Ayurveda Shirodhara Flowing Oil Treatment

by Richard A. Masla

From the Ayurveda, this treatment offers one of the most divine and tranquil experiences available!

Ayurveda, the science for living a healthy and balanced life was developed and perfected in India thousands of years ago. It has been almost unknown in the west. It contains knowledge that has immense value and benefit to all the inhabitants of this planet.

Shirodhara is a treatment given during the Ayurvedic rejuvenation process called Panchakarma. Shiro means the “head” and dhara means the “constant flow”. The treatment is a constant flow of warm herbal oil on the forehead poured from a copper container about 8-12 inches above the head. It is sometimes rhythmically moving across the forehead and sometimes still. The oil is continuously flowing allowing it to run through the hair and the scalp. Shirodhara quiets the mind and the senses which allow the body’s natural healing system to release stress from the nervous system.

Shirodhara is usually given for 20-30 minutes for 3 to 8 days in a row. The oils used are infused with special herbs that subtly transfer their healing qualities to the patient. The oils that are best for Shirodhara are Ksirabala tailam and Dhanvantaram tailam. These oils quickly support and balance Vata vayu, open the Prana shrotas channel and calm and nourish the nervous system.

Shirodhara has been traditionally shown to help with anxiety, fatigue, nervousness, mental exhaustion, insomnia, some mental disorders, headache, excessive thinking, and many other conditions commonly affecting People in today’s active lifestyle.

About the Author:

By Richard A. Masla, Ayurvedic Practitioner and owner of The Ayurveda Health Retreat