Shirodhara - Oil Pouring Head Therapy
Nourishing head therapy that uses continuous stream of oil on the forehead to remove mental clutter and release stress and anxiety by experiencing a deep state of meditation. Especially helps with chronic headaches or migraines, improve sleep and bring grounding to the nervous system. Extremely useful in balancing Vata and Pitta disorders.
MORE INFORMATION
Shiro means head and dhara means stream.
Ayurveda considers the human body as an inverted tree. The head of the human body is considered to be the root of this tree. The central portion made up of the thorax and abdomen is the trunk and the limbs are considered to be the branches. Just like the roots nurture and control the wellbeing of a tree, our head is the operational center of the entire body. For this reason, the head is called Uttamanga - the best organ in our body. It is the control station of our body. When we take care of the control station, the whole body functions smoothly. Shirodhara is a specialised Ayurvedic treatment designed specifically for this purpose, to nourish the head. Warm oil (or other liquid) is poured in a continuous stream over the 3rd eye or Ajna Marma, an area where nerves are highly concentrated. The pressure of the oil onto the forehead creates a vibration. The oil saturates the forehead and scalp and penetrates into the nervous system sending the client into a deep state of relaxation. It soothes the mind and relaxes the body. It has a profound effect on the nervous system, bringing about neurophysiological harmony. It induces a deep inner focus and calm. It gently stimulates the Ajna Chakra (Third Eye). It gently stimulates the marma points on the forehead, producing a tranquil state of mental peace, sharpened focus, and freedom from sensory overload.
The benefits and why this therapy is revered by Ayurveda are many. Other than providing deep rest and peace, Shirodhara is especially useful when/if experiencing.
Excessive thoughts
Anxiety, Stress, Depression
Insomnia, Sleep disturbances
Headaches or Migraines
Eye disorders, Ear Disorders
Har Fall, Premature greying of hair, Drynes of scalp, Scalp psoriasis/eczema
Childhood traumas
Weak memory
Shirodhara is famously known to provide:
Mental clarity
Rejuvenation of the nervous system
Balancing of all doshas
Digestion of the mind, so we can let go and move on from past events
Deep relaxation and meditation
Oils for this treatment are chosen based on client's condition and needs to be assessed by the therapist. When booking you may select the add-on of medicated herbal oil for added benefit (this is especially beneficial when treating a specific condition).
Shirodhara also pairs well with an Ayurvedic full body massage, Hrid Basti (Heart treatment) or any pain management therapy.
For Chronic Conditions
It is advised to have 3 or more sittings of this therapy. This may be discussed with the therapist in your first session. For general relaxation of the mind for those with busy lives, it is advised to receive once a month.
For very high pitta cases where it is essential to cool the mind, a treatment named Takradhara is recommended. Takradhara is similar to Shirodhara but is performed using buttermilk.
Home Tips
Apply Brahmi oil on head and forehead overnight.
★★★★★
Akanksha at Purnam Ayurveda is so warm and welcoming. She is very knowledgeable.
The Ayurvedic massage is unlike any I have had before and the Shirodhara is extremely calming.
— MRS COOPER
Frequently Asked Questions
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Shirodhara should be received in the morning or in the afternoon for maximum benefit. Shirodhara should not be received after sunset as the digestive strength required for the body to process the oils is diminished.
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Absolutely! However, if you are suffering from chronic stress, insomnia, or any other chronic health issue, you would benefit from receiving this treatment regularly. With the amount of stress that we carry today, sometimes one treatment is not enough to calm the mind and its thought processes. I recommend purchasing a package of 5 x treatments and receiving these in 5 consecutive days to receive maximum benefit. Shirodhara can be done for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 28 days.
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Absolutely! However, if you are suffering from chronic stress, insomnia, or any other chronic health issue, you would benefit from receiving this treatment regularly. With the amount of stress that we carry today, sometimes one treatment is not enough to calm the mind and its thought processes. I recommend purchasing a package of 5 x treatments and receiving these in 5 consecutive days to receive maximum benefit. Shirodhara can be done for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 28 days.
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To get the full benefits of your treatment it is best not to eat beforehand (especially heavy meals). However, if you are very hungry, it’s better to have a small snack so that you aren’t distracted by a growling stomach during your treatment.
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You can wash the oil from your body and hair but it is recommended to leave it on and let your body. Showering before bedtime is fine as it allows oils to get absorbed fully. When you shower, avoid using soap on the body but you can use shampoo to remove the oil from your hair if it bothers you.
It is recommended to take rest after the treatment to allow the body to process the benefits of the massage. Eat a simple and easy to digest meal such as Khichdi, rice and lentils or soup and spend time relaxing with loved ones.
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Please wear something comfortable, but in the case of an Oil Massage, I suggest that you don’t wear expensive clothing that could get stained. I can provide you with single-use underwear for body treatments (you are welcome to wear your own underwear but please be advised that it may become stained with oil). In order to preserve your modesty at all times, the technique of draping is used at all times where only the body part being worked on is exposed.
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Yes! Shirodhara is wonderfully relaxing for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
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Yes, it is important for me to be fully aware of all your current medical conditions, including pregnancy or suspected pregnancy, because in some cases massage therapy is contraindicated. Please advise me prior to booking a treatment if you are currently experiencing any of the following:
Infectious skin condition or skin condition with itching, oozing, redness or hives; scalp infection/dandruff; open cut or wound; severe bruising; high temperature or fever; cold or flu virus/cough; hyperacidity; gout; auto-immune disorder; diabetes (Type 1); severe circulatory disorder; heart condition; epilepsy; thrombosis or embolism; recent injury/surgery; recent scar tissue.Yes, it is important for me to be fully aware of all your current medical conditions, including pregnancy or suspected pregnancy, because in some cases massage therapy is contraindicated. Please advise me prior to booking a treatment if you are currently experiencing any of the following:
Infectious skin condition or skin condition with itching, oozing, redness or hives; scalp infection/dandruff; open cut or wound; severe bruising; high temperature or fever; cold or flu virus/cough; hyperacidity; gout; auto-immune disorder; diabetes (Type 1); severe circulatory disorder; heart condition; epilepsy; thrombosis or embolism; recent injury/surgery; recent scar tissue.
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No, Shirodhara is not recommended for children and young adults under the age of 18.
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Simple answer; no… absolutely not (so please don’t embarrass yourself by asking).