Shirodhara: Herbal Oil Crown Pouring

Shirodhara is a very effective therapy in Ayurveda. This therapy is associated with brain and head rejuvenation.

In Ayurveda, the top of the head has been given special importance. This is the location of the crown chakra, the area through which the soul is said to enter the body at birth and leave at the time of death.

Hence, any treatment or stimulation at the crown chakra will impact the whole body. Shirodhara helps improve the immune system and build physical and mental strength.

What is Shirodhara?

Shirodhara is a Sanskrit word. “Shiro” means head and “dhara” means liquid. It is an Ayurvedic healing technique in which warm or cold medicated oils or herbal decoctions are poured in a continuous stream from about 10cm above the forehead in a continuous and rhythmic form, allowing the oils or decoctions to run through the scalp and into the hair of the person for a specific time.

The various types of oils or decoctions which can be used are sesame oil, coconut oil, medicated milk infused with herbs, buttermilk processed with Amalaki, medicated ghee, sugarcane juice, layers of curds, honey etc. The physician uses a combination of these herbal decoctions which further depends on Prakruti (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) of the person.

Shirodhara can be deeply therapeutic. The methodical application of medicated oil to the crown chakra is believed to bring about emotional and physical balance. Besides calming the brain, sense organs and nerves, it can help protect against myriad concerns ranging from sinusitis and vertigo to psoriasis.

It soothens the hypothalamus, that regulates the activity of the pituitary gland and treats conditions like insomnia by inducing sleep naturally.

How Is Shirodhara Performed?

Patient undergoes massage with medicated oils before Shirodhara therapy.

The person lies down on the Shirodhara table (special table made from trees with medicinal effects like neem or mango tree] for conducting Shirodhara therapy. A band is tied or a rolled towel is placed on the forehead to prevent oil from dripping into the eyes or ears of the patient.

A metal or an earthen pot, with a hole and fitted with a yarn wick is hung over the forehead of the patient. The lukewarm/ room temperature medicated liquid (mostly oil) poured into the pot is gradually trickled onto the forehead. The pot is slowly moved over the forehead from left to right and then right to left uniformly across the patient’s head so that the medicated oils or herbal decoction falls all over the scalp uniformly. The complete procedure is done for 45-60 minutes.

After finishing the Shirodhara procedure, the patient’s scalp is wiped with a sterile cloth. The body is cleaned with a soft napkin.

The patient is then allowed to relax for a few minutes. A special herbal paste is then applied to the forehead and rubbed for a few seconds. This induces warmth in the head and sense organs which gives a relaxing feeling.

A warm water bath or shower is taken after the therapy as per the advice of the Physician.

Shirodhara Benefits

The brain controls all the functions of the body. Shirodhara relaxes the brain and nervous system. In Ayurveda, the top of the head has been given special importance. This is the location of the crown chakra, through which one’s soul is believed to enter one’s body at birth and leave at death.

Stimulating the crown chakra hence can impact the whole body. By alleviating feelings of stress and anxiety, Shirodhara can help to open channels in the body and to flush out toxins from the cells.

The area of the forehead is home to the pituitary gland, pineal gland and hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a gland that releases hormones to the pituitary gland, which further secretes many hormones to other body organs. The pineal gland produces a hormone called melatonin whose main function is the regulation of the wake-sleep cycle. Shirodhara works by stimulating these glands and the hypothalamus region. The right amount of secretion of hormones from these glands brings balance and harmony to the body.

According to Acharya Sushruta, Shirodhara is useful in treating diseases of the head caused by vitiation of Vata dosha. These diseases are generally degenerative diseases.

Shirodhara is highly beneficial in diseases afflicting the head and headaches. It also helps in giving relief against stress, anxiety, depression and psychosomatic diseases.