Shirodhara treatment is mentioned in the Vedic scriptures of India, which are passed onto present times by great sages, physicians, and scientists. Shirodhara word is the combination of two Sanskrit words ‘Shira’ means ‘head’ and ‘Dhara’ means ‘stream’. Shirodhara treatment in Kerala is still alive and helping many people to get rid of stress and improve their sleep quality. This ayurvedic treatment is considered to be one of the most rejuvenating and purifying treatments.
What is Shirodhara?
Shirodhara is allowing a small single continuous thread-like stream of the specific fluid over the forehead from the Dhara vessel from a certain height for a fixed time. The fluids are considered based on what is treated. Generally, ayurvedic herbal oils or medicated fluids like buttermilk or milk are used in the process. This treatment fixes disorders of the host by eliminating ama(toxins) out of the body.
The stream of fluid is allowed to pass through the scalp and hair. Later it is combined with massage. The typical massages can be superficial; those massages can just relieve muscle pains and stress. But Shirodhara, a magical massage, this treatment exfoliates dead skin cells, reduces physical stress, restores the Doshic imbalances, removes toxins, obliterate muscle tensions, and ensures proper fluidic flow in the body. Apart from these physiological developments, Shirodhara can re-establish mental health by working on anxiety, depression, and stress.
After this treatment, you feel rejuvenated and energized both mentally and physically.
In the ancient scriptures of India, Shirodhara is explained with other names like Shiro Parisheka, Shiro Sheka, Parisheka, Shirodhara, Dhara, and Shiroshek. This treatment is explained by the father of surgery, famous Indian physician, Sushrutha in Charak Samhita.
Types of Shirodhara
Different types of Shirodhara massages followed to bring calming effects both on the mind and body. Based on the fluids used in the treatment process following are the types of massages.
Sneha Dhara or Taila Dhara
Sneha or Taila means oil. Sneha Dhara uses ayurvedic herbal oil called taila or ghee. Ayurvedic experts mix herbal oils with other essential oils. Lakshadi and Dhanvantaram oils are used to treat Pitta and Vata doshas effectively. Warm oils are used to treat Vata and Kapha Doshas, whereas cold oils (Oil at room temperature) treat Pitta Dosha. Chandan Bala Lakshadi oil for Pitta disorders.
Dugdha Dhara or Ksheera Dhara
Dugdha or Ksheera means milk. Dugdha Dhara uses milk infused with herbs. The medicated milk is heated to lukewarm conditions and used in the treatment. It is used to restore the imbalances of Vata and Pitta Doshas. Therapy cures headaches, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and mental tension.
Takra Dhara
Takra means Buttermilk; it is made by diluting curd. Buttermilk is infused with medicinal herbs. It is a therapy to treat the person who has imbalances with Vata Dosha. This treatment can cure nervous weakness, fatigue, anorexia and lacking vitality. One who is suffering from aggravated Vata Dosha faces foot-related issues like burning, cracks and itching of feet, and these problems can be fixed with Takra Dhara.
How Shirodhara works?
Shirodhara acts primarily on the Nervous system. It restores the balance of Vata Dosha, calms and strengthens the nerves, releases the stored emotions, and purifies the mind. Ayurvedic experts say that this therapy can be used to attain higher states of consciousness.
Shirodhara stimulates important points on the head, which boosts blood circulation. Massaging helps the oil or other fluids get deeply into the scalp layers, which generates a soothing sensation, and acts on the peripheral nerves in the forehead. Massage can cure migraines.
The lukewarm herbal oils or milk results in dilation of the blood vessels and improves the body’s circulatory system. The increased blood circulation can reduce blood pressure.
Benefits of Shirodhara Treatment
Shirodhara for relieving stress
Any thought that makes you feel angry, nervous, or frustrated these alterations in your mindset can invoke stress in you. Shirodhara removes stress from your body and minds effectively. The massages with medicated fluids gain incredible calmness and peace in your mind, which gives enormous relaxation to the body. The transition generated in the body can conserve energy in you, relaxes your muscles, and lowers the heart rate.
Your Instincts start kicking in
Indian ancient studies have described the center of the forehead as the awakening point that is the third eye. This center in the body is connected to the pineal gland. This point is the Agnya chakra in Vedic scriptures. This Agnya chakra can only be realized with intense meditation sessions. The stream of water is directed onto this spot and it gives the same results. This therapy can bring relaxation effects and installs calmness.
Shirodhara treatment sessions can induce a relaxant state, due to elevated alpha and theta activity. This increased brain wave activity can result in the secretion of Serotonin. This neurohormone is responsible for the stabilization of mood, and feeling of well-being. Serotonin enhances the communication of brain cells and activates entire neural pathways of the body.
Ayurvedic scriptures and Hindu culture believe that ‘Prana’ and ‘Life Force’ flows into the body through the point between the eyebrows and this life force moves throughout the energy channels. Lifeforce removes the blocks in the mind.
The thin stream of the warm oils on the forehead brings immense mental clarity and it gives strength to resolve the unsolved past traumas which are deeply seated in the mind.
Enhanced Sleeping quality
The busy life is making man sleepless and inducing stress. The deprivation of sleep can cause lethargy and exhaustion. Physical and mental well-being are disturbed by sleeplessness.
Shirodhara therapy reduces cortisol in the body, which is a primary stress hormone. It helps relieve stress and presents you with quality sleep.
Reducing anxiety
Shirodhara acts as a perfect stressbuster. The head massages in therapy can exhibit improved cognitive abilities like memory and concentration. It regulates the serotonin hormone in the body, which can reduce anxiety.
Shirodhara has numerous benefits which can transform your life. This therapy presents you with exceptional physical and mental health. At Ishani Ayurveda Yoga Heritage we offer Shirodhara treatment, the price of which is affordable to everyone. Book your appointment and experience the outstanding services at our center.
