"Such a beautiful and relaxing ambience at Moksha! I had an amazing experience with my last shirodhara appointment. Was not expecting it to be so effective! My whole body felt completely relaxed"
-Sanjana Rajan
Definition: Shirodhara is the pouring of a continuous stream of liquid onto the forehead in a prescribed manner
Sanskrit: Shiro= head Dhara=to pour
Description: Shirodhara is a very simple yet powerful technique. It has profound effects on Body, Mind, and Spirit. The best results are obtained in a quiet, settled, peaceful, reverent atmosphere given by one who is calm and in a steady state of mind. It is a beautiful technique which enlivens our cognitive faculties and lulls the entire body into a state of calmness. This treatment is used to balance all three Doshas, the somatic humors – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – which are responsible for our well-being.
Benefits
For the improvement of agni of the mind. Better digestion of thoughts
To bring the mind sharper, clearer, and more alert
Improves conscious awareness
Strengthens the voice, lower jaw and the whole head
Brings clarity to the sense organs
Relaxation
Rejuvenation of the nervous system
To improve the circulation of spinal fluid
Indications
•Pricking pain in the head
•Loss of hair
•Loss of hearing
•Fatigue and mental exhaustion
•Excess sweating
•Dimness of vision
Contraindication
•During epileptic attacks
•Low blood pressure
•Head injuries unless under a Vaidya’s guidance
•Brain tumors unless under a Vaidya’s guidance
•Those heavily on drugs or alcohol
Procedure
At the start of the appointment, you’ll be asked to lie on your back and relax. Next, the practitioner will heat up the liquid so it roughly matches your body temperature and places it in a bowl. They may hold the bowl over your head or use a stand. Usually, the specific distance here, between the Shirodhara pot and the forehead should be about 10 cm. The liquid will gently drip through a small hole in the bottom of the bowl, landing between your eyebrows. Your eyes will be covered with a lightweight barrier for protection. Recollect the extra oil that has fallen from the forehead, on the table, reheat it to maintain the specific temperature of the Shirodhara oil. Put the recollected oil back into the Shirodhara pot and again allow the oil to fall from the Shirodhara pot onto the forehead. Continue this process for 20 to 30 minutes. Give a light head massage to the patient throughout the process. After the Shirodhara massage is completed, wipe off the oil or liquids from the forehead of the patient.
Duration: 60 minutes
Post-treatment care
•You can leave the oil on for the duration of the day and shower at night for maximum benefits or go home immediately and shower. It is better to add shampoo to the hair first and then use water to wash the hair. This is because the shampoo will stick to the hair and ensure that is properly cleaned.
•Use warm water for bathing and drinking purposes.
•Avoid intake of caffeinated products for a few days as this may negate the benefits of the treatment.
•Should also go for a light diet and avoid eating oily food.
FAQ
How to prepare for a treatment?
It's important that the channels of the body are clear prior to receiving shirodhara so it's requested that you not eat 60 minutes before your appointment.
Your head will be oily after the treatment, and while a turban to wear home will be provided, you may also want to wear a top that can get slightly oil as you travel home. It's suggested to leave the oil on the head anywhere from 3 hours to overnight. Your mind and nervous system will be deeply renewed, so it's advisable that you avoid any unnecessary or extra stimulation for the remainder of the day. Avoid loud, busy places; stressful situations; and screen time. Plan to eat light and rest the mind as much as possible.
What to wear?
Your hair will be saturated with oil, you will want to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or oil in it.
This treatment involves pouring oil over the head region. For this treatment, it is recommended that you either take off your top and will be provided a towel for cover, or wear a top that you’re okay getting a small amount of oil on. This is generally recommended in case there is a few drops from your hair after the treatment, however it is unnecessary to fully undress as this treatment only treats the head and shoulder region.