Shirodhara
Shirodhara is a method
of Ayurvedic detoxification, and a treatment process for
mental and emotional stress, depression and psychosomatic
diseases. It is a great way to generally relieve tension,
and is traditionally used in cases of anxiety, stress and
insomnia.
A treatment unique to Ayurveda, and a part
of Panchakarma, Shirodhara involves a steady stream of warm
black sesame oil being gently poured on the 3rd
eye center of the forehead just between the eyebrows as you
lie on a massage table. This calming process saturates the
head with the warm oil, soothing the peripheral nerves of
the scalp and the nerves around the brain. In certain cases
the eyes can be covered with a buckwheat bag or magnetic eye
pillow to increase relaxation.
In times of increased
stress, the body’s autonomic nervous system will fire
signals to the brain to create a fight or flight response.
If this stressful period is continuous, the body will suffer
from an overtaxed nervous system. This can show up as a
condition like insomnia, panic attacks, anxiety, foggy eyes,
memory relapses, etc. Shirodhara creates calm and
tranquility in the body, reducing the effects of these
conditions . Most patients sink into a deep relaxation or
sleep and when finished, claim to feel rejuvenated and as
though they have slept for hours.
Sometimes it has been
seen that some patients feel very uncomfortable and
irritated during this process. This is usually a sign that
the patient has been overstressed for such a long period
that they are no longer in themselves and indicates that
they may need other treatments to help pacify their stress.
Ayurvedic methods tailor
every treatment to the individual according to their
condition. Your shirodhara treatment may include the use of
other oils such as Shankhpushpi and Bhringraj oil or even
warm milk or buttermilk.
For the best results, a
series of four Shirodhara treatments is recommended.
Read more about Shirodhara in this
May 2004 Good Medicine
article and Oct
2004 Body+Soul article from the Sunday Telegragh
