Shirodhara ayurvedic treatment is a unique, blissful therapy that balances and stabilizes the mind. It gives a total feeling of wellness, mental clarity and comprehension is experienced in this process. Shirodhara falls under the umbrella pf panchakarma and it is a detoxification program to remove ‘ama’ (certain toxins) from one’s constitution (dosha).
The word Shirodhara came from the two words ‘Shiro’ and ‘ Dhara’. Shiro means head and Dhara means flow. It is a classic ayurvedic treatment includes the pouring of warm herbal oil in continuous stream. It is more specifically poured on and around the centre of both eyes which is termed as a ‘third eye’ in Ayurveda. It is Chakra point which is above and between the eyebrows. It is believed to be the seat of human consciousness.
The Shirodhara Ayurvedic treatment is usually practiced in the morning or in evening. The procedure requires the client to lie down on the massage table. A wide mouthed vessel with a small hole at the bottom is hung above the head of the client, So that the wick hanging from the vessel is about two inches above the forehead. The special medicated oil, milk or buttermilk etc that is poured into the vessel is made to flow in a continuous stream through the wick on to the upper part of the forehead. The eyes are protected with cotton pads to prevent oil from dripping into them.
The warm oil or the medium used is collected, kept at a constant warm temperature, and re circulated, and the process continued for about 60- 90 minutes depending on the Dosha. On completion of the flow of oil, the client is allowed to rest for few minutes, before the residual oil is wiped from the hair.
According to the traditional texts, this Shirodhara ayurvedic treatment, if done correctly and accordingly, is known to accomplish miraculous healing. Some are:
