Ayurvedic massages are becoming increasingly popular with modern people, one of them is Shirodhara. How did it originate, what is interesting about it and what benefits does it bring?
What it is
Indians say that this method originates from Tibet, and it was revealed by Tibetan monks, famous for their longevity.
However, India is officially considered the birthplace of the method. In Sanskrit “Shiro” means “head”, and “Dhara” - stream.
The name itself contains the essence of this procedure - it is a stream of liquid, flowing in a thin stream onto special points on the forehead, including the well-known center between the eyebrows, which is also called the “third eye”. The patient at this time should lie in a relaxed state, where nothing will distract him. In parallel with pouring oil, a relaxing massage of the scalp is performed.
A ayurvedic doctor acts individually in each case. The liquid, massage technique and zones in the head area are chosen based on the patient’s Dosha and his condition.
The duration of the procedure ranges from one to two hours. After the massage, people feel completely restored, as if they had slept without falling asleep.
How it is performed
Despite the seeming simplicity of the massage technique, the massage therapist needs to be able to diagnose the patient’s condition, determine his dosha and, based on the data obtained, prepare the oil liquid. Often oils are mixed. The most frequently used components in the preparation of liquids:
- Triphala;
- Sesame;
- Sweet almond;
- Canola;
- Coconut;
- Sesame;
- Sunflower;
- Mahanarayana;
- Karpuradi;
- Baladhatryadi;
- Nilibringadi;
- Marichadi and so on. The main sequence of massage actions.
- Heating the oil. For this, a steam bath is usually used.
- The patient’s body is covered with a sheet or towel. Only the head is left open, as it is the main object for manipulation. To prevent liquid from getting into the eyes, it is recommended to use a wet bandage.
- The patient is explained the course of further actions, asked to relax, a calm atmosphere is created, relaxing sound accompaniment is included and, if possible, aromatherapy elements are added.
- The patient’s head is treated with thin streams of oil and a light massage of the skull.
- The oil is washed off the head.
A full course of Shirodhara can last from one to two weeks.
Benefits
This procedure has many positive effects:
- improves psycho-emotional state and prevents diseases associated with it;
- eliminates chronic fatigue and depressive states;
- rejuvenates appearance, improves the quality of hair and facial skin due to the composition of oils;
- balances Doshas;
- relieves mimic clamps;
- improves sleep;
- harmonizes the mental body;
- strengthens the body as a whole.
Shirodhara can be a great help with:
- terrible headaches;
- hypertension;
- memory problems;
- eye diseases;
- psoriasis;
- diseases associated with the central nervous system (epilepsy, neuroