Shirodhara is a traditional healing technique derived from Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicine system. The word Shirodhara is a mixture of two terms: "shiro" meaning head and "dhara" meaning flow. This describes the treatment method: a steady stream of warm, herbal oil poured over the forehead, especially over the third eye (just above and between the eyebrows).
Shirodhara is known to promote mental clarity and calm emotional disturbances, and is thus a popular remedy for relaxation and mental reset. The gentle pressure and warmth of the oil also promote circulation and nourish the scalp, giving psychological benefits as well as supporting physical wellness.
Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy which is valued for promoting mental clarity and proper relaxation. This simple but powerful treatment method is focused on the forehead, especially the third eye, by pouring warm medicated oil to soothe and balance the nervous system or Vata nadi sanstha. This process calms the mind and relaxes the entire body, and is thus suitable for issues like stress, anxiety or sleep issues. Shirodhara stimulates the third eye delicately, thus promoting the body's own healing processes, a calm mind and a refreshed spirit.
Promotes Deep Relaxation: Calms the entire nervous system and offers deep relaxation.
Relieves Stress & Anxiety: Considerably reduces symptoms of stress and anxiety for long term relief.
Improves Sleep: Improves sleep quality, which is useful for insomnia patients.
Improves Mental Focus: Clears the mind and increases mental clarity and focus.
Emotional Balance: Stabilises mood swings and also promotes mental resilience.
Physical Well-being: The nourishing oils help support better scalp and hair health.
If you answered yes to any of these, Shirodhara might be beneficial for you. At Jiva Ayurveda,
we personalise Shirodhara treatments based on your unique needs for maximum
therapeutic benefits.
Shirodhara is particularly useful for individuals who lead hectic and stressful lives and have trouble relaxing. If you're frequently overwhelmed by everyday duties or have anxiety problems, Shirodhara can help relax your nervous system and offer a break from routine life.
Shirodhara also helps manage sleep issues such as insomnia. The steady stream of warm oil that is poured on the forehead can help relax the mind and improve sleep patterns. Treatment also relieves mental fog and poor mental clarity. It helps clear the mind and makes it easier to concentrate and do everyday things.
A Shirodhara session is a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for people facing stress and anxiety issues. It includes a number of steps to calm the mind and heal the body.
Preparation: First, you are made to lay on a massage table, usually on your back, with your hair pulled back from your face.
First Massage: The session typically begins with a head, neck or full-body massage to release muscle tension and prepare the mind for the oil treatment.
Warm Oil Application: Warm, medicated oil is poured over the forehead toward the third eye area. This is done with a special vessel for a smooth flow.
Continuous Flow: The oil is poured on the forehead back and forth continuously for relieving mental stress.
Rest Period: After the oil is applied, you have to rest on the table for a few minutes so the oil can absorb into the body.
Clean Up: The session ends with a warm towel wipe down to remove excess oil and some rest before you leave.
The complete Shirodhara session lasts about 35 to 60 minutes. This time includes preparation, treatment and rest periods as well.
At Jiva Ayurveda, Shirodhara is a customised wellness experience under the care of our Ayurvedic therapists. Each Shirodhara session at Jiva begins with a detailed consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor. This initial assessment establishes your body constitution, the balance of your doshas (body's vital energies) and medical history to fit the therapy for you.
From this consultation, our therapists select and prepare the oil for your Shirodhara treatment. We use only fresh ingredients and heat the oils to a soothing temperature for maximum effect.
You will lie down on a treatment bed during the session to align your body for maximum relaxation. A therapist will pour the warm oil over your forehead toward your third eye area.This method is performed carefully to maintain a constant temperature, pressure and flow for a deep meditative state.
Also, during the session, your environment is controlled to be quiet and peaceful to allow complete mental relaxation. Following the oil application, the session concludes with a gentle head massage to further absorb the herbal oils and promote blood circulation in the scalp.
Each session at Jiva Ayurveda is designed to leave you feeling regenerated, balanced and relaxed. Our therapists strive to heal you physically as well as psychologically with our holistic treatment methods.
Shirodhara is an age-old Ayurvedic therapy that soothes the body and mind. Shirodhara calms the nervous system and nourishes the body by targeting the forehead (the third eye) with warm, medicated oil. This mild but potent treatment has many benefits for physical health and mental clarity.
Stress Reduction: Shirodhara may help relieve stress. The constant, soothing flow of oil on the forehead calms the mind and relaxes the body, reducing stress.
Better Sleep: Shirodhara therapy also helps with sleep problems. It may improve sleep quality and insomnia by relaxing the mind and decreasing stress.
Mental Clarity & Focus: Shirodhara clears the mind of fog and confusion. It helps with cognitive functions like focusing and mental clarity.
Reduced Headaches & Migraines: The treatment can help reduce the frequency as well as the intensity of migraines and headaches by relaxing tense muscles in the head and neck region of the body.
Emotional Balance: Regular Shirodhara sessions may help to stabilise mood swings and improve mental health.
Relief from Anxiety & Depression: Shirodhara calms the central nervous system and thus is a supportive therapy for mental illnesses like anxiety and depression.
Improved Blood Circulation: The warm oil nourishes the scalp and encourages blood circulation, thereby improving brain function and complete body health.
Skin & Hair Health: The oils used in Shirodhara are usually nutrient rich and may make the skin and hair soft and shiny.
Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic treatment which involves pouring warm oil over the forehead (particularly over the third eye area) to promote relaxation.
Generally, a Shirodhara session at Jiva Ayurveda takes about 35 to 60 minutes, including preparation, post-treatment and clean up.
Shirodhara can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality and mental clarity, reduce headaches and promote emotional balance.
Shirodhara costs may depend on the duration of the session, oils or herbs used, and additional services. Shirodhara treatments at Jiva Ayurveda are customised for each client and prices may vary accordingly. For exact cost information, it is best to contact the Jiva Ayurveda centre directly.
Shirodhara is generally safe but some people must avoid it. Those with head injuries, brain tumours, severe skin conditions on the forehead or scalp or a fever should avoid Shirodhara. It is also important for pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, and individuals with certain types of sinusitis or neck injuries to consult an Ayurvedic doctor before proceeding with this therapy. We, at Jiva Ayurveda, do a thorough health assessment to see if Shirodhara is the right fit for you.
Jiva Ayurveda offers trained therapists, customised treatments and uses high-quality, freshly prepared herbal oils for an authentic Shirodhara experience.
The oils used in Shirodhara may be sesame, coconut or a blend of herbs specific to a condition.
The frequency of sessions is based on your individual needs but usually a series of sessions, once a week to once a month is recommended for long-term benefits.
Most people report immediate calm and relaxation after a session but full benefits such as better sleep and less anxiety may require several sessions.
Avoid large meals and caffeine before your session. Wear comfortable clothes and rest afterward to extend the therapy effects.
