Shirodhara is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy that involves pouring a continuous stream of warm oil or other liquids onto the forehead, specifically on the “third eye” point, which is the center of the forehead between the eyebrows.

The term “shirodhara” comes from the Sanskrit words “shiro,” meaning head, and “dhara,” meaning flow. During the therapy, the liquid is typically poured from a vessel suspended above the head, and the stream is allowed to flow gently back and forth over the forehead for a period of time, usually 30 to 60 minutes.

The warm oil used in shirodhara is typically infused with herbs and is chosen based on the individual’s body type and specific health needs. 

Benefits of Shirodhara

The therapy is believed to have a range of benefits, including 

• reducing stress and anxiety
• improving sleep quality
• enhancing mental clarity
• and promoting overall relaxation and rejuvenation.
• treatment for certain neurological and psychiatric conditions

Reduce insomnia: by calming the mind, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting relaxation. When the warm oil or liquid is poured onto the forehead, it can help to balance the activity of the nervous system and promote the release of calming neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Insomnia is often linked to stress and anxiety, which can interfere with the ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Shirodhara is thought to help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing activity in the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “fight or flight” response. Additionally, shirodhara can help to balance the doshas in the body, which are the three basic energies believed to govern physical and mental functions in Ayurveda. An imbalance in the doshas can contribute to sleep disturbances, among other health issues. By balancing the doshas, shirodhara may help to improve overall health and wellbeing, which can in turn lead to better sleep.

Reduce anxiety: by calming the mind, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation. Anxiety is often linked to overactivity in the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “fight or flight” response. Shirodhara is thought to help reduce activity in the sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to a reduction in anxiety symptoms. During the shirodhara treatment, warm oil or liquid is poured onto the forehead in a continuous stream, which can help to balance the activity of the nervous system and promote the release of calming neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. This can help to reduce the physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart or rapid breathing.

Balance Hormonal imbalances: by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which can help to balance the endocrine system. The endocrine system is responsible for the production and regulation of hormones in the body, and stress can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones. When the warm oil or liquid is poured onto the forehead during shirodhara, it can help to balance the activity of the nervous system and promote the release of calming neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. This can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can in turn help to balance the endocrine system and regulate hormones.

Stress relief: by promoting relaxation, reducing tension in the body, and calming the mind. Stress can cause physical and mental tension, and shirodhara is thought to help release this tension and promote a sense of calm and wellbeing.

Tackle Depression: Depression  is often linked to imbalances in brain chemistry, particularly with neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. When the warm oil or liquid is poured onto the forehead during shirodhara, it can help to balance the activity of the nervous system and promote the release of these neurotransmitters. This can help to elevate mood and promote feelings of wellbeing. Furthermore, the warm oil used in shirodhara is often infused with herbs that are believed to have mood-enhancing properties, such as ashwagandha or brahmi. These herbs may help to support brain health and promote a more positive outlook.

This treatment is great for helping with:

• Calming the nervous system 
• Reducing insomnia
• Easing shoulder and neck stress
• Overcoming stress and depression
• Countering anxiety and panic attacks 
• Regulates hormonal imbalance
• Pre and post-menopausal issues 
• Countering mental fatigue and tiredness

Pre-Treatment Advice:

• Please do not eat in 1.5-2 hours prior to appointment
• We recommend coming to this treatment with dry clean hair
• Be prepared to have your entire head and scalp covered with oil.
• Due to the use of oil in this treatment, we recommend clients to wear loose or old clothing following this treatment.
• We recommend bringing a hat / scarf to cover your head post-treatment.
• Do not schedule any hairdressing or stressful appointments on the same day.

Post-Treatment Advice:

• We recommend not showering/bathing for 3-4 hours (helps the oils absorb).
• We recommending waiting to wash the hair for at least 4-5 hours (best results wash the following day)
• We recommend drinking plenty of warm water / herbal tea post-treatment.
• Avoid television/screens or stimulating activities, reading or socialising for at least 3 hours.
• Avoid going out in the rain / cold winds or extreme weather conditions post-treatment.
• Try to relax and spend time in nature or resting but do not day sleep or nap immediately after your treatment.
• A gentle evening yoga routine is good but not heavy exercise.