Shirodhara

                                                         

                                       

This healing massage entails continuous pouring of warm medicated oil on the forehead with pendulum motion for a specific period of time.

Word Shirodhara is union of two words ‘ Shir’ meaning head and ‘ Dhara’ meaning pouring in a stream.

Medicated oil, milk or buttermilk may be used depending on the needs of the person. The treatment begins with a full body massage to warm up the body and head massage including pressure points according to condition of patients. Then, the dhara (pouring) begins at the forehead for 20-50 minutes ( in excessive time).

According to ayurveda this leads to stimulate Adnya Chakra which controls whole nervous system. If we correlate with modern medicine, Pouring of luckwarm oils stimulates and soothes the hypothalamus thereby regulating the functions of pituitary gland inducing sleep.

Usages

Useful to relieve insomnia, memory loss, poor concentration, chronic headaches, anxiety, stress, fatigue, relieves worry, fear, depression, premature graying of hair,hair loss (Alopecia), mental tension, hypertension, facial paralysis and degenerative conditions of the brain like Alzheimer.

Shirodhara reduces excess vata dosha

Shirodhara in:

1. Stress Reduction :

Continuous pouring of oil on the forehead stimulates and soothes the hypothalamus to induce sleep by reducing stress.

2. Neurological Conditions:

Stimulation of the vital centers of brain by the continuous flow of luke warm Oil enhances the brain activity thereby improving the neurological functions of the brain.

3. Immunity:

Reduction in excessive stress due to stimulation of hypothalamus results in enhanced resistance to external stimulus.

4. Dermatological and Hair conditions:

Usage of luke warm oils stimulate the hair follicle and provides the necessary nutrition to them. Various conditions of the skin are addressed by combining a mix of herbal powders with either milk or buttermilk.

5. Psychosomatic disorders:

Stimulation of hypothalamus due to continuous flow of warm medicated oils leads to soothing of the brain thereby providing relief in host of psychosomatic disorders.

One should do Shirodhara continuous for 21 days after that it should be twice in a week or twice in a month, according to stress level and daily exertion.

With Shirodhara one must do body detoxification i.e. VAMAN or VIRECHANA process according to PRAKRITI & vitiated DOSHAS as per Vaidyas prescription.

MANASWI JADHAV
Ayurvedacharya
Kolhapur (Pune)