The ancient scriptures of Ayurveda have always mentioned that the key to a happy and healthy life is to find the fine balance between optimal health and well-being. To achieve this, Ayurveda introduced us to Shirodhara, a relaxing and unique treatment that brings this philosophy to life.
Through this blog, let us explore what Shirodhara is, its essence, functions, and its benefits for the human body.
Shirodhara Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words “Shiro” and “dhara”, which roughly translates to “head pouring”. Shirodhara involves having an Ayurveda practitioner pour liquid, which is usually oil, milk, or buttermilk on your forehead. The practice can also be combined with a body, scalp, or head massage.
During a typical Shirodhara therapy session, the patient would have to lie comfortably on a table with their head kept slightly higher than the rest of the body. A specialized pot would be suspended above the forehead and would hold the chosen liquid. The Ayurveda practitioner would then control the flow of the liquid from the pot above your forehead, making sure that a steady stream of the liquid falls on your forehead throughout the treatment.
The steady pour combined with the warm stimulation of the liquid activates the marma points (vital energy points) and the nerve endings of the scalp and head. It is believed that this pour influences the nervous system, promoting relaxation, and triggering the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Shirodhara is a holistic treatment approach that holds multiple benefits combining both physical and mental well-being. Some of the advantages are as follows:
Stress Relief: The systematic pouring combined with the effects of the hot oil, creates a calm and relaxing environment for the body and brings the patient into a meditative state. This state can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and another host of ailments for the body.
Improved Sleep Cycle: The meditative effects of the oil and the shirodhana technique help the patient calm his nerves and promote relaxation which in turn helps patients fall asleep faster and experience deeper, more restful sleep.
Relief from Headaches and Migraines: The stimulation of the scalp and vital points on the forehead helps give relief from headaches and migraines. The warm oil also soothes muscle tension, which is a potential trigger for headaches.
Promotes Hair and Scalp Health: Shirodhara can nourish the scalp and hair follicles, promoting hair growth and improving overall hair health. The warm oil can also help reduce dandruff and dryness.
Improved Mental Clarity and Focus: Shirodhara enhances mental clarity and general well-being by promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormones. The Shirodhara Ayurveda treatment is beneficial for those who experience mental fatigue or find difficulty concentrating.
Immunity Booster: Shirodhara ayurvedic treatment is known to boost the body’s immune system by stimulating the lymphatic system and promoting the elimination of toxins.
If you are looking for the best ayurveda treatment in Kerala, then check out Svaztha Ayurvedic Wellness Center, they offer holistic shirodhara treatment utilizing the best products, made using all-natural, hand-picked ingredients
The oil that is used during Shirodhara is selected based on individual choices and the doshic imbalance that your body might experience according to Ayurveda. Here are some common choices:
Sesame Oil (Sneha): Sesame oil is a versatile oil known especially known for its grounding and balancing properties. It is also used for various doshic imbalances.
Coconut Oil (Kera Tailam): Cooling and nourishing, coconut oil is the more popular option and is often used for Pitta imbalances that manifest as heat and inflammation.
Medicated Oils: Ayurvedic practitioners might create specific medicated oils using herbs and essential oils tailored to address your specific health concerns.
Even though Shirodhara offers patients numerous health benefits, it’s important to consult with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner before undergoing the treatment. They can conduct holistic tests on your body, understand your individual needs, and can conclude whether Shirodhara is the right choice. Here are some conditions you must keep in mind:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Shirodhara may not be recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to the potential for specific herbs or oils.
Certain medical conditions: Consult your physician if you have any underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, epilepsy, or skin sensitivities.
Post-operative recovery: Allow adequate time for healing after any surgery before undergoing Shirodhara.
Shirodhara in Ayurveda is a trial and tested ayurveda process that offers users relaxation, rejuvenation, and potential relief from various ailments. If you’re seeking a holistic approach to improving your well-being, consider exploring the benefits of this ancient practice. Remember to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to ensure Shirodhara is the right choice for you. As you surrender to the gentle flow of warm oil, embark on a journey of profound relaxation and experience the transformative power of Shirodhara in Ayurveda.
Want to Consult?
quick links
Contact
Svaztha Ayurveda Retreat By Chemepenkulam Ayurveda Hospital
Attapallam PO Thekkady,
Kerala, 685509. India
svaztha@gmail.com
+91 94463 03902,
+91 94970 73902
© 2024 Svaztha. All rights reserved.
Indication
Arthritis, rheumatic joint pains and swellings, sprains, etc.
Usage
The bundles, warmed in medicated oil or neem oil, are applied all over the body/part till the desired perspiration is attained. The treatment is carried out for around 45 to 60 minutes.
