Sirodhara
Sirodhara (from Sanskrit शिरो = head and धार = flow) is a revered Ayurvedic therapy involving a gentle, continuous stream of warm, medicated liquid—most commonly herbal oil—poured over the center of the forehead (the ‘third eye’ or Ajna marma) for 20–90 minutes. This treatment is usually preceded or followed by Abhyanga (full-body oil massage) to relax muscles and prepare the body. The oil pot is held about 10 cm above the forehead, often moved in rhythmic patterns to enhance sensory effect. Liquids used vary depending on dosha imbalance and include sesame, coconut, sunflower oils, ghee, buttermilk, milk, or herbal decoctions. Oils are often enriched with herbs such as Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Bhringaraj, Gotu kola, Shatavari, and Skullcap. During the treatment, warm oil stimulates the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, bringing about a state of ‘alert calmness’ similar to meditation. Post-treatment recommendations include resting quietly, avoiding screens, and leaving the oil in hair for several hours before gentle cleansing.
Benefits:
- Deeply calms the nervous system and activates parasympathetic response
- Reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue
- Improves sleep quality and helps manage insomnia
- Enhances mental clarity, focus, memory, and cognitive function
- Relieves headaches, migraines, and tension in the head/neck
- Balances Vata and Pitta doshas, clears energetic blockages
- Improves scalp and hair health, nourishes follicles
- Supports hormonal regulation by influencing serotonin and stress hormones
- Helps in recovery from PTSD, addiction, jet‑lag, and exhaustion
- Induces a meditative state—stimulates marma points and third‑eye chakra