Written by S. Kashi

Shirodhara’ consists of two words, Shiro=head, Dhara= steady stream, which together mean the slow and steady pouring of a liquid over the forehead in a steady stream. The liquid can be a medicated oil, buttermilk, or a decoction based on the ailment we are treating and the balance (or imbalance thereof)  of doshas in a person’s body.

Shirodhara is a classic Ayurvedic therapy procedure that brings a relaxed state of awareness. Being aware while in a relaxed state creates a feeling of wellness, which aligns the body’s psychosomatic balance(1). This therapy also brings clarity of the mind and better comprehension. At our clinic, our clients have often told us that after doing shirodhara, they do not feel spaced out anymore and can deal with stress with better mental clarity. Shirodhara was developed as a ‘sukhachikitsa’ or restorative therapy.

Shirodhara oils usually are a mix of oils containing brahmi (Centella asiatica), aswagandha (Withania somnifera), vacha (Acorus calmus), and jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi). For shirodhara, a classical pot made of copper with a hole at the bottom is used. The temperature of the oil is maintained at approximately 99 degrees Fahrenheit or lower ( approximately 40 degrees Celsius). 

The locus of dripping of oil is at the forehead of the client, mainly between the eyebrows. The client’s eyes are covered with sterile gauze pads or round cotton pads. The client lies supine on a comfortable bed and the room environment is quiet, dim, and pleasant. At our clinic, it is ensured that the client is comfortable throughout the procedure by adjusting the temperature or the flow of oil as needed. The client is suggested to relax through the duration of the procedure. Clients/patients are not prevented from sleeping. They report that they feel alert and aware while being in a relaxed state. They might doze off for a bit, but generally they tend to be aware. The procedure takes about an hour from start to finish, including the dripping of oil for about 45 minutes.

At the end of seven sessions, the stress and mood level are assessed very carefully. Clients/patients report that they feel relaxed after the procedure. Clients are advised to not take a cold shower or expose their head to cold or rainy weather after the procedure. They are also advised to eat light meals for the day.

Shirodhara is beneficial for many ailments and studies have found this therapy effective even in healthy individuals. Below are three indications where it can be used. Please note that the list below is not exhaustive.

1. Anxiety- The incidence and prevalence of anxiety has considerably grown in recent years, with an increasing burden of this disease. Anxiety can be related with underlying physical, psychological factors, as well as may have social determinants(2). As mentioned above, shirodhara is beneficial for general stress relief. This therapeutic procedure is also excellent for anxiety disorders. Anxiety can be a common morbidity condition that occurs either independently or as a secondary condition for many disorders like hypertension, heart disease etc. (3)
2. Hypertension- High blood pressure could be due to diet and lifestyle factors, or due to genetic reasons. Due to the sukhachikitsa focus of shirodhara it brings restoration of body dhatus and is a very important step in panchakarma. With shirodhara’s efficacy on vata- pitta predominant diseases, it cures psychosomatic diseases one of which is hypertension. Since the therapy acts on the nervous system, it reduces the hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system that triggers the fight-or-flight response mechanism in individuals. This therapy calms a distressed person’s entire physiology, thus reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and hypertension. It is a safe and effective treatment modality for the management of hypertension.
3. Insomnia/ Disturbed sleep- Present-day modern management of insomnia involves the use of tranquilizers, which may create a drug dependency and can also cause long-term side effects. Ayurvedic management of insomnia through shirodhara is safe, effective, and without any side effects. Through Shirodhara a subtle pressure is created on the forehead through continuous pouring of liquid, which has an effect on impulse conduction through tactile and thermo receptors. A prolonged and continuous pressure may lead to tranquility of the mind. This helps in improving sleep. (4)

References available upon request.