A classical treatment unique to Ayurveda, Shirodhara involves a steady stream of warm Ayurvedic herbal oil being gently poured on your forehead as you lie on a massage table. This calming process saturates the head with warm oil, soothing tight scalp, neck, and facial muscles. Finishing with an Indian head massage, it is a great way to generally relieve tension.
Traditionally this treatment is used for alleviating anxiety, mental stress, and insomnia.
Duration: 50 minutes Cost: $159
What is Shirodhara Therapy?
Shirodhara is part of Panchakarma, the Ayurvedic detoxification and cleansing therapy. A steady stream of warm oil is gently and continuously poured along the forehead in a rhythmic way focusing on the centre of the forehead just between the eyebrows, at the position known in the Yoga tradition as the Ajna or third-eye Chakra.
This deeply relaxing process saturates the head with warm oil, soothing the peripheral nerves around the scalp and brain aiding in deep relaxation.
Our clinic uses an automated Shirodhara unit which allows a large volume of Ayurvedic oil to be maintained at the correct temperature and also avoids interruptions to your treatment due to refilling a copper bowl – which can occur when using the traditional copper bowl and stand.
How can a Shirodhara treatment help you?
Shirodhara is suitable for everyone. People who will especially benefit from it are those who suffer with:
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Feelings of being lost
- Insomnia
- Difficulties sleeping
- Headaches
- Epilepsy
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
What happens during a Shirodhara treatment?
On Arrival:
You will lie on a massage table and your body will be covered to keep you warm and comfortable. In certain cases, your eyes can be covered to increase relaxation.
During Treatment:
The Ayurvedic oil used will be chosen according to your condition. A steady stream of warm oil will be poured onto the centre of your forehead and down over your scalp. During this time your mind and body will begin to release tension and a deep state of relaxation will follow, reducing the effects of an overstimulated nervous system.
Completing the treatment:
The treatment is finished with calming head and face massage. Excess oil will be wiped away, however, your hair will be quite oily after treatment. We have full bathroom facilities if you require them, however it is more beneficial for you to go home and relax before showering later, in order to gain the full effects of the Shirodhara experience.
What benefits can I expect from the Shirodhara treatment?
- Deep feelings of relaxation and tranquillity
- Relief from mental, physical, and emotional stress
- Similar to the results of meditation, you can experience a state of calm alertness and expanded awareness after Shirodhara treatment
Ongoing treatments can assist with:
- Relief from psychosomatic diseases
- Reduction in panic attacks and feelings of anxiety
- Improved memory, concentration, and mental clarity
- Enhanced vision
For the best results, a series of four Shirodhara treatments is recommended.
Read more:
Good Medicine May 2004 – Shirodhara Therapy (PDF file – 255K)
Sunday Telegraph – Body+Soul Oct 31, 2004 – “Oils Ain’t Oils” article on Shirodhara (PDF file – 500K)
Journals:
Ayurvedic therapy (shirodhara) for insomnia: a case series. (2014)
Shirodhara: A psycho-physiological profile in healthy volunteers (2013)
Please visit our YouTube channel – we have many videos on our Ayurvedic approach to treating a wide range of common health problems.
Our Testimonials page also provides numerous insights from of our patients on the results of their Ayurvedic treatments.