Shirodhara, a form of treatment, is a word which comprises of two terms ‘shiro’ meaning head and ‘dhara’ meaning pouring in stream or sprinkling.

Shira (head) is foremost among all organs as it is the region of the body where the vital centres and all the senses (indriya) of a living-being are located It is vital (uttama) amongst all the other organs of the body.

In this therapy, warm medicated or herbal oil is being poured with steady stream over the forehead for about 30 to 60 minutes. Medicine to be used can be decided upon the symptoms.

The center of the forehead, also known as the third eye, is connected usually to the pineal gland.

Focusing on the third eye with closed eyes during meditation leads to psychosomatic harmony.

Shirodhara relaxes the mind and helps to eliminate mental toxins (ama) by giving a purifying effect and balancing your doshas. Massaging the head allows the oil to infuse deep into the scalp, imparting a comforting sensation, which further permeates into the internal peripheral nerves of the forehead.

When the medicated oil or any herbal decoction is poured over the forehead, it creates a soothing sensation. This sensation goes to the hypothalamus via the peripheral nerves.

Hypothalamus is responsible for inhibiting or releasing hormones in response to physical or emotional stimuli. As a result, the secondary hormones throughout the body become active and trigger a suitable response.

Shirodhara can help regulate these hormones and bring balance to your mind and body. It can help relieve stress, promote restful sleep and calm down an agitated mind. In addition, using warm medicated oil can dilate the blood vessels and improve blood circulation, thereby enhancing brain function and beating mental fatigue.

Shirodhara has a relaxing effect on the brain and whole nerve system. As we know that brain controls all the functions of the body. The master gland pituitary gland and the hypothalamus associated with many physical and mental functions are located in the head. When all these are relaxed, the body functions including the heart functions take place in relaxing manner. The circulation of blood and nutrients take place in a proper way. The peripheral resistance is reduced. The channels of the body open up. The cells start flushing the toxins and overall metabolism gets improved.

During reproductive years women are protected by female hormones i.e. estrogen and progesterone. In menopause women enter in an estrogen deficient phase which leads to aging process resulting to psychosomatic problems.

Shirodhara re-establish functional integrity between Prana, Udana &Vyana Vayu, Sadhaka Pitta & TarpakaKapha. Shirodhara procedure stimulate the Agyachakra - seat of vital part (Marma) and thus help in regulating the neuro-endocrine system to the hormones, neurotransmitters etc. related to Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Pineal gland etc, to have proper relaxation & tranquillity. Moreover, supine position in Shirodhara also helps in providing further relaxation. Whether Shirodhara directly influence the release of Melatonin – a hormone responsible to induce sleep, and reduces postmenopausal stress.

It can treat insomnia, bring relief from migraines, lowers high blood pressure, decreases hair loss, reduces stress and even helps to increase mental focus and concentration. It relaxes body and mind.

Benefits of Shirodhara