Teil Shirodhara

What Is Shirodhara Scalp Massage?

Shirodhara is a traditional ayurvedic method of healing, that has been in use since ancient times to bring the minde body and soul to a harmonious level. Touted as one of the most purifying and rejuvenating treatments, this therapy is designed in such a way that it not only eliminates the harmful AMA toxins from the body but also relieves stress, gets rid of mental exhaustion and treat a host of disorders,

The term 'Shirodhara' comes from two Sanskrit words, where Shiro' means 'head' and 'dhara' implies to 'pouring or sprinkling something', together it infers to dripping or pouring of warm herbal ayurvedic oils on the forehead from a specific height, for a specific time period in a continuous stream, allowing the oil to run through the scalp and down into the hair. While there are different types of massage techniques that work only on the external surface and help in relieving muscle pain and stress, Shirodhara, on the other hand, works on multiple layers Of the being. Be it exfoliating dead skin cells, transporting lymphatic fluids, mitigating stress, expunging muscular tension, balancing doshic elements, or obliterating toxins, this divine process does it all. It even enhances the function of the central nervous system. treats diseases like anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue and bestows a whole new experience to the mind and body.

How Does Shirodhara Work?

The infusion of oils or other liquids when poured onto the head and scalp produces a soothing and calming sensation on the muscles of the head, which in turn passes via the superficial peripheral nerves of the forehead to the brain. By soothing the hypothalamus, it regulates the activity of the pituitary gland and treats conditions like insomnia by inducing sleep. Shirodhara also stimulates the various vital points all around the head and improves blood circulation. The warm herbal Oils used for this process causes vasodilatation Of all the blood vessels and thus improves the blood circulation in the brain.

The massage brings down the elevated serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that stabilizes our mood, feelings Of well-being, and happiness, Shirodhara also reduces the level Of stress hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline and thus relaxes the mind and thereby helps in relieving stress and tension, It also helps in alleviating different types Of psychosomatic ailments like stress, tension, depression, anxiety,

Points To Note:

• The treatment is usually done either in the morning or in the evening to get the maximum results.
• In some particular health conditions, apart from the head and scalp, a whole-body massage i.e. Abhayanga is done using the herbinfused oils.
• The patient should take bath using medicated water or warm water after 30 minutes, once the procedure reaches completion.
• Use medicated shampoos to remove the oil from the hair.
• Avoid intake Of caffeinated products for a few days as this may negate the benefits Of the treatment.
• Go for a Vata pacifying diet.

Why Is The Shirodhara Oil Poured Onto The Forehead?

The oils infused with various herbs or herbal ingredients are generally sprinkled onto the forehead and head since this iS the only part of the body that has numerous sensitive nerve endings or vital points that are directly connected to the brain. According to several spiritual texts, the centre of the forehead is said to be the 'third eye', which is connected to the pineal gland via several blood vessels and capillaries.

Yogic tradition refers to this third eye as the 'Agnya Chakra'- Focussing on the Agnya chakra during meditation with closed eyes leads to psychosomatic harmony. AS the Oil drips on the agnya chakra, it begets a meditation-like effect, Which is a consequence Of stillness Of mind leading to the adaptive response to the basal stress. The Oil infiltrates into the nervous system after dousing the forehead and scalp. The entire procedure empowers the mind and body to experience a state of deep rest, similar to the state, a person attains right after meditation, Also Read: Modern Meditation Techniques For Mental And Emotional Well-Being