Shirodhara (Shiro – Head, Dhara – Flow) is considered as the most divine of all Ayurvedic therapies. It is an ancient Ayurvedic healing practice performed in India for over 5,000 years. In this wonderful body detox program with relaxation process, the scalp and forehead is caressed with a thin stream of medicated lukewarm oil.

Shirodhara treatment is extremely relaxing, rejuvenating and enhances the functioning of the central nervous system. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions including eye diseases, sinusitis, and memory loss. This is one of the most divine therapies which helps in awakening your body’s intuitive knowledge.

Shirodhara is proves to be extremely beneficial for people suffering from Vata and Pitta imbalance. When Vata is out of balance, it exhibits as fear, insecurity, worry or racing thoughts & when there is a Pitta imbalance, it is e exhibited as anger, irritability, frustration or judgment. The action and qualities of the liquid used in Shirodhara counters the qualities of the out of balance doshas. It soothes, nourishes and pacifies the doshas through the application of the liquid to the forehead, scalp and nervous system.


During Shirodhara, certain amount of pressure and vibration is created over the forehead with the stream of oil being poured onto the forehead. The vibration is amplified by the hollow sinus present in the frontal bone. The vibration is then transmitted inwards through the fluid medium of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This vibration along with little temperature may activate the functions of thalamus and the basal fore brain which then brings the amount of serotonin and catecholamine to the normal stage inducing the sleep. Prolonged and continuous pressure due to pouring of the medicated liquid may cause tranquillity of mind and induce natural sleep.

Shirodhara Procedure:

A pot, with a hole and a yarn wick fitted to it, would be hung up over the forehead of the patient, who will be lying on the treatment table. The medicated liquid, which may be medicated oil or milk, would be poured into the pot and it would be gradually trickled onto the head. A band would be tied or a rolled towel is placed on the forehead to prevent the oil from dripping into the eyes of the patient. The treatment would be carried out for about 45 minutes in a day. Shirodhara treatment helps to calm and restore the nerves, release stored emotions, purify the mind, remove fatigue, relieve from anxiety, insomnia, chronic headaches, nervousness, and so on.

Indications for the Shirodhara treatment:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders
  • Insomnia
  • Psoriasis
  • Hypertension
  • Chronic Headaches and Migraines
  • Memory loss
  • Tinnitus and Hearing loss

Benefits of Shirodhara:

  • Stabilizes Nervous System
  • Treats Insomnia
  • Relieves Migraine Headaches
  • Aids Mental Focus and Concentration
  • Lowers High Blood Pressure
  • Decreases Hair Loss and Fatigue
  • Reduces Stress