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Shirodhara therapy is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment where warm herbal oil is prescribed and poured in a continuous stream over the forehead or ‘third eye’ region.
Shirodhara Ayurveda therapy calms the mind and rids mental toxins (ama) to clear the mind and pacify the doshas. It stimulates the acupressure points at the crown of the head, thereby promoting blood circulation. Medicated oil absorption is enhanced by applying gentle massage strokes to the head during the procedure. Shirodhara is one of the most popular Ayurvedic therapies.
In Ayurveda, the head is considered the most important part of the body because all the sense organs—like the eyes, ears, nose, and skin—are connected to it. That is why it is called the “Uttamanga,” meaning the highest or most vital part of the body. Shirodhara works mainly on the head, helping to strengthen life energy and the senses, which are often disturbed during stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Since our senses are closely connected to the mind, keeping the senses healthy also helps keep the mind calm and balanced. This is how Shirodhara supports both mental and physical well-being.
नित्य स्नेहार्द्रशिशस: शिरः शूल न जायते। न खालित्यं न पालित्यँ न केशा: प्रपतन्ति च। बलं शिर: कपालानां विशेषेणािवर्धते। दृढ़मूलाक्ष दीर्घाश्ष कृष्णा: केशा भवन्ति च। इब इन्द्रियाणि प्रसीदन्ति सुलग्भवति चाननम्। निदालाभ: सुख च स्थान्मूथ्रि तैलनिषेवणात्। च.सू 5/81-83
Nitya sneha-ardra-shirshasya shiraḥ shoola na jāyate |
Na khālityaṁ na pālityaṁ na keśāḥ prapatanti cha |
Balaṁ shiraḥ kapālānāṁ viśeṣeṇaiva vardhate |
Dṛḍha-mūlāḥ ati-dīrghāś cha kṛṣṇāḥ keśā bhavanti cha |
Indriyāṇi prasīdanti Su- twakbhavati cha ananam |
Nidrā-lābhaḥ sukhaṁ cha sthānam mūrdhni taila-niṣevaṇāt ||
Cha. Sū. 5/81–83”
Meaning : By Applying oil regularly to the head keeps it well-nourished and moist. People who do this do not usually suffer from headaches. It helps prevent baldness, early greying of hair, and hair fall. The head and scalp become stronger, and the hair roots become firm. Hair grows better, stays thicker, and remains dark for a longer time. The senses feel calm and pleasant, the face looks brighter and healthier, and a gentle oil massage on the head helps bring deep, comfortable sleep.
Some modern studies have tried to understand why people feel deeply relaxed after Shirodhara. Research shows that during this therapy, the brain enters a calm, peaceful state, similar to that of meditation. At the same time, overthinking and stress-related mental activity are reduced. Breathing slows, the heart beats more calmly, and blood pressure can drop a little. The body slowly emerges from stress mode and moves into a relaxed state. As a result, many people feel peaceful, refreshed, and mentally clear after therapy.
The shloka from the Ashtanga Hridaya (Sutra Sthana 22/24) explicitly mentions that the procedure of Parisheka (a synonym for Shirodhara) is indicated for a range of scalp and head conditions. The full text refers to the following:
The text indicates that these conditions are primarily associated with the vitiation of the Pitta dosha, as Shirodhara is considered a cooling and soothing therapy. The medicated oil, milk, buttermilk, or herbal decoctions are selected based on the specific dosha imbalance and the condition being treated.
Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic therapy known mainly for its calming effect on the mind and body. It is often used to help reduce stress, improve sleep, ease headaches or migraines, control high blood pressure, support better focus, and reduce problems like hair fall.
In this therapy, a specific liquid is gently poured onto the forehead in a steady stream. The liquid used—such as oil, milk, or herbal water—is chosen according to a person’s body type and health condition. The liquid is poured from a copper vessel placed above the head, and the process is usually done in a quiet, relaxing environment. Sometimes, it is combined with a light head or body massage.
Each type of Shirodhara has a different purpose, and the doctor decides which one is suitable based on the individual’s condition and requirements.
The Shirodhara procedure is usually followed by Abhyanga (body massage). The patient rests on their back upon a drone-design table specially constructed for the procedure. Medicated oil is continuously poured over the forehead in a thin, continuous stream from a special vessel hung at a certain height above the head and allowed to run along the scalp. The liquid is collected in another vessel and refilled into the dharapatra after heating.
Shirodhara treatment is indicated in various psycho-neurological and stress disorders. It is particularly helpful in controlling:
Shirodhara treatment benefits the mind and body extensively. Key benefits include:
At Mirasa Ayurveda, we don’t just treat conditions—we restore balance and well-being. From pain relief to stress management, our patients have experienced life-changing results through natural Ayurvedic care.
"I had been dealing with sleepless nights and constant anxiety. After just a few Shirodhara sessions at Mirasa Ayurveda, my mind feels calmer and I finally sleep peacefully again."
“The pain in my joints used to slow me down every day. Potli massage therapy at Mirasa Ayurveda brought back my mobility and comfort—it’s like warmth and healing in one.”
“My lower back pain was unbearable, especially after long work hours. Kativasti gave me instant relief and long-term comfort. Highly recommend it!”
The ideal time for Shirodhara is early in the morning or during early evening hours. These times align with the body's natural rhythms and enhance the therapy's calming and rejuvenating effects.
Shirodhara is not recommended for women in the late stages of pregnancy, or individuals who are uncomfortable with oil-based therapies. It should also be avoided by those suffering from brain tumors, serious neck injuries, forehead wounds or cuts, or if the person has a high fever.
Shirodhara typically uses a blend of calming and nourishing Ayurvedic oils. The base oils often include sesame seed oil and sunflower seed oil, infused with powerful herbs such as Bhringraj, Gotu Kola, Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Skullcap. These ingredients are chosen for their ability to soothe the nervous system, reduce stress, and support mental clarity.
Shirodhara is beneficial for a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions. It is often used as a supportive therapy for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Additionally, it is effective in managing mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This therapy offers a safe, gentle, and holistic approach for calming the mind and nervous system.
