Shirodhara: An Ancient Ayurvedic Therapy For Relaxation And Healing

By Author: Alexis Pelloe
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Shirodhara is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy that involves pouring a steady stream of warm liquid, usually oil, milk, or water, on the forehead. The word Shirodhara comes from two Sanskrit words: Shiro, meaning head, and dhara, meaning flow. Shirodhara is designed to calm the mind, balance the doshas, and promote physical and mental well-being.
 
What are the Benefits of Shirodhara?
Shirodhara has been used for centuries to treat various conditions, such as:
 

Stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Shirodhara helps to relax the nervous system, reduce cortisol levels, and induce a state of deep meditation. It also improves sleep quality and duration.
Headaches, migraines, and sinusitis. Shirodhara helps to relieve pain and inflammation in the head and face regions. It also clears the nasal passages and improves breathing.
Eye diseases, memory loss, and cognitive decline. Shirodhara helps to nourish the eyes, brain, and nervous system. It also enhances memory, concentration, and mental clarity.
Hair loss, dandruff, and scalp problems. Shirodhara helps ...
... to moisturise and strengthen the hair follicles and scalp. It also prevents premature greying and balding.
Skin diseases, allergies, and aging signs. Shirodhara helps to detoxify and rejuvenate the skin. It also improves blood circulation, complexion, and elasticity.

 
How is Shirodhara Performed?
Shirodhara is usually performed by a trained Ayurvedic practitioner in Melbourne in a quiet and comfortable setting. The procedure involves the following steps:
 
The practitioner will ask you about your medical history, current health condition, and dosha type (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha). Based on this information, they will select the most suitable liquid for you. The liquid can be oil (taila dhara), milk (ksheera dhara), buttermilk (takra dhara), or water (jala dhara). The liquid may also be infused with herbs or essential oils for added benefits.
 
The practitioner will heat the liquid to a comfortable temperature (around 37°C) and place it in a vessel with a small hole at the bottom. The vessel can be made of metal (brass or copper), clay (earthenware), or wood (coconut shell). The vessel will be suspended over your head at a certain height and angle.
 
You will be asked to lie down on a massage table or a bed with your eyes covered with cotton pads or a cloth. The practitioner will gently massage your head, neck, shoulders, and face with oil to prepare you for the treatment.
 
The practitioner will then start the flow of the liquid from the vessel onto your forehead. The liquid will fall between your eyebrows at the point known as the third eye or ajna chakra. This is considered to be the seat of intuition, wisdom, and consciousness in Ayurveda24.
 
The practitioner will adjust the speed and direction of the flow according to your needs and preferences. The liquid will cover your entire scalp and hair as it flows down. You will feel a gentle pressure and warmth on your forehead as the liquid soothes your mind and body.
 
The treatment will last for about 30 to 90 minutes depending on your condition and goal. During this time, you will enter a state of deep relaxation and bliss. You may also experience various sensations, emotions, visions, or insights as the liquid stimulates your third eye.
 
After the treatment is over, the practitioner will stop the flow of the liquid and remove it from your head. They will then wipe off any excess oil from your face with a towel. They may also give you a gentle head massage to enhance the effects of the treatment.
 
You will be advised to rest for some time after the treatment. You may also be given some herbal tea or water to drink. You should avoid washing your hair or taking a shower for at least an hour after the treatment. You should also avoid exposure to cold, wind, sun, or noise for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
 
What are the Precautions and Side Effects of Shirodhara?
Shirodhara is generally safe and beneficial for most people. However, there are some precautions and side effects that you should be aware of before trying it. These include:
 
Shirodhara is not recommended for pregnant women, children, elderly people, or people with high blood pressure, heart disease, brain tumour, or head injury.
 
Shirodhara may cause some temporary side effects such as dizziness, nausea, eye irritation, earache, or nosebleeds. These are usually mild and subside within a few hours or days.
 
Shirodhara may also cause some allergic reactions or skin infections if the liquid is not clean, fresh, or suitable for your skin type. You should inform the practitioner about any allergies or skin sensitivities you have before the treatment.
 
Shirodhara may also interfere with some medications or treatments you are taking. You should consult your doctor before trying Shirodhara if you are on any medication or undergoing any therapy.
 
Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy in Melbourne that involves pouring a steady stream of warm liquid on the forehead. It is designed to calm the mind, balance the doshas, and promote physical and mental well-being. Shirodhara can help treat various conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, headaches, migraines, sinusitis, eye diseases, memory loss, cognitive decline, hair loss, dandruff, scalp problems, skin diseases, allergies, and aging signs. Shirodhara is usually performed by a trained Ayurvedic practitioner who will select the most suitable liquid for you based on your medical history, current health condition, and dosha type.
 
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