Shirodhara Massage Therapy Shirodhara Massage Therapy

Home / ayurveda/shirodhara-massage

Shirodhara Ayurveda Massage: Rejuvenate Mind And Body Naturally

In the stressful environment of the modern world, we commonly experience headaches, insomnia, low immunity, fatigue, weak eyesight, and a lot of other similar concerns. All these problems crop up with the sole reason of an overburdened nervous system and no effort to fuel and recharge it. All these psychosomatic disorders and neurological concerns impact the quality of life for people, causing more anxiety, more depression, and poor cognitive functioning. The head is the governor of the entire body and all systems. So, it is imperative we devote our energies to strengthening the central nervous system and calming down the disturbed ecosystem. One such beautiful procedure to help in such situations is Shirodhara massage.

Shirodhara Massage Therapy

What is Shirodhara?

The word shirodhara is derived from Sanskrit and is made up of two words: shiro, which means head, and dhara, which means flow. So, in this therapy, according to the specific guidelines laid out in ayurvedic texts, heated liquid is poured gently on the forehead. The height and quantity of flow channelised is very technically orientated to bring a specific outcome. There are many variations of shirodhara according to the concern that it is going to cater to. From takradhara to jaldhara and from ksheerdhara to dravyadhara, all are part of this beautiful traditional Sneha karma.

How Much Does Shirodhara Therapy Cost?

The cost of a Shirodhara massage session typically ranges between Rs.4500 to Rs.6000, depending on the type of therapeutic fluid used—such as medicated oils, milk, buttermilk, or herbal decoctions. The choice of liquid is based on individual needs and dosha imbalances, which influence both the therapeutic impact and the final pricing.

Benefits Of Shirodhara Massage

  • Apart from working on the nervous system and calming it, Shirodhara massage also relieves headaches and treats burning sensations and abscess formation in the body.
  • It is also beneficial in a specific type of headache called migraine and accelerates wound healing and boils.
  • It is often indicated in dermatological scalp conditions and psychological disorders by various medical experts.
  • It also improves sleep quality and acts as a holistic procedure for several sleep disorders.

The Ayurvedic Power of Shirodhara Massage For Mental Wellness

In Ayurveda the human body is denoted as an inverted tree, with the head being the trunk and all other organs classified as branches growing out of the trunk. Therefore, to cater to the purpose of rejuvenation, cure, and prevention, different head oiling procedures are there, like Shiroabhyanga, Shiroseka, Shiropichu, and Shirobasti. The Shirodhara massage, out of all therapies, specially targets the third eye area in the body, which is considered to be the most powerful energy centre. The steady stream of warm fluid works on the hypothalamus by stimulating it, and the hypothalamus is responsible for the regulation of stress hormones; therefore, it further impacts reduced cortisol levels and hence less anxiety and depression.

The Actual Action Details

The procedure of shirodhara massage is executed in 3 parts for the best outcome, starting from before shirodhara, the process itself, and post-procedure.

  • Purva Karma, or the pre-procedure management: includes collecting all necessary materials required during the process, like earplugs, the shirodhara patra (the vessel from which the oil, milk, or any other liquid as suggested by the physician will be poured), the shirodhara stand, oil/milk/dravya/water to pour on the forehead, and the shirodhara table. The next important step in this process is preparing the guest by checking all his or her vitals after asking him or her to pass stools, and post that the patra is placed 4 fingers above the forehead. The eyes and ears are covered to prevent fluid from getting inside.
  • Procedure Pradhan karma: The treatment is given on an empty stomach regularly for 14 to 21 days with liquid according to the prakriti analysis for at least half an hour.
  • Post procedure: The head is wiped and dried, and post that, oil massage and mild food are recommended.

In What Condition Is Shirodhara Indicated?

The session is recommended for guests with aggravated or vikrit vata and pitta dosha.

  • Brain fog, attention deficit hypersensitivity disorder, anxiety, and irritability In all such cases the therapy is best suited to offer a wonderful outcome.
  • For insomnia, choosing this indulgence will prove beneficial and improve sleep quality.
  • For hypertension, migraine, and headache where the blood circulation is increased.
  • Epilepsy, phobias, neurological disorders, behavioural disorders, and depression are also indicators of this treatment and respond best with it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shirodhara Massage

The premium indulgence is safe for everyone but is still contraindicated in various conditions, especially if there is any active infection or open wound at the site of execution. Secondly, in case of pyrexia, that is, fever, it is advised to avoid the procedure. Also, if the guest is under the influence of drugs or intoxicated, avoid the procedure.

Certainly, you can opt for this procedure if you are not facing any challenge. According to ayurveda, the head is considered as uttamanga, which means it is in charge of all sensory organs. Weak indri in a living being hinders the perception of the environment. Post-shirodhara sessions, you will notice strengthened sensory experience, and indris are managed and enhanced in their respective performances.

So shirodhara is completely based on scientific facts, and there are two most important working principles behind it. One is the principle of drug absorption, and another is the law of conservation of energy. The drug absorption depends on the duration of contact, health of the exposed skin, area where the absorption is being facilitated, and finally, the solubility of the solution. Now if we talk about shirodhara oils, those that are used in the therapy are highly concentrated with longer contact duration. Also, the skin of the scalp and forehead is thinner than the other parts of the body, and absorption happens faster, and it is scientifically proven that oils are absorbed better than water. Next, the potential energy at the high altitude is converted into kinetic energy, and then, as the height is constant, more mass of liquid at a height has more potential energy and converts into kinetic energy, finally transferring to the person, finally modifying the voltage and stimulating the nerve impulses. The impulse transmission is further impacted by the pressure passed to CSF, causing an increase in acetylcholine and stimulation of the hypothalamus.

It is always advised to go ahead and indulge in the professional version of the procedure in a clinical setup, but yes, there are some people who love to explore and have tried simpler versions at home. Although patchouli recommends avoiding this for best benefits.