07/17/2025
Shirodhara in Chicago Aug & Sept:
In the quiet moments of a hectic day, when the mind races and the body feels burdened, many of us look forward to a gentle touch that can wash away the stress and give us inner peace.
Honestly, just imagining that we are lying down in a serene space ~ as warm, fragrant oil flows over the forehead, soothing every nerve and calming every thought, feels surreal.
This timeless ritual exists, known as Shirodhara, and its more than a 'spa' therapy~ its a healing embrace from nature itself.
We live in an era where stress, anxiety, insomnia, and lifestyle-related health problems have become all too common.
Currently, it seems we wake daily to never-ending turmoil and chaos. Yet we are expected to go about our daily lives as if its business as usual.
Maybe it’s struggling to climb stairs without losing breath or a corporate professional relying on migraine medication nightly just to fall asleep, the signs of our modern struggles are everywhere.
Medications may provide temporary relief, but true healing often lies in natural therapies that address the root causes of imbalance.
Indian indigenous medicine offers the remedies to restore harmony in the body and mind through holistic approaches, which have been preserved and practiced with dedication.
More and more study and practice of Ayurvedic treatments is playing an important role in reviving these traditions - BUT it's imperative to ensure they are administered with care and expertise.
Mental health and clarity of thought are at the forefront of our minds.
The therapy of Shirodhara is specifically designed to bring about mental clarity / calm and treat all ailments above the collarbone. Coupling this therapy with Nasaya or Abyhanga is one of the most beneficial ways to balance Vata Dosha.
What is Shirodhara?
~ A deeply relaxing and meditative treatment.
The word “Shiro” means head, and “Dhara” means flow. This therapy involves gently pouring warm herbal oil or medicated liquids in a continuous stream onto the forehead, specifically the 'third eye’ area.
It is a deeply restorative practice where a gentle stream of warm oil is poured over the forehead (third eye). This calming ritual is known to quiet the mind, regulate the nervous system, and promote emotional balance.
The liquid used varies depending on individual health needs and may include herbal oils, medicated milk, buttermilk, or coconut water. This steady flow induces a profound meditative state, balancing the Vata and Pitta doshas—often responsible for mental stress and overactivity.
It's important that the therapy is administered by an educated practitioner, as the anupana, oils and/or the medicinal herbs chosen is based on Doshic Imbalance of the individual and that determination is made by a properly trained individual.
Often described as a ‘massage for the mind,’ Shirodhara is a non-invasive, soothing therapy with wide-ranging benefits.
It helps reduce stress, promotes scalp health, induces relaxation, and improves sleep patterns.
Even a single session can leave you feeling refreshed, calm, and mentally clear ~ But a succession of sessions may even improve eyesight, sense of smell, hearing, TMJ, TN and more.
Shirodhara is administered with great care. Using high-quality medicated oils, the therapy is often preceded by preparatory treatments like Abhyanga and/or Nasaya with steam therapy, ensuring the healing flows deeply and effectively.
In the spirit of ancient teachings, I wish to aid in the dissolution stress and awaken inner tranquility.
I offer this therapy daily ~ and will be doing so in Chicago (at Soderworld Wellness Center) for the months of August and September.
(and of course, at my home base in Buckeye, AZ all other times of the year)
If you're interested in having a single session, or a series, please feel free to schedule time via my website whenever it's most convenient.
I'm always happy to answer questions. 🙏
