The Magic of Shirodhara
*Updated May 23, 2022
Shirodhara (she-row-da-ruh), is a deeply relaxing and meditative Ayurveda treatment. Shirodhara is a word from Sanskrit that translates to "to play a fine stream of warm liquid on the head." SHIRO refers to the head, and DHARA refers to the idea of a fine continuous stream. So, a warm liquid flows from a vessel onto the forehead of the client, through their hair, and into a catching bowl.
This blissful practice is usually offered in combination with a warm oil massage (abhyanga) or other indicated treatment based on a patients' constitution (dosha) to achieve balance and promote clarity of the mind. Shirodhara is a very profound treatment and it is in fact a chakra treatment. In Ayurveda, this means that it has a powerful impact on our mind and emotions. Traditionally, Shirodhara is known as a "psycho-spiritual" massage.
Benefits of Shirodhara
Stress management
Headache (due to Vāta)
Dandruff & Hair loss
Insomnia
Burning Sensation of the Head
Relaxation of mind
Deeply relaxes the nervous system
Lowers metabolism
Integrates brain function
What Is Shirodhara Treatment?
A continuous fine stream of warm oil is poured over the forehead for 15-20 minutes. The touch of oil opens marma points on the head, allowing the body to sink into a deep state of total mind/body relaxation. The Shirodhara treatment gently and methodically pours warm oil over your forehead and over the top of the head to rejuvenate the mind and body.
The ritualistic process begins with you face up on a warm table and an herbal oil is selected and warmed based on the persons' Dosha type then poured into a copper pot and positioned over the 3rd eye. A thin, steady stream of this golden sesame oil is poured continually over the forehead and into the hair for 20-30 minutes. The reduction of noise combined with a sensory overload flowing over the head creates a space to completely surrender to deep relaxation and release all thoughts in that moment.
The result of a session like this is complete clarity of thought and a deeper connection between mind and body, promoting harmony throughout. Conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, stress, and sinus problems have shown significant improvement from this treatment.
Effects of A Shirodhara Treatment
Profoundly calms the mind, body, and spirit.
Synchronizes and slows brain waves making them more coherent
Strongly helps balance Vata in the mind
It helps to reduce stress produced by nervousness, anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue
Unlike most Ayurvedic therapies that work on the physical and energy sheaths of the subtle body, Shirodhara works to very effectively purify the mental sheath clearing unhelpful mental patterns (samskaras), imbalanced desires, and past traumas that interfere with good health and spiritual growth.
Systematic mental purification helps the body/mind discover the healing that is needed, and recovery can be spontaneous (like correcting a computer program)
Drops metabolic rate
More oxygen and nutrients are transported to the brain
Cerebral circulation is improved
The mood is stabilized.
What Happens During A Shirodhara Treatment?
As the warm oil pours:
Brain waves slow and become more coherent- fewer Beta waves and more Alpha and Theta activity.
There is an increase in Prana, and oxygen nutrients move toward the brain.
Stabilizing receptors in the brain are allowed to work.
The brain functions better
The mind becomes more stable
You can handle stress better
Connection is made with the limbic system that holds deep-seated habits of desires.
Unhealthy patterns become reprogrammable
Nadis (subtle energy channel) activated
Purification of the body and all subtle energies, including the Chakras, become possible.
Spiritual progress is more possible.
Stillness helps the body recognize its needs and work on the imbalances.
Stresses are softened, disarmed, and released
You feel lighter and clearer.
It takes you to an unparalleled state of relaxation, and inner silence as stress, trauma, and tension are replaced by peace, calm, and consciousness.
Facilitates spontaneous healing
Shirodhara is Recommended For:
Anyone who needs:
Profound relaxation/stress reduction
Rejuvenation after deep cleansing or illness
Relief from headaches/migraines
A gentle solution for insomnia and anxiety
A capacity for better decision making
Better general clarity and a way to cut through procrastination
Nourishment for their nervous system
Shirodhara is Not Recommended For:
Anyone who has:
Fever
Cold
Acute eye diseases
Kapha Disorders
Headache due to sinusitis
Precautions of Shirodhara Treatment:
Pregnancy- traditionally, a pregnant woman does not get spa treatments, but the genuine concern here is the safety and comfort of the mother and baby. If you receive Shirodhara before you're aware you're pregnant, no harm can be done. If you're more pregnant and want to receive a shirt Shirodhara, you'll be more comfortable with a pillow under one hip. It is not advisable to lay flat on your back for 20 minutes + if you're heavily pregnant.
Neck pain, especially from whiplash- your neck is positioned to provide a downward angle to your forehead. If you have a neck injury, there is a chance that your neck might be inclined to spasm. If you have been injured, be sure your neck is well supported and completely comfortable before you begin.
Very low blood pressure- this treatment can lower blood pressure. A few clients have reported tingling in their fingers. If this happens, sit the client up, give them liquid, and seek medical help if symptoms persist.
Epilepsy/Brain Surgery- Shirodhara can change brain wave patterns much in the same way as strobe light can affect the brain.
Rashes or cuts on the head- Oils should not flow where there are oozing rashes, open cuts, or where there are still stitches.
Clients with hair weaves, extensions, or some dyes because the oil has to flow through the hair, which may cause problems with the wig material, glues, or stability of the coloring agent.
People that are drunk or high on drugs. Shirodhara is not a good mix with drugs or alcohol, period.
Aversion to oil- some clients have an unusual tolerance for oil on their body or hair. Instead of calming, it gives them anxiety.
Severe diabetic- Be careful of blood sugar levels as someone is not eating for 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Lack of time- Allow 2 hours for a 90-minute service. This also concerns the time of day and what the client may be doing afterward. The client should be able to go home or go somewhere where they can relax. This is NOT a treatment to have and then negotiate a contract with your boss, go out dancing, or any noisy or over-stimulating environments.
