What is Shirodhara, why is it done?

 What is Shirodhara, why is it done?

Shirodhara is a combination of two Sanskrit words ‘Shiro’ and ‘Dhara’. Shiro means head and Dhara means flow. That is, Shirodhara is the method of continuously pouring medicinal liquids with a flow on the head.

Although Shirodhara has been a traditional therapy method of Ayurvedic treatment for thousands of years, now the number of people understanding its importance and undergoing therapy seems to have increased.

The purpose of Shirodhara is to remove toxins from the body and keep the mind, brain, and body healthy. Shirodhara therapy is considered effective in eliminating problems such as stress and headaches.

What kind of liquid is used in Shirodhara?

In Shirodhara therapy, oil, milk, or other liquid is applied to the head. Which substance is applied depends on the health problem.

In case of Vata dosha, i.e. bone and nerve diseases, oil is applied. Pitta dosha, i.e. migraine, anxiety, headache, insomnia, and burning sensation in the head, is given a cooling dhara of Shrikhand, milk, ghee, and sandalwood. The cool dhara is also called Bhrikuti dhara.

Similarly, Kapha dosha causes depression, heaviness in the head, and insomnia. In which, a dhara mixed with kapha-reducing oil and herbs, mohi, and plain warm water are given.

How is it done?

First, the head is made to lie down on the Shirodhara table. Then the head is massaged for five minutes and the chin is raised slightly. Then, the required liquid is poured continuously on the forehead.

There is also a process of pouring the liquid. There is a round-shaped vessel for pouring the liquid. The nozzle placed in it controls the flow as desired.

How long the dhara is poured depends on the health problem. It is usually given continuously for 20 to 45 minutes. The flow is also given according to the disease and condition, whether it is fast, medium or very slow.

What should be noted in this process is that the eyes should be closed to prevent the oil flowing in this way from falling into the eyes. A shear force should be applied to both the eyes and ears.

How does Shirodhara therapy work?

The head contains the senses, nerves and the highly sensitive brain. The head itself contains the centers of sensation, movement, memory, thinking, reasoning and other centers throughout the body.

There is also the pituitary gland, known as the master of glands. It affects all the glands in the body.

In the middle of the forehead is the Ajna Chakra. The Ajna Chakra is a network connecting the nerves. When a continuous flow of oil or other liquid is flowing in or around that chakra for some time, it does many things at once.

The flow of the medicated stream creates a movement in the muscles of the head and travels to the brain through the nerves around the forehead.

– Shirodhara therapy is performed to balance vata, kapha, and pitta in the body.

– It nourishes the deficient elements in the head and activates the brain centers and glands, relaxing all the nerves and muscles of the brain, keeping the body balanced and healthy.

– Shirodhara helps to relax the hypothalamus gland in the brain. (The function of the hypothalamus gland is to control functions such as hunger, thirst, heart rate, temperature, sleep, and cardiac rhythm.)

– Shirodhara therapy stimulates various points around the head, improving blood circulation and reducing the levels of stress hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline.

– As stress hormones decrease, it makes it easier to manage mental illnesses such as headaches, stress, depression, and anxiety.

– This therapy has also proven to be a panacea for those suffering from hysteria.

– Improves the quality of sleep. Taking this therapy helps reduce cortisol levels, which leads to deep and good sleep.

– Shirodhara therapy is also good for increasing concentration, migraines or headaches.

– It provides relief from muscle pain. Sometimes, even if the body feels heavy due to stress and fatigue, taking this therapy can prove to be effective.

– This therapy can also be taken for eye problems and high blood pressure.

– Some studies have even confirmed that it is useful for patients with paralysis.

– It has shown good results in premature hair growth and baldness.

How often to do it?

If there is no health problem and it is just for relaxation, then it can be done once a week or a month. If there is a health problem, it may be necessary for a few weeks for good results.

Shirodhara should not be done in these cases

– It should not be given in cases of fainting and psoriasis.

– Shirodhara should not be given immediately after coming out of the sun.

– If there is a sore on the forehead, an infectious disease.

– If there is a drug or alcohol addiction, or a heart disease, it can only be given on the advice of a doctor.