Shirodhara originates from the two Sanskrit terms “shiro” (head) and “dhara” (flow). It’s an Ayurvedic therapeutic practise that includes having someone pour liquid across your forehead – commonly oil, milk, buttermilk, or water. It is frequently paired with a massage of the body, scalp, or head.
Ayurveda is a comprehensive healing system that originated thousands of years ago in India. It focuses on rebalancing your body’s life forces, known as doshas.
Shirodhara is a more calm and therapeutic head massage session that gives enormous physical and emotional advantages. If you think a head massage is relaxing, Shirodhara is even more so. In this, a little massage is provided at the end after dripping oil on the forehead. And yes, it is just as peaceful as it sounds.
Shirodhara therapy is just the application of medicinal oil to the forehead. Let’s go over the technique in detail.
While a normal head massage can help you sleep and relax, as well as nourish your hair follicles, Shirodhara has additional benefits. It’s a miraculous procedure that aids in the exfoliation of dead skin, the relief of stress, the improvement of blood circulation, the pacification of raised doshas, and the conveyance of lymphatic fluids.
Shirodhara can help eliminate toxins, relieve mental tiredness, and improve brain function when performed by a trained practitioner. Kerala is a major state in Ayurveda treatment and is well-known around the world for its ayurvedic treatment centres . Ayurveda treatments in Kerala are highly sought after, and most Ayurvedic centres offer them.
Different Types Of Shirodhara?
Tailadhara –Ayurvedic practitioners in Tailadhara recommend combining herbal oils with herbal extracts or different essential oils. This helps to balance the Vata dosha in the body.
Takradhara – Takra Dhara employs buttermilk that has been flavoured with specific herbs. It promotes Pitta dosha balance and helps maintain homeostasis, or the body’s ability to maintain internal stability despite changes in external environment.
Ksheer Dhara – Ksheer Dhara is made using herb-infused milk. The medicated milk is poured over the head and helps with Vata and Pitta headaches, tension, and anxiety, as well as nourishing and relaxing the body.
Kwathdhara – Decoctions produced with different plants are utilised in Kwathdhara. It aids in the balance of Vata and Kapha doshas and is also considered medicinal for a variety of other illnesses.
Jala Dhara: Coconut water or regular water is utilised in Jala Dhara. It is mostly recommended for diseases caused by excessive heat in the body.
Benefits of Shirodhara
Relieves Stress : Stress is the body’s reaction, shown as physical or emotional alteration, to any incident or thought that causes one to feel angry, frustrated, or nervous. Shirodhara treatment is extremely beneficial in relieving tension from the mind and body. The constant pouring of warm oil, combined with a mild massage, produces calm, relaxation, and peace. As the body enters a profound level of relaxation, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which suppresses stress hormones as hyper-alert brain waves (bets waves) change into relaxed-alert ones (alpha waves).
Enhances Concentration : Shirodhara benefits mental clarity, thinking process, and stress reduction by nourishing the scalp. It also aids in the prevention of neurological illnesses, which can lead to memory loss and attention issues.
Improves Sleep : Shirodhara is a therapy that induces sleep. However, this does not guarantee that it will immediately put you to sleep. Rather, it functions in a long-term way. It soothes your mind, relaxes your nerves, and helps your sleep.
Boosts Blood Circulation : Shirodhara uses warm herbal oils to dilate the blood vessels, boosting blood circulation to the brain.
