Shirodhara Therapy: An Ancient Ayurvedic Technique For Relaxation And Healing

By Author: Alexis Pelloe
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Shirodhara therapy is an ancient Ayurvedic technique that has been practised for thousands of years in India and other parts of the world. The word Shirodhara comes from two Sanskrit words: Shiro, meaning head, and dhara, meaning flow. As the name suggests, Shirodhara therapy involves gently pouring warm oil or other liquid over the forehead in a steady stream for a fixed duration of time.
 
The liquid used for Shirodhara therapy can vary depending on the condition being treated and the constitution of the person receiving it. According to Ayurveda, there are three main types of doshas or life forces that govern the body and mind: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each person has a unique combination of these doshas, which determines their physical, mental, and emotional characteristics. Shirodhara therapy aims to balance these doshas and restore harmony in the body and mind.
 
More about Doshas
Vata is the dosha of movement and creativity. It is made of space and air elements. It regulates the nervous system, breathing, circulation, and mental activity. People ...
... with a dominant Vata dosha are usually thin, light, agile, energetic, enthusiastic, imaginative, and adaptable. They can also be restless, anxious, nervous, erratic, and forgetful. Vata is aggravated by cold, dry, windy, and irregular conditions.
 
Pitta is the dosha of transformation and intelligence. It is made of fire and water elements. It governs the digestive system, metabolism, body temperature, vision, and intellect. People with a dominant pitta dosha are usually medium-sized, muscular, warm, radiant, sharp, confident, and ambitious. They can also be irritable, angry, jealous, impatient, and aggressive. Pitta is aggravated by heat, light, spicy, sour, and acidic conditions.
 
Kapha is the dosha of stability and nourishment. It is made of water and earth elements. It controls the immune system, lubrication, growth, strength, and stability. People with a dominant Kapha dosha are usually large, heavy, slow, calm, loyal, compassionate, and patient. They can also be lazy, dull, greedy, attached, and resistant to change. Kapha is aggravated by cold, wet, cloudy, and stagnant conditions.
 
Kinds of Liquids Used and the Methodology
The most common liquid used for Shirodhara therapy in Melbourne is herbal oil, which is usually sesame oil mixed with various herbs and essential oils. This type of treatment is called Sneha dhara or oil Shirodhara. It is beneficial for people with Vata and Kapha imbalances, such as anxiety, insomnia, stress, headaches, dry skin, etc. Warm oil is used to soothe and nourish the nervous system and calm the mind.
 
Another type of liquid used for Shirodhara therapy is milk infused with herbs. This type of treatment is called Ksheerdhara or milk Shirodhara. It is beneficial for people with Pitta imbalances, such as anger, inflammation, acidity, etc. Milk has a cooling and pacifying effect on the body and mind.
 
A third type of liquid used for Shirodhara therapy is buttermilk infused with herbs. This type of treatment is called Takradhara or buttermilk Shirodhara. It is beneficial for people with Vata imbalances, such as nervous disorders, depression, etc. Buttermilk has a cleansing and rejuvenating effect on the body and mind.
 
The procedure of this therapy is simple but requires expertise and care. The person receiving the therapy lies down on a massage table or a bed with their eyes covered. The therapist heats up the liquid to a comfortable temperature and places it in a vessel with a small hole at the bottom. The vessel is then suspended over the person’s forehead at a certain height and angle. The liquid flows through the hole and lands on the person’s forehead between the eyebrows. This spot is called ajna marma or the third eye chakra. It is considered to be a centre of intuition, wisdom, and consciousness in Ayurveda.
 
The liquid then spreads over the scalp and hair and drips down to a container below. The therapist adjusts the flow and direction of the liquid according to the person’s needs. The duration of Shirodhara therapy can range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the condition being treated. Sometimes, Shirodhara therapy is combined with a head or body massage before or after the treatment.
 
Shirodhara therapy has many benefits for the physical, mental, and emotional health of the person receiving it. Some of these benefits are:
 

It relaxes the nervous system and reduces stress hormones.
It improves sleep quality and treats insomnia.
It enhances mood and alleviates depression.
It boosts memory and concentration.
It relieves headaches and migraines.
It balances blood pressure and heart rate.
It soothes eye strain and vision problems.
It nourishes the scalp and hair.
It detoxifies the body and removes toxins.

 
Shirodhara therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. However, there are some precautions that should be taken before undergoing this therapy. Some of these precautions are:
 

Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting Shirodhara therapy to determine your dosha type and choose the appropriate liquid for your condition.
Inform your therapist about any allergies or skin sensitivities you have to avoid any adverse reactions to the liquid used.
Avoid Shirodhara therapy if you have any cuts or wounds on your forehead or scalp.

 
Shirodhara therapy practised in Melbourne is an ancient Ayurvedic technique that can help you relax and heal your body and mind. It is a simple but effective way to balance your doshas and achieve harmony. If you are looking for a natural and holistic way to improve your well-being, you may want to give Shirodhara therapy a try.
 
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