23/04/2020
Shirodhara is a form of Ayurveda therapy. In this therapy fluid is poured on the forehead.Shirodhara is one of the treatment explained in shirogat vyadhi treatment . The name comes from the Sanskrit words shiro (head) and dhara (flow). The liquids used in shirodhara depends on the disease . We can use oil, milk, buttermilk, coconut water, or even plain water and sidha kwath.
Shirodhara has been used to treat a variety of conditions like eye diseases, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, greying of hair, neurological disorders, memory loss, insomnia, hearing impairment, tinnitus, vertigo, and certain types of skin diseases like scalp psoriasis. Shirodhara is also effective in treating mental conditions such as anxiety, and depression , stress. The calming effect produced by Shirodhara is similar to that can be obtained by meditation.
There are specialized forms of shirodhara called ksheeradhara,thakradhara,taildhara and jaladhara.
From a modern point of view, when a continuous stream of water is kept on the stone, the result of water pressure is seen on the stone, in the same way, if continuous fluid flow is kept on the head in Shirodhara exert certain pressure on fore head. Which gives desired effects on Dhamni(arteries,veins) due to its pressure, blood circulation in the dhamni may improve. Variety of liquids of different viscosities are used in shirodhara, it starts from water, then coconut water, that is a little more viscous, then comes takra and oil or ghee which is more viscous ,pressure is directly proportionate to viscosity , height from which fluid is poured and time.Thus by creating pressure variations which can help the patients relive the stress.
Shirodhara is thought to work on hypothalamus . It can also normalizes the flow of hormones that regulate sleep and emotions.