essential oils. It is beneficial for balancing the Vata dosha in the body.
- Chandanadi thailam
it’s a natural coolant that soothes tense nerves and sore muscles.
- Karpasasthyadi thailam
it’s a medicated oil that helps with various neuromuscular conditions.
- Dhanwantharam thailam
Dhanwantharam thailam is a massage oil for pre and postnatal care in women. It is also a complete nourishment oil used for full-body massage for men & women that helps relieve muscle cramps and pain and promotes relaxation.
- Sesame oil
Full of antioxidants, this oil regulates serotonin activity and soothes irritated nerves and aching muscles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit of Shirodhara?
Shirodhara reduces fatigue and initiates a soothing effect on our brain cells. It is a purifying and rejuvenating therapy designed to eliminate toxins and mental exhaustion and relieve stress and ill effects on the central nervous system.
How many days of Shirodhara?
A typical Shirodhara session would last 30 to 60 minutes and is done for 3, 7, 14, or 28 days. The duration of a session may vary. The Ayurvedic practitioner determines the duration and the number of days according to the patient’s age, constitution, dosha status, and the severity of the disease.
How many types of Shirodhara are there?
At NIMBA, it provides specialized forms of Shirodhara Treatment called “TAILADHARA” (medicated oils), “KSHEERADHARA” (medicated milk), “TAKRADHARA” (medicated milk), and “JALADHARA” (medicated water).