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Why is Shirodhara considered to be a sacred practice promoting healing for the body, mind and soul?


What is Shirodhara?


Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy that involves the continuous pouring of warm oil, often infused with herbs or other liquids onto the forehead, typically directed towards the center of the forehead.


What healing benefits are associated with the practice of Shirodhara?

  • Stress Reduction: Renowned for its ability to induce profound relaxation. The continuous and gentle pouring of warm oil or liquid on the forehead helps calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote mental tranquility.

  • Anxiety and Mood Improvement: Many individuals experience a significant reduction in anxiety and mood disturbances (symptoms of anxiety and depression) after Shirodhara sessions.

  • Enhanced Sleep Quality: The relaxation and calming effects of the therapy can lead to improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia.

  • Mental Clarity and Concentration: Shirodhara may enhance mental clarity, focus, and concentration. It helps reduce mental fatigue, making it beneficial for those with busy or stressful lifestyles.

  • Relief from Headaches and Migraines: The soothing effects can be particularly effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of chronic headaches and migraines.

  • Hair and Scalp Health: The warm herbal oils nourish the scalp, strengthen hair follicles, and promote healthy hair growth. It can also help prevent dandruff.

  • Facial Muscle Relaxation: The treatment relaxes facial muscles, potentially leading to a more youthful and relaxed appearance.

  • Balancing of Doshas: Shirodhara is customized to balance an individual's Dosha, or body constitution, believed to promote well-being and harmony within the body.

  • Hypertension Management: Studies suggest that Shirodhara can help reduce blood pressure, making it a complementary therapy for individuals with hypertension.

  • Detoxification: Shirodhara is believed to help eliminate toxins and impurities from the body, supporting overall detoxification and improved health.

  • Emotional Healing: Some individuals find that Shirodhara provides emotional healing and a sense of inner peace. It can help release pent-up emotions and stress without discussion or intentional confrontation of emotional trauma. Wildcraft Ayurveda provides a safe space to experience Shirodhara. Many clients report feeling lighter after treatment, experiencing a release of trauma without having to experience the pain and stress typically associated with processing these emotions.


What to expect when booking a Shirodhara treatment?

The service itself involves the recipient laying flat on their back on a massage table and allowing their eyes to be covered as they begin transcending into a meditative state. Depending on your specific needs which will be discussed before the procedure, the practitioner will then pour one or more specially medicated oils (and possibly other liquids such as coconut water, milk, ghee etc.) into a copper vessel known as a kumbha, which has a small hole in the bottom allowing for a consistent and controlled dripping flow of the liquid on to the recipient's forehead just between the eyebrows, called Ajna Marma in Ayurveda and where where we know the third eye to be.


As the practitioner purposefully guides the dripping stream in a meditative pattern over this point, brainwave patterns will transition from hyper-alert beta waves to relaxed-alert alpha waves (NLM, 2013. par 23). This procedure on its own lasts anywhere from 45-60 minutes and may at times be preceded by other Ayurvedic treatments such as Abhyanga (ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves the application of warm herbal oils to the body through a specific massage technique).


As psychological relief begins to flood the mind, physiological relief begins to enrich and heal the body. Upon completion of treatment, you are snuggled into a terry cloth cap so that you can drive home without mess. You are greeted with a warm cup of tea and a relaxing space to help you refocus and calibrate to this renewed sense of calm. Many clients will sleep with the oil on their heads and then shampoo in the morning in order to capture the benefits of a hot oil treatment for their hair.


The spiritual concept of Shirodhara.


Shirodhara involves the continuous gentle flow of warm oil or other liquids onto the forehead, typically directed towards the center of the forehead, known as the "third eye" region. The "third eye" concept has spiritual and metaphysical significance in various cultures, including Hinduism and Buddhism, and is believed to represent the sixth chakra, often associated with higher consciousness, intuition, and insight.


The use of Shirodhara on the forehead, particularly the "third eye" region, is thought to have several potential effects:

  • Calming the Mind: The continuous flow of warm oil on the forehead can help relax and calm the mind. It may induce a sense of tranquility, making it easier for individuals to enter meditative or contemplative states.

  • Promoting Mental Clarity: Some individuals report enhanced mental clarity and improved focus after a Shirodhara session. This may be related to the concept of the "third eye" as a center of insight and intuition.

  • Stimulating the Ajna Chakra: In yogic and spiritual traditions, the "third eye" region corresponds to the Ajna chakra, which is associated with higher awareness, inner vision, and heightened perception. Some practitioners believe that Shirodhara directed at this area can stimulate or balance the Ajna chakra.

  • Meditative and Spiritual Benefits: Shirodhara is often used as a component of meditation and spiritual practices, as it can help individuals reach deep states of relaxation and heightened awareness.

How to prepare for Shirodhara?

Eat light, dress comfortably and avoid caffeine before and after if possible. Hydrate.


Who should pass on Shirodhara?

  • Women pregnant in their third trimester

  • Those suffering from brain tumors or traumatic neck injuries

  • Those with sunburns, abrasions, or lacerations on the forehead

  • Those suffering from nausea, chills, fever, or dizziness

  • Those suffering from pulmonary edema

  • Those with an excess Kapha imbalance

How often should one undergo treatments?


Typically, the frequency of Shirodhara sessions may range from once a week to once a month. Treatment frequency is based upon your personal health goals or issues, such as stress, anxiety, insomnia or certain neurological disorders. Depending upon the nature of your imbalance, the frequency of Shirodhara may vary. Some individuals use Shirodhara as preventative wellness to maintain balance and to promote relaxation. Partnering with an Ayurvedic Practitioner can help you craft a schedule that fits your individual needs.


It's important to note that the benefits of Shirodhara can vary depending on the choice of oils or liquids, the skill of the therapist, and the individual's health conditions. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to ensure that Shirodhara is appropriate for your specific needs and health concerns. If you have medical conditions or specific health issues, it's crucial to seek advice from a healthcare professional before undergoing Shirodhara therapy.


Scientific support for Shirodhara?

  • Stress Reduction and Anxiety:

    • A study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Physiology in 2014 found that Shirodhara had a significant impact on reducing stress and anxiety levels in participants. (Reference: "A clinical study on Shirodhara and Sarvangadhara in the management of generalized anxiety disorder," Int J Clin Exp Physiol, 2014).

  • Sleep Improvement:

    • Research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine in 2019 explored the effects of Shirodhara on individuals with chronic insomnia. The study reported improvements in sleep quality and a reduction in the time taken to fall asleep. (Reference: "Effect of Shirodhara on sleep latency in patients of insomnia," J Clin Sleep Med, 2019).

  • Depression and Mental Health:

    • A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine in 2019 indicated that Shirodhara could be a useful therapy for individuals with depression and other mood disorders, noting significant improvements in depressive symptoms. (Reference: "Shirodhara in the management of depression: A pilot study," J Ayurveda Integr Med, 2019).

    • The National Library of Medicine completed a study indicating the relaxed alert state, after Shirodhara, was co-related with an increase in Alpha rhythm in EEG (NLM, 2013). Study findings reported:

Hyper-alert Beta brains waves decreased

Relaxed-alert Alpha brain waves increased

Theta brain waves present in some cases

Reduced Respiratory & Heart Rate

Reduced Diastolic Blood Pressure

  • Hypertension Management:

    • A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine in 2016 suggested that Shirodhara, in combination with other Ayurvedic treatments, could help lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. (Reference: "Effect of Shirodhara on essential hypertension," J Ayurveda Integr Med, 2016).

References:


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