Shiro means head, and Dhara means pouring. Shirodhara is a classic Ayurvedic therapy or the practice of slowly and steadily, medicated oil is gently and continuously poured onto the centre of the forehead.
#Have you not tried it yet?
We all have a busy schedule and sometimes forget to take care of ourselves, which shouldn't be done for a balanced and peaceful long-term life. Are you confused? How to manage in this situation Don't worry, we are here to help you with the awareness of Shirodhara.
Shirodhara Therapy:
Shirodhara creates a relaxed state of consciousness that leads to psychological balance. Intense feelings of happiness, mental clarity, and understanding are experienced during this therapy.
In this Ayurvedic therapy, the person being massaged lies on their back. Then, hot oil is poured onto the forehead from a certain height in the next step. The oil then flows around the forehead and down the scalp, where it is gently massaged into the skin by the practitioner.
which ultimately leads to a relaxed state of mind as well as body. These effects are mediated by a combination of brain waves, alpha waves, and down-regulation of sympathetic outflow. The centre of the forehead, also known as the third eye, is usually connected to the pineal gland.
Divine Relaxation:
While a regular head massage can help you sleep, relax, and strengthen your hair follicles, the benefits of Shirodhara go beyond that.
“ An ayurvedic Therapy for Third eye chakra.”
It is a divine process that exfoliates, relieves stress, improves blood circulation, soothes high doshas, and transports lymphatic fluid.
Ayurveda Says:
According to Ayurveda, Shirodhara is advised, especially when there is an exacerbation of Vata and Pitta doshas in the mind and body.
"Shirodhara is traditionally practiced as part of the panchakarma cleansing process, but it is also effective as a remedy in its own right."
An increase in Vata dosha leads to insomnia, thoughts, anxiety, stress, dryness, hair loss, and aches and pains, while an aggravated Pitta dosha causes anger, irritability, frustration, feelings of burning sensations, migraines, and premature graying of hair.
Shirodhara is said to be effective when this imbalance between vata and pitta causes the above concerns.
Why practice Shirodhara?
Shirodhara relaxes the mind and helps to remove mental toxins (ama), giving it a purifying and balancing effect on your doshas. It stimulates vital points in your head, helping to stimulate blood circulation. Head massage helps the oil penetrate deep into the scalp, providing a pleasant feeling, and then penetrate deep into the inner peripheral nerves of the forehead.
What Kinds Of Shirodhara Are There?
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Shirodhara has a positive effect on the therapeutic effect of the mind. Different types of Shirodhara are used for different purposes depending on the pita and vata present in the body.
Let's see the types of Shirodhara:
1.Tailadhara:
In Tailadhara, Ayurvedic practitioners use herbal extracts and herbal oils mixed with various essential oils to help balance the vata doshas in the body.
2.Kwath Dhara:
Decoctions of various herbs are used in Kwath Dhara. It helps balance the vata and kapha doshas and is also considered a remedy for a variety of other conditions.
3.Takradhara:
Takra Dhara uses buttermilk with special herbs. It balances pitta dosha and helps maintain homeostasis, the body's ability to maintain internal stability despite changes in external conditions.
4.Ksheer Dhara:
Ksheera Dhara uses milk infused with herbs. Pouring medicated milk over the head helps relieve vata and pitta headaches, stress, and anxiety, and helps nourish and relax the body.
5.Jala Dhara:
Finally, Jala dhara, coconut water, or plain water are used. Especially recommended for symptoms caused by overheating of the body.
What oils can be used for Shirodhara therapy?
To maximize the potential and benefits of Shirodhara therapy, it is important to use the appropriate therapeutic oil or herbal decoction. Here are some recommendations.
Oils commonly used in Shirodhara are:
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Dhanwantharam thailam:
It is a massage oil for women's prenatal and postnatal care. It is also a complete, nourishing oil used in full-body massage for men and women to relieve muscle spasms and pain and promote relaxation. Shirodhara oil is yet another use for it.
Karpasasthyadi thailam:
It is a medicinal oil that is effective for various neuromuscular conditions.
Chandanadi thailam:
A natural cooling agent that relieves soreness in tense nerves and muscles.
Sesame oil:
Rich in antioxidants, this oil regulates serotonin activity and relieves inflamed nerves and muscle pain.
Ksheerabala thailam:
It is a mixture of sesame oil, bala herb paste, and milk. A deeply relaxing oil that promotes sleep when applied to the palms and soles of the feet. It is also used in Shirodhara to relieve stress and promote relaxation.
How was Shirodhara performed?
Step1: Shirodhara therapy are usually followed by Abhyanga. The person laid down on Shirodhara table with his eyes closed.
Step2: A hot herbal or oil decoction is poured onto the person's forehead. Vibrations are created on the forehead by the continuous flow of oil. The oil penetrates deep into the nervous system after penetrating the forehead and scalp. The oils used in this procedure improve blood flow to the brain by vasodilating all channels.
Step3: The warm pressure and flow of the oils help you rejuvenate and completely relax. To maintain a smooth and continuous flow of oil across the forehead, the practitioner rotates the Dhara flask.
Step4: After completing the Dhara, the patient rests for a few minutes, after which he can take a hot shower and clean his hair.
Step5: Shirodhara therapy time and duration can last from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on each person's condition.
Benefits Of Shirodhara?
Shirodhara is a holistic therapy performed in a specially created environment using special techniques and materials to maximize health benefits. Let's take a look at some of the main benefits of Shirodhara.
Reduce Tiredness:
Shirodhara reduces tiredness and has a calming effect on brain cells. This is a cleansing and rejuvenating therapy aimed at removing toxins and mental tiredness, as well as reducing stress and its negative effects on the central nervous system.
Shirodhara Eye Benefits:
Do your eyes hurt from spending too much time in front of the screen? While we don't recommend stopping using your device, taking short breaks can help reduce eye strain throughout the day. Shirodhara has a soothing effect on the eyes.
Helpful For Sleep-Related Issues:
This therapy has a calming effect on the hypothalamus and helps regulate pituitary gland activity to induce sleep, thereby healing conditions such as insomnia.
Relief in headaches:
The calming effects of these oils help manage dosha changes and relieve stress-related headaches and migraines.
Enhances cognitive abilities:
The oils used in Shirodhara therapy contain flavonoids, antioxidants, and neuroprotective ingredients that improve brain function.. This therapy aims to improve memory, attention, and concentration. It is an excellent oil therapy for older people who are at greater risk of memory loss.
Improves blood circulation:
Using warm herbal oils in Shirodhara dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow to the brain.
Stress, Anxiety, And Depression Are Reduced:
Stress, depression, and anxiety are greatly reduced, especially when the mind is rested through Shirodhara exercises. The application of warm oil and a proper scalp massage promote relaxation of the mind and body, helping to reduce stress-related problems.
Is Shirodhara hair therapy effective?
In general, people with increased vata and pitta doshas face various hair problems, such as hair loss and premature greying. Regular Shirodhara promotes blood circulation and helps balance the doshas in the body. In this way, it effectively prevents hair loss and promotes hair growth. It also leaves the hair soft and luxurious.
Conclusion:
If you want to lead a happy and peaceful life for the long term, then you are the only person responsible for it. As we are living in the modern era, people like students, employees, and entrepreneurs cannot resist using mobile phones and laptops for various purposes. It all becomes part of life, so it is important to take Shirodhara therapy from a well-experienced practitioner to take care of your eyes as well as your mental health for relaxation.