The Ayurvedic treatment called Shirodhara originated in Kerala, India. Today Shirodhara is becoming increasingly available at upscale spas worldwide, especially at spas that specialize in Ayurvedic or Eastern therapies.
Benefits of Shirodhara
It’s long been known that anything that affects the nervous system, the immune system, or the endocrine system influences the other two systems. In the scientific discipline of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) researchers have discovered just how profound these influences are. Shirodhara offers a good example in that the immediate effects are to soothe, energize, nourish, and relax the nervous system. By the time the massage has ended, the endocrine and immune systems are reaping these benefits.
The Shirodhara Massage
Shirodhara is derived from the Sankrit words shiro (head) and dhara (flow). Most practitioners use warm sesame oil or a blend of herbs mixed with coconut oil, water, buttermilk or cow’s milk oil. After showering or treatment with a body scrub, the client lies supine on a massage or special Shirodhara table in a dimly lit room with the head slightly lowered. As the client lies still, a steady stream of oil is drizzled onto the forehead from a special metal pot held about 4 inches above the head. The procedure lasts from 20-60 minutes while the patient quietly relaxes. Soft, relaxing music is often played in the background to help the client relax.
The oil moves from the forehead and runs off the head into another metal basin positioned at the end of the table. However, some oil remains on the skin and hair. The oil should not be removed but allowed to penetrate the skin for the remainder of the day. In some spas, the oil collected during the procedure is used to gently massage the body. To prevent the oil from staining clothing after the procedure is complete, clients can wear an old baseball cap or scarf.
Shirodhara can also be combined with an Ayurvedic massage (abhyanga) and/or a session in an herbalized steam room. Specialized forms of Shirodhara designed to treat specific conditions include thyladhara, ksheeradhara, thakradhara and jaladhara
Ayurvedic Healing Principle
Shirodhara is a gentle yet effective treatment that stimulates blood circulation to the brain. Shirodhara works primarily on the mental sheath or "manomaya kosha" as it is referred to in Ayurveda. It is here that the mind clings to past impressions that create imbalanced desires and habitual patterns of behavior. These impressions are held captive in the limbic system of the emotional cortex of the brain
Shirodhara helps in clearing mental fog and nagging thoughts including addictions, and allows the nervous system to calm down. In addition, specific herbs are used to relieve specific symptoms, such as headache.
Specific Medicinal Uses
Shirodhara is used to assist the nervous system in healing itself. Its medicinal purposes include the treatment of depression, headaches, sinusitis, anxiety, allergic rhinitis, premature hair graying, hearing impairment, insomnia, Meniere’s disease, skin problems including psoriasis, tinnitus, neurological disorders and vision problems.
Finding a Shirodhara Practitioner
Shirodhara practitioners can be found by consulting the national Ayurvedic Medical Association. The Association keeps a list of vaidyas, which are certified Ayurvedic Practitioners.
Many high-end spas also offer Shirodhara treatments, either alone or in combination with other therapies. The Shirodhara treatment is fast becoming the most talked-about and most requested Ayurvedic treatment offered by leading-edge health spas and alternative medicine centers.
Resources:
- Drea Knufken, Warm oil, calm mind, Natural Health, October 2008: 86-8.
- Shirodhara Day Spa, Salt Lake City, Utah
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