Shirodhara

For us, it is the image of Ayurveda in general. There is hardly any ayurvedic spa menue offered without Shirodhara. But it is not suitable for without medical examination. Let us examine what it is, what it can affect and where one can look for it.

Term

Originally from Sanskrit, the term is composed of two parts. Shiro means head and Dhara means flow without interruption.

Technique

A vessel with a small hole at the bottom, filled with oil or a buttermilk-herbal-mixture, is moved in regular elliptical circles. The liquid flows through a cotton string, 15 cm long, dangling through the hole and which ends eight centimetres above the forehead. The liquid flows as a regular finger-thick beam on the forehead of the treated person. The eyes are protected.

It would be ideal to use a clay fired vessel, as described in the scriptures, as the minerals in the clay enrich the liquid.

This should last for least 25 minutes; the duration may be increased if intended as a therapeutic application.
Thereafter rest and avoidance of cold or draft to the head are essential.

In a Panchakarma cure, the body is prepared with the course of the Shirodhara treatment. After the treatment, rest and avoidance of drafts are recommended. While resting, the hair and scalp are protected in a towel turban. The oil should not be allowed to stay overnight on the head. However, on doctor's orders, for certain symptoms, one may be advised not to wash the hair during the days of Shirodhara treatments.

An ayurvedic or ecological shampoo is recommended for washing out the oil. Hair should be washed with warm water and never with hot water.

Shirodhara Oil

Pre-prepared Shirodhara oils are available for spa treatments.
Spas usually use oils from India or Sri Lanka.

Medicated oils are applied during therapy. The warming vata-balancing sesame oil or cooling Pitta-reducing coconut oil can be boiled with specifically relevant herbal blends.
In experienced health care centres, herbal decoctions are also produced. Indian or European medicinal plants are used depending on the school.

Application

For disorders of Vata, Pitta or Kapha dosha.
The Vata disorder is reduced with body-warm oil, Pitta disorder with cooling, but with buttermilk-herbal mixture or equivalent oil, ghee, milk or water with herbs always applied warm; the Kapha disorder with a Kapha-reducing mixture.

Effect

A properly performed Shirodhara has the following effects

• Balancing and soothing effect on specific symptoms caused by a Vata disorder


• Balancing and soothing effect on specific symptoms caused by a Pitta disorder


• Balancing and soothing effect on specific symptoms caused by a Kapha disorder

Wellness

• Relaxing, calming

Preventive

• relaxing
• improving concentration
• harmonizes the central nervous system

Medizinisch

Vata disorders such as

• chronic headaches
• Muscle tension
• Insomnia
• High blood pressure
• Impaired concentration
• Poor memory
• Anxiety
• Diseases of the nervous system, including stroke and paralysis

Pitta disorders such as

• Skin irritation
• Psoriasis
• High blood pressure and other heart diseases
• Premature greying of hair
• Eye and Ear Diseases

Kapha disorders such as

• Adenoids
• Excessive need for sleep
• Fatigue
• Hyper-cholesteremie

To note :

• only after prior medical consultation (essential for low blood pressure) finding of constitutional type if possible before applying, possibly through an Ayurvedic physician or a Ayurvedic specialist B.A.M.S

• should be performed only by well-trained Ayurvedic therapists in the spa only by qualified personnel, thoroughly trained in Ayurveda

• take rest after Shirodhara, no driving!
  
  Source: Presse Service Ayurveda