Ingredients
Sathahwa(Anethum sowa) – 20gm
Arka(Calotropus gigantic – 16gm
Eranda(Ricinus cummunis) – 20gm
Punarnava(Boerhavia diffusa)- 16gm
Shadee(Zingiber Officinale) – 16gm
Devadaroo (Cedrus deodar) – 16gm
Indication
Cleanses and conditions the hair, and also protects from dandruff and hair fall.
Usage
Mix 2 tbs of powder with water to make a thick paste. Apply it on the wet hair and scalp, soak well and then wash it off.
Ingredients
Emblica officialis – 10gm
Hebiscus rosa – 10gm
Albizzia lebbeck – 10gm
Phaseolus aureus – 10gm
Sapindus trifoliatus – 10gm
Indication
Sumukam nourishes and cleans the facial skin and keeps it soft and smooth.
Usage
Mix 1tsp powder with rose water to make a thick paste. Apply on the face and neck in a circular motion. Wash with lukewarm water before it gets dry.
Ingredients
Azadirachta indica – 12.5gm
Phaseolus aureus – 12.5gm
Vetveria zizanoides – 12.5gm
Rosa centifolia – 12.5gm
Indication
It nourishes and rejuvenates the facial skin. Removes pimples, wrinkles, scars, black spots, and black heads. Enhances facial nourishment, promotes new collagen formation. Removes facial tension and stress. Restores normal health of the facial skin.
Usage
Mix 2 spoon powder with milk for dry skin and with rose water OR fresh juices for oily skin to make a smooth paste. Apply a thick layer evenly on the face and neck. Keep in wet state for 20–30 minute and then wash off with warm water, and pat dry.
Key ingredients
Contains ayurvedic flowers of
Michelia champaca – 10gm
Nelumbo nucifera – 10gm
Mimusops elaegi – 10gm
Jasminum officinale – 10gm
Rosa centifolia – 10gm
Indication
Sinusitis, Tonsillitis, Otorrhoea, Allergic sneezing, chronic rhinitis, Bronchitis, migraine headache.
Usage
Gentle massage on head 10 minutes before bath.
Ingredients
Aengle marmelos – 250mg
Ocimum sanctum – 250mg
Vitex nigundo – 250mg
Zingiber officinale – 250mg
Plumbago zeylanica – 20mg
Embelia ribes – 20mg
Boswellia serrata – 20mg
Piper longum – 20mg
Moringa ptrygosperma – 20mg
Coconut Oil – 1ml
Indication
Saffron is regarded as the ‘queen’ in beauty treatment.
Safroil restores the natural glow and moisture of the facial skin. It helps to protect face from pimples and black heads. It removes the wrinkles, scars and gives a glowing beauty and freshness to the face. Removes facial tension. Enhances fairness.
Usage
Massage on face and neck daily in a circular motion.
Ingredients
Curcuma longa – 500mg
Aloe barbadensis – 500mg
Crocus sativus – 0.25mg
Rubia cordifolia – 1.65mg
Nelumbo nucifera – 1.10mg
Caesalpina sappan – 1.1mg
Rosa centifolia – 1.4mg
Mesua ferrea – 1.2 mg
Hemidesmus indicus – 0.9 mg
Vetiveria zizanioides – 1.35mg
Cow milk – 4ml
Seas mum oil – 1ml
Indication
‘Raksha’ – means one that protects. ‘Raksha’ includes natural roots blended with herbs like Sida, Aloe, vetivera, etc. General body massage oil helps to remove body fatigue, excess fat, skin dryness, stimulate nerves and remove bad odour and nourish the skin.
Usage
Massage by self or others and take warm water bath.
Ingredients
Sida cordifolia – 100mg
Aloe vera – 100mg
Withania somnifera – 16mg
Cyperus rotundus – 1.55mg
Hemidesmus indicus – 0.85mg
Rubia cordifolia – 1.45mg
Vetiveria zizanoides – 12.5mg
Cedrus deadar – 1.75mg
Pluchea lanceolata – 15.5mg
Seasame oil – 1ml
By tradition the women of Kerala have taken more care in their natal period as a protective measure to their pregnancy and health. Specially prepared medicated oils are used for it.
Usage & Indication
As a pre-natal care gently massage partially OR the whole body from six months of pregnancy to get relief from cramp pains, lumbago, varicose vein and stretch marks. And as post-natal care-use from the third day of the delivery onwards (in caesarean, use only after healing) for the pro-delivery fatigue. It also helps in the contraction of the uterus and the vagina. After usage take warm water bath.
Key ingredients
Ficus racemosa – 50gm
Strobilanthes heynianus – 25gm
Aegle marmelos – 25gm
Curcurma longa – 2gm
Rubia cordifolia – 2gm
Cynodon dactylon – 2gm
Anethum sowa – 2gm
Lepidium sativum – 2gm
Sesamum oil – 100ml
Indication
Helps to prevent hair fall, dandruff and itching of the scalp. It stimulates thick and strong hair growth. Prevents scalp from bacterial and fungal attacks.
Usage
Mix 2 tbs of powder with water to make a thick paste. Apply a thick layer evenly on the hair and scalp. Keep in wet state for 20–30 minute and wash off with warm water, and then pat dry. Daily usage helps in making dry rough hair to tangle free soft and shiny hair.
Ingredients
Eclipta alba – 2.5gm
Emblica officianalis – 2gm
Psoralea corylifolia – 1.5gm
Terminalia belerica – 1.5gm
Nymbphasa stellata – 1.5gm
Azadirachta indica – 1gm
Indication
This natural hair nourisher enriched with Aloe and Hebiscus helps to prevent hair fall and dandruff. It stimulates thick and strong hair growth. It nourishes hair with natural proteins, and prevents bacterial and fungal attacks.
Usage
Massage 5ml of oil on scalp and hair from root to end before or after shower. Daily usage helps in making dry rough hair to tangle free soft and shiny hair. In just 6 month of regular use you will experience only normalized hair fall.
Ingredients
Indigofera tinctoria – 400mg
Aloe vera – 400mg
Hebiscus rosa – 100mg
Eclipta alba – 650mg
Emblica officinalis – 350mg
Azadirachta indica – 100mg
Cow milk – 1ml
Seasamum oil – 1ml
Pongamia pinnata – 3.75mg
Psoralea corylifolia – 3.75mg
Terminalia belerica – 5mg
Indication
Used to nourish and moisturise the baby’s skin. Protects from skin infections and skin dryness. Removes bad odour, gives glowing beauty and freshness, and also enhances fairness.
Usage
Massage on body and after 10-20 minutes give a bath with warm water.
Ingredients
Ficus bengalensis – 5gm
Ficus racemosa – 5gm
Ficus religiosa – 5gm
Ficus lacor – 5gm
Curcuma longa – 0.25gm
Leptadena reticulate – 0.25gm
Azadirachta indica – 0.25gm
Withania sominifera – 0.25gm
Ellettaria cardamomum – 0.25gm
Sesamum oil – 10ml
Cow milk – 20ml
Indication
Brahmi itself is a famous brain tonic.
Brami Head Massage Oil helps to reduce stress and strain, insomnia, headache, etc. Improves function of brain nerves. Provides mental serenity and calmness, and concentration of mind. Relaxes body and mind. Also helpful in insomnia and pre-menstrual head ache
Usage
Gently massage 5-10ml oil on scalp 10 minutes before wash.
For sleeplessness apply 15 drops on pate, and 15 drops on palms and feet before going to bed. You will be blessed with easy sleep immediately.
Ingredients
Eblica officinalis – 20mg
Bacopa monnieri – 1gm
Valeriana wallichii – 17.5mg
Withania somnifera – 15mg
Clitoria ternatea – 17.5gm
Celastrus panicuatus – 15mg
Centalla asistata – 15mg
Seas mum oil – 1ml
Indication
‘Aswan’ is the rare formulation of herbal extract, which is used for erectile dysfunction in men.
Usage
Daily massage once on the penis and pubic till the oil is absorbed fully.
Ingredients
Phaseolus mungo – 50gm
Leptadena reticulate – 50gm
Asparagus recemosus – 50gm
Benincosa hispida – 50gm
Withania somnifera – 2gm
Myristica fragrans – 2gm
Gossypium herbaceum – 2gm
Celastrus paniculatus – 2gm
Solanum indicum – 2gm
Cow milk – 400ml
Sesamum oil – 100ml
Indication
Rheumatic arthritis, osteo arthritis, spondylitis, sprain, body aches Joints pain, back pain etc.
Usage
Gently massage on affected area.
Ingredients
Tinospora cordifolia – 20gm
Ricinus cummunis – 20gm
Sida cordifolia – 20gm
Vitex nigundo – 20gm
Pluchea lanceolata – 20gm
Cissus quandrangularis – 5gm
Asparagus recemosus – 5gm
Tamarindus indica – 5gm
Moringa pterygosperma – 5gm
Allium sativum – 2.5gm
Anethum sowa – 2.5gm
Zingiber Officinale – 2.5gm
Boswellia serrata – 2.5gm
Sesamum oil – 100ml
Eucalyptus oil – 1ml
