Shirodhara is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment that involves the pouring of warm herbal oil or ghee on the forehead in a continuous stream. Shirodhara is a classic Ayurvedic therapy or the practice of slowly and steadily dripping medicated oil or medicated decoctions on the forehead. This procedure induces a relaxed state of awareness that results in a dynamic psycho-somatic balance. Once the mind is relaxed, stagnant waste (ama) is eliminated from the body, thus balancing the doshas. The calming effect it produces is similar to that experienced by meditation.

What causes stress and anxiety?

Stress and anxiety are unfortunately very common in this modern age and are experienced by almost all of us. Ayurveda believes that imbalances in the three Doshas may lead to stress and anxiety. Bringing a balance, or harmony to our systems will in turn aid in regulating our body’s stress response.

Shirodhara is used to treat various health conditions, including:

1. Stress and anxiety: Relaxes the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety.
2. Insomnia: Helps regulate sleep patterns and improves sleep quality.
3. Headaches and migraines: Relieves tension and pain in the head and neck region.
4. Hair and scalp issues: Nourishes and conditions the hair and scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.
5. Neurological disorders: Helps manage conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy.

The Shirodhara procedure involves several steps:

1. Preparation: The patient is allowed to lie down on Shirodhara table in Supine position.
2. Application of oil : A warm herbal oil is poured on the forehead in a continuous stream.
3. Retention: The oil is retained on the forehead for a specified period, usually 45-60 minutes.
4. Massage: Gentle massage is performed on the scalp and neck region to facilitate the absorption of the herbal oil.
5. Post-procedure: The patient is given rest, hydration, and a light diet to aid in recovery.

1. Shirodhara is believed to offer several benefits, including:
   1. Relaxation and stress relief: Calms the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety.
   2. Improved sleep: Regulates sleep patterns and improves sleep quality.
   3. Pain relief: Relieves tension and pain in the head and neck region.
   4. Hair and scalp health: Nourishes and conditions the hair and scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.
   5. Neurological benefits: Helps manage conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
   6. Headaches: Shirodhara can help alleviate stress-induced headaches and migraines.
   7. Mental clarity: Shirodhara can improve mental clarity and enhance memory.

1. Shirodhara is contraindicated in certain conditions, including:
   1. Pregnancy: Avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of miscarriage or premature labor
   2. Recent surgery or injury: Avoided in patients with recent surgery or injury due to the risk of complications.

   Precautions

   Shirodhara should only be performed under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. Certain precautions should be taken, including:

   1. Proper preparation and post-procedure care: Ensure the patient is properly prepared and cared for after the procedure.
   2. Monitoring of vital signs: Monitor the patient’s vital signs during the procedure to ensure safety.
   3. Avoidance of Shirodhara during extreme weather conditions: Avoid performing Shirodhara during extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or intense heat but a qualified physician can allowed in these condition too on the basis of need of the hour.