Shirodhara: An Ayurvedic Therapy for Mind-Body Harmony
@Ayurvaidya Healthcare
Shirodhara: An Ayurvedic Therapy for Mind-Body Harmony
‘Shiro’ means head, and ‘dhara’
means flow. In shirodhara therapy, there is the flow of medicated
liquid on the head in between the eyebrows.
Pouring of fluid like medicated
oil, decoctions, medicated milk, medicated takra continuously for a specific
period of time is known as shirodhara. Shirodhara has been
practiced since long time by the ayurveda physicians.
This treatment can be taken in
diseased (for therapeutic purpose) or for the purpose of relaxation therapy. It
has been employed for the treatment of various diseases like schizophrenia,
epilepsy, depression, sleeplessness, anxiety, stress . facial paralysis, scalp
psoriasis, hair fallPCOD, Diabetes Mellitus, High Blood pressure etc. and many
other diseases.
There are various form of
Shirodhara such as Tailadhara Takradhara, Ksheeradhara, Jaladhara and
Kvathadhara. Classically this procedure is not described under the Panchakarma,
but it incorporated under Snehana karma. Murdhatailam has been described in the
Ayurveda which is of four types’ viz. Shiroabhyanga, Shirosheka, Shiropichu,
Shirobasti. These are superior in their succeeding order.
In Ayurveda human body is
compared to an inverted tree where the head is the main part of the body (uttamanga)
and other organ are its branches. So, the head controls every system, hence
application of medicine in the form of Shirodhara, on the head can cure many
diseases of different parts of the body.
Procedure- The Shirodhara
procedure is divided in to 3 parts:
1. Purva Karma
2. Pradhana Karma
3. Paschata
Karma
Purva Karma
Materials required-
Shirodhara patra, Shirodhara stand, Shirodhara table, Gauze, cotton earplug,
Vessels, Soft towels, Suitable oil/milk/any liquid.
Preparation of the patient-
The patient is thoroughly examined whether he is fit with for procedure.
Patient should be advised to pass stool and urine. Then pulse, temperature and
blood pressure, blood sugars of the patients should be recorded. Patient is
advised to lie down in supine position and Dhara Patra should be fixed 4 Angula
above the forehead. The eye and ear should be covered with cotton to prevent
the entry of liquid into eyes.
Different Types of Shirodhara:
Shirodhara therapy typically uses
various types of herbal oils or infusions to create a feeling of calmness in
the mind and body. Depending on the type of liquid used, they are divided into
the following types:
Types of Shirodhara
| Type | Liquid Used | Dosha Targeted | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tailadhara | Herbal oils | Vata | Calms nerves, nourishes scalp |
| Takradhara | Buttermilk | Pitta | Cooling, good for migraines |
| Ksheeradhara | Herbal milk | Vata & Pitta | Soothing, reduces anxiety |
| Kwathadhara | Herbal decoctions | Vata & Kapha | Detoxifying, therapeutic |
| Jaladhara | Water/Coconut water | Excess heat | Cooling and refreshing |
Pradhana Karma
In shirodhara therapy, there is
the flow of medicated liquid on the head in between the eyebrows Dhara should
be poured continuously on forehead neither very fast nor very slow. The liquid
of shirodhara should not be too hot or too cold. The stream of Dhara liquid
should not be too thick or thin.. Pouring is done in the pendulum manner
starting from one lateral side to the other lateral side. The liquid is
collected in another vessel kept and is used to refill the Dharapatra before it
becomes empty. Shirodhara process is done for at least ½ an hour in the morning
up to 14/21 days. Temperature of liquid for Shirodhara should be above to the
body temperature.
Period for changing the liquid-When milk and water is used in
Shirodhara, it should be changed every day. When Dhanyamla is used, it can be
used up to 3 days. The oil also should be changed every 3rd day, but it can be
reused, so in the first 3 days, half of the oil should be used, for next 3 days
the other half of the oil should be used and on the 7th day all the first and
second half both are mixed together, then it should be discarded.
Paschata Karma
After the Shirodhara process is
completed; the head of the patient head should be washed and wiped out and
dried. This is followed by a short duration of rest and massage of the body .The
patient is advised to have a Pathya Ahara (light diet)
Indications-
Stress, Anxiety, and
psychosomatic disorders such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome),
Vata Vyadhi /Neurological
disorders (Facial palsy, Loss of memory , Headache, Epilepsy etc.)
Psychiatric disorders (Psychosis,
ADHD, Neurosis, Insomnia etc.),
Convulsive disorders -fits
Psoriasis, Eczema, etc skin
diseases
Hypertension
Contraindications :Those with active
scalp infections, open wounds on the forehead, or severe skin conditions. Those
with uncontrolled high blood pressure, epilepsy, or a history of head injuries
should also avoid Shirodhara.
Shirodhara mode of action:
It creates a soothing sensation
in the muscles of the head that travels to the brain via the superficial
peripheral nerves in the forehead. It treats conditions such as insomnia by
regulating pituitary gland activity and inducing sleep. Shirodhara also stimulates
various vital points around the head and improves blood circulation. The warm
herbal oils used cause vasodilation of all blood vessels and improve blood
circulation in the brain. Massage lowers levels of serotonin, a
neurotransmitter that stabilizes mood, health and well-being. Shirodhara also
reduces levels of stress hormones such as adrenaline and norepinephrine,
relaxing the mind and relieving stress and tension. It also helps alleviate
many types of psychosomatic disorders such as stress, tension, depression, and
anxiety.
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