What is Shirodhara?
Shirodhara is a combination of two sanskrit words to mean ‘Head’ and Stream,’ which is an ayurvedic treatment that dates back thousands of years which involves gently pouring warm liquids in a stream over the head for a fixed duration of time. While the liquids used depend on what is being treated, they typically include herbal oils and medicated liquids like milk and buttermilk.
The Shirodhara procedure induces a relaxed nervous system that results in a dynamic psycho-somatic balance. Once the mind is relaxed, stagnant waste (ama) is eliminated from the body, thus balancing the doshas. The calming effect it produces is similar to that experienced by meditation.
What causes stress and anxiety?
Stress and anxiety are unfortunately very common in this modern age and are experienced by almost all of us. Ayurveda believes that imbalances in the three Doshas may lead to stress and anxiety. Bringing a balance, or harmony to our systems will in turn aid in regulating our body’s stress response.
Are ayurvedic treatment effective in managing conditions like stress and anxiety?
Shirodhara as a treatment approach to stress and anxiety
Shirodhara treatment includes three types:
Sneha Dhara,
Ksheer Dhara,
Takra Dhara
Your practitioner will discuss these types with you and choose which one, or if a combination of all would be best suited to your needs.
The different oils used for Shirodhara are listed below:
- Karpasasthyadi thailam
- Chandanadi thailam
- Dhanwantharam thailam
- Narayana thailam
Warm sesame oil can also be used in the absence of the above oils.
A few other liquids used in Shirodhara include:
- Buttermilk processed with Indian Gooseberry
- Decoctions of herbs, especially licorice
- Milk
- Coconut water
Shirodhara: Procedure
- The patient is asked to lie down on the Shirodhara massage bed with their eyes covered and closed.
- A metal or clay vessel is suspended directly above the forehead and the Shirodhara process starts with pouring of herbal oils or specially mediated liquids in a steady stream on to the forehead in a gentle manner.
- It is often paired with a head and body massage performed alongside Shirodhara.
- After the treatment is over, the patient can rest for a few minutes, followed by a hot water bath with special medicated water used for the head.
How does Shirodhara help stress and anxiety?
Shirodhara is widely acclaimed for its many health benefits which better the mind and body, the most popular being its deeply relaxing properties and its ability to promote better sleep and enhance sleep quality.
This process helps soothe the hypothalamus, which activates the pituitary gland. It also aids in reducing elevated serotonin levels and stress hormones which in turn, help to manage stress– it can effectively help resolve insomnia in this manner.
Shirodhara with brahmi oil is beneficial for moderate to severe insomnia. It aids in recovery from exhaustion stress, debility and aggravation.
Our patients testify that after a few sessions of Shirodhara therapy, they fell far less stressed and anxious than before, and have reported better sleeping patterns.
Is Shirodhara safe?
There have been no recorded side effects, thus it can be adduced that Shirodhara is quite safe. However, proper precaution must be taken to ensure that oil does not enter your eyes or ears during the Shirodhara treatment since it might cause an allergic reactions, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, dizziness, fever and in extremely rare cases, inflammatory diseases. It is strictly recommended to have a licensed practitioner perform this procedure in a clinic.
All ayurvedic practitioners at The Ayurvedic Clinic | Ayurvedic Treatments in London are highly experienced and qualified in the Shirodhara procedure and will create a personalized plan to suit all your needs.
Who Should Avoid Shirodhara?
Pregnant women in their third trimester– 7 to 9 months of pregnancy and people with a rash or sunburn on the scalp or forehead are not suitable candidates for Shirodhara treatment.
The therapy is also not suggested for those allergic to oil.
Some other instances to avoid Shirodhara include a recent neck injury, abrasions or cuts on the head, brain tumor, chills or fever, nausea, severe weakness, exhaustion, fainting, acute illness, and glaucoma.
Shirodhara is also known to be useful in relieving many psychosomatic ailments such as insomnia, tension and depression.
Owing to these many benefits, this relaxing treatment is one of the most asked for treatments at our clinic. Make an appointment today to speak with one of our practitioners to get a personalized treatment plan best suited for you!