Ayurvedic Procedures - Shirodhara

1. Shirodhara
Shirodhara is an ayurvedic procedure and forms an
important part of the detox therapy for removal of toxins
from our mind. Keeping our mind healthy is essentially
important for prevention of any disease. Also mental
relaxation is needed to cure any disease pathology. As
ayurveda has given equal importance to mental health ,
this therapy focusing on the psychological well-being
forms an important part of detox therapy.

2.  The word shirodhara literally means
Shira- head
Dhara-stream
 It is the process of pouring a stream of warm liquids over
the forehead of person. Most commonly oils are used for
this purpose. It is done for fomentation of head region to
provide complete mental relaxation

3. When to go for shirodhara
Shirodhara is essential in following conditions
 Hair fall
 Graying of hair
 Improper vision
 Hypertension
 Anxiety
 Depression
 Irritability
 Loss of sleep
 Paralysis
 Headcahe

4. Procedure
 The patient is made to lie down
on a table with his palms facing
up. Massage is done over head
with medicated oils and then the
stream of desired liquids is
allowed to flow over the forehead
of patient . This session can last
for about 1/2 -1 hr. This procedure
is done in a calm room with soft
music, candles, flowers for
complete relaxation of mind.

5. Medicines in shirodhara
 Most commonly medicated oils are used for shirodhara but it
can also be given with decoctions , milk, buttermilk etc.
 Medicines in shirodhara as per dosha
Dosha Medicine
Vata Tila oil
Pitta Ghee
Kapha Tila oil
 Tila oil and ghee processed with herbs pacifying the respective
doshas can also be used

6. Formulations for shirodhara
 Jatamansi taila- useful in hypertension, loss of sleep and other
nervous disorders
 Bala taila – used in cases of chronic headache due to aggravated
vata dosha
 Bhringaraj taila – useful in premature graying of hair, hairfall etc.
 Takra – use of buttermilk for mental relaxation
 Chandanadi taila- useful in chronic cases of fever, headache and
burning sensation due to pitta dosha