What is Shirodhara?
What is it Shirodhara?
Shirodara is the most popular Ayurvedic treatment in the West. The word shiro means head and dhara means stream. The procedure involves the gentle pouring of warm oil on the forehead, which is a powerful way to relieve excess vata in the mind. When vata is in excess, the mind becomes overstimulated and has difficulty slowing down. This leads to an inability to handle stress, which leads to nervousness, anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, psychological disorders and more.
Shirodhara helps to balance the doshas and calm the body and mind. As the oil is gently poured on the forehead, the nervous system is deeply stilled and the brain waves slow and become more coherent, which allows for the proper flow of prana, oxygen and nutrients to the brain. This opens the srotas, or channels, allowing for greater blood flow to the brain, which improves the communication with nervous system via neurotransmitter receptor sites. The result is that we feel improved mood, elevated emotional states, less stress and greater cognition and mental clarity.
What to expect in a session?
Shirodhara can be added to the end of an Ayurvedic Marma massage for better effect, or done as a standalone treatment, which would include an Ayurvedic head massage. After this, you will remain lying on the bed and I will place a cloth over your eyes. When ready, I will start the stream of warm herbal oil on your forehead, in the area of your third eye. This continuous stream will continue for 20 – 40 minutes, depending on which dosha is imbalanced. I will remain by your head to ensure the stream remains steady and precise, and the oil remains just above body temperature.
The treatment is so relaxing that sometimes people fall asleep, others have insights and visions, for some, there is just a profound feeling of relaxation and of letting go on a deeper level.
Some things Shirodhara can help with:
Headaches * Migraines * Insomnia * Anxiety * Depression * trauma * ADHD * Increased brain function * Greater clarity * Improves digestion and metabolism * Stabilises the mind and prevents mood swings * Helps reduce Stress – with 80% of all disease in the West attributable to stress, this is so important for our overall mental and physical health
These are treatments given in Panchakarma, which is the “science of rejuvenation”, a deep detox procedure
£50 – includes Indian head massage and Shirodhara
The benefits of Shirodhara are improved with each treatment, especially in anxiety and depression, so blocks can be booked for a reduced rate
What is Indian or Ayurvedic head massage?
Ayurvedic head massage or “shiro abhyanga” in sanskrit, is a holistic healing practice of ayurveda. Focusing on head, neck and shoulders, it harmonises the body, mind and spirit.
The proper flow of prana or vital energy is essential for maintaining good health. Any blockages or disturbances of prana lead to physical and mental imbalances.
Using a range of techniques and specially formulated ayurvedic herbal oils and paying special attention to marma points, allows for the proper flow of prana, or vital energy force, restoring balance and harmony and a sense of vitality.
Some things ayurvedic head massage can help with:
Nourishes the mind and senses * Relieves headaches * Hair loss * Premature graying * Insomnia * Vata disorders * improves complexion