Ancient ayurvedic system of medicines provides an
amazing and unique body therapy known as shirodhara. Shirodhara has great
impact in relaxing the nervous system of the patient. This treatment
immediately calms and relaxes the mind and nerves and therefore it has a
cleansing effect.
No procedure in allopathic
medicine can boast of such wonderful relaxing effect on the nervous system.
Only meditation system practiced in yoga can be considered as giving a similar
relaxing effect to mind and nerves.
Who
are the beneficiaries?
Shirodhara is a
great ayurvedic procedure and is intended to relieve the patient from symptoms
of stress, anxiety, hypertension, fatigue, etc. It helps the patient to get
relief from headache, worry, depression etc. It gives pleasure, relaxation and
regulates the mood of the patient of the following categories.
Traumatic stress disorder: Traumatic stress disorder is a health
condition in which an event either experienced or witnessed by the patient is
causing mental strain on the patient after its occurrence or experience. The
symptoms include flashbacks, severe
anxiety, nightmares etc. According to Alakananda Ma who is the Ayurvedic
Professor at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital and Medical College, London University,
the shirodhara helps the patient in reducing the excess of vata dosha found in
a patient.
Disorder connected with the sleep of shift workers and insomniac
patients: Shirodhara is well known for its ability to reduce
sleep problems. This treatment alone and coupled with herbal support have been
found to be extremely useful in this regard. Shirodhara with milk has been
found to be extremely useful for insomnia. Pineal gland which is the producer
of melatonin is the controller is sleep-wake cycle. It also helps in calming
the mind and keeping it relaxed. If the cause of insomnia is working in night
shifts which keep the sleep cycle out of the natural sync and the rhythm of the
sun, shirodhara can be useful in removing the fatigue and restoring and
re-establishing harmony and energy in the constitution.
Jet lag: For a
person who frequently flies, his sleep rhythm will be out of sync and
consequently will suffer from jet lag. In such cases, shirodhara can help in
removing the piled up fatigue and resetting the patient’s waking and sleeping
cycles as well. Such patients are advised to undergo shirodhara therapy and
travel with portable shirodhara unit and apply vata oil or bhringaraj oil to
the head before sleeping.
Hypertension: Shirodhara has
been found to be extremely useful in lowering the hypertension is patients. It
is an extremely good treatment for a normal person who intends to maintain good
health and enhance his immunity, well being and calmness. It relieves fatigue,
relaxes and reinvigorates the mind and the body completely. It balances one’s
energy level, and gives clarity and perception
Shirodhara
increases immunity by relieving stress and worry, and balancing the ayurveda
mind-body types or doshas so that your constitution remains strong. It produces
ageless and youthful countenance and constitution resulting in the rejuvenation
of the face and consequent softening of worry lines.
For whom it is not
suitable
Though
shirodhara is a wellness treatment for all ages, some people are not suitable
for this procedure Details of such people and the circumstances which make them
unsuitable are discussed below. Pregnant women in their third trimester should
not be subjected to shirodhara. Similarly people with rash or sunburn on their
scalp or forehead are also not suitable for shirodhara. Patients with brain
tumor, recent neck injury, cuts or abrasions on the head or patients with acute
fever, nausea, vomiting exhaustion, spontaneous swelling etc are also not
recommended for shirodhara.
Shirodhara explained
In
Ayurvedic therapy named shirodhara warm oil is poured in continuous stream over
the anjan marma which is situated in
the forehead. This is an area where
nerves are concentrated. The soft
pressure of continuous pouring of oil onto forehead produces a vibration. The
oil slowly saturates the forehead and scalp area and it sinks down to the
nervous system.
The
gentle pressure of oil combined with the soothing warmth brings the body and
mind to a state of deep relaxation and state of peacefulness similar to that
obtained during meditation. Traditionally shirodhara is done as part of
Panchakarma. It is also done as a stand along therapy.
How it works?
As
per Ayurveda shirodhara is good for vata and pitha doshas. Vats dosha exhibits
a state of insecurity or fear when it is unbalanced. Similarly, unbalanced
Pitha dosha exhibits anger or irritability or frustration. The qualities of the
liquid used during shirodhara counter the imbalances in vata and pitha doshas.
The application of shirodhara oil through the forehead pacifies and nourishes
the doshas.
According
to Ayurveda, stress is induced as a result of the imbalance of prana vayu,
tarpaka kapha and sadaka pitha. Shirodhara re establishes the functional
integrity between these subtypes of doshas alleviating stress.
The
oil flowing over the forehead creates a predetermined pressure and vibration
over the anjan marma. The hollow sinus amplifies the vibrations and transmits
it inward through the cerebrospinal fluid. These vibrations and the little heat
associated with the oil activates the functions of thalamus and forebrain and
brings catecholamine and serotonin to the normal level thereby inducing sleep
in the person undergoing shirodhara.
How to make maximum
benefit out of shirodhara?
For
making maximum benefit out of shirodhara make sure that you get this procedure
done by a properly trained and experienced doctor/therapist. Try to concentrate
maximum on the three points mentioned below during the procedure.
1.Observe silence: There should be no interruptions during shirodhara and
therefore it will be better if the patient does not listen to any music or
audio programs during this period. Any noise will disrupt the experience of
disengaging from outside stimuli and experiencing mental rest.
2. Be Mindful Of The Room’s Temperature. See that the room’s temperature is maintained at the optimum
level. Even during cooler seasons the room under which shirodhara is carried
out should be maintained at a toasty warm climate. Keep a space heater and
maintain the room at a warm temperature conducive to the procedure being
carried out. The head gets wet during the treatment. It is important that the
client should not get cold in between.
Even during warmer
climate additional blankets have to be kept as a protection for those who are susceptible to cold or cough. Air
conditioned rooms or air cooled rooms will be more suitable for shirodhara
patients.
3.Choosing proper
oil. A qualified Ayurvedic doctor will be the correct person to choose proper
oil matching to the requirements of the patient concerned. Banyan Botanical oil
is recommendable for all constitutions as this a special tri-doshic blend.
Sesame and sunflower oils are also used commonly. Sesame oil has got heating
qualities and is good for constitutions with vata dosha. Sunflower oil is good
for cooling and is used for patients with pitha dosha. Blend of these two oils
are also suggested by doctors depending upon the individual problems and constitutions.
Preparing
for appointment
When you are
planning for shirodhara treatment be ready for additional rest after the
treatment. Avoid large crowds and stimulation of your mind as shirodhara cleanses
the mind and senses. Spend the reminder of the day peacefully giving rest for
your mind. It is better to eat little as shirodhara is likely to have an effect
on the digestive system. So don’t eat full stomach. Much oil will be spreading
on to the head and other parts of the body. Therefore, wear an old shirt and be ready to get it
soaked with oil. The patient is advised to leave the oil in his head unattended
for at least a few hours.
What
to do after shirodhara?
If
you have a lot of hair and if more oil is left there, do a proper shampoo wash
to clear the oil in your head. Don’t use any caffeine products for a few days
as it will create disharmony in the body and all the doshas will be adversely affected.
Using Kitchari, a delicious stew will be helpful in the cleansing and
maintaining the balance in the doshas.
