SHIRODHARA
Posted May 05, 2024Shirodhara comes from the two Sanskrit words “shiro” (head) and “dhara” (flow). It’s an Ayurvedic healing technique that involves having someone pour liquid — usually Oil/other liquids are poured in a continuous stream onto the forehead from a hanging vessel, while a gentle massage is given on the face and head.
This powerful Ayurvedic treatment in Dubai focuses on relieving emotional and physical tension by working on the 'Third Eye'—the center of the forehead and considered a window to the soul. It induces a trance-like state, promoting profound relaxation of the mind and body.
How it Works
When the medicated oil or any herbal decoction is poured over the forehead, it creates a soothing sensation. This sensation goes to the hypothalamus via the peripheral nerves.
Hypothalamus is responsible for inhibiting or releasing hormones in response to physical or emotional stimuli. As a result, the secondary hormones throughout the body become active and trigger a suitable response.
Shirodhara can help regulate these hormones and bring balance to your mind and body. It can help relieve stress, promote restful sleep and calm down an agitated mind. In addition, using warm medicated oil can dilate the blood vessels and improve blood circulation, thereby enhancing brain function and beating mental fatigue.
Interestingly, Shirodhara also regulates the level of serotonin in your body. Serotonin is a good hormone that helps stabilise your mood and make you feel grounded. However, abnormally high serotonin levels do the opposite. High serotonin levels are characterised by profuse sweating, shivering, the sensation of diarrhoea, restlessness, etc. Shirodhara is a potent therapy for promoting calmness and overcoming chronic stress.
If you feel burnt out due to overwhelming work pressure or struggle to cope with a personal loss, a professional Shirodhara therapy can help you find peace and soothe your tense nerves.
Proceedure
Shirodhara treatment is performed on a purpose-built massage table. An oil-carrying container (Shirodhara pot) with a tiny hole at the base is suspended over the table. The table has a small built-in pit to collect the excess oil that falls from the head during the therapy.
Prior to Shirodhara treatment, a 10-minute gentle head massage is performed to stimulate the nerve endings in the head.
The first step is to lie on the table facing up. Keep your arms close to your body and take deep breaths to relax muscle tension. To feel comfortable during the massage, use a pillow to support your neck.
Adjust the Shirodhara pot in such a way that the oil pours over your forehead from a height of 10-15 cm. Fill the pot with the oil of your choice, depending on the benefits you seek from the treatment.
As the oil is being poured over your overhead, relax your mind by focusing on your breath and enjoy the soothing sensation as the warm oil trickles through the scalp.
Then begins the lateral movement of the Shirodhara pot, covering the forehead from left to right.
Once the pot is fully drained, refill it with the oil collected in the pit. If the oil is cold, it must be reheated to attain optimal temperature for Shirodhara therapy.
The process continues for 30 minutes, accompanied by a gentle head massage using fingertips.
The excess oil is then wiped off the forehead, and the recipient is allowed to relax or even catch a nap for an hour.
What Are The Benefits Of Shirodhara?
Reduces Fatigue
Shirodhara reduces fatigue and initiates a soothing effect on our brain cells. It is a purifying and rejuvenating therapy designed to eliminate toxins and mental exhaustion as well as relieve stress and any ill effects on the central nervous system.
Beneficial In Sleep-Related Problems
The treatment has a soothing effect on the hypothalamus and helps regulate pituitary gland activity to induce sleep, thus treating conditions such as insomnia.
Boosts Blood Circulation
The use of warm herbal oils in Shirodhara helps in vasodilation of the blood vessels, improving blood circulation to the brain.
Helps Improve Headaches
In Ayurveda, due to stress or anxiety-related episodes, the Pitta dosha obstructs the flow of Vata dosha, consequently causing throbbing pain in the head. The soothing effect of these oils helps manage aggravated doshas and alleviates stress-induced headaches and migraines.
Lowers Stress, Anxiety, And Depression
Shirodhara can help soothe the hypothalamus, which activates the regulation of the pituitary gland. It also works in reducing elevated serotonin levels and stress hormones such as noradrenaline and adrenaline, to effectively manage stress.
Due to the constant flow of liquids over the head, Shirodhara tranquilizes and stabilizes the mind, so the mind becomes serene and calm. It is a form of restorative therapy for stress, anxiety, depression, and all other psychosomatic diseases.
Improves Concentration
By nourishing the scalp, Shirodhara helps improve mental clarity, and thought process, and helps to lower stress levels. It also helps prevent neurological disorders, which can cause memory loss and concentration problems.
Beneficial For Jetlag
It is a wonderful experience for people who suffer from jet lag or insomnia due to frequent flying as this therapy helps reset the daily routine of waking and sleeping due to continuous traveling, relaxes your exhausted body, and decreases fatigue.
Conclusion
In Dubai, Dr. Shyam's Ayurveda Center offers all types of Sirodhara depending upon the condition of the patient by taking proper history of the patient. We are providing Shirodhara in its authentic and in its purest way. Come and explore our treatments at Dr. Shyam's Ayurveda Center in Dubai.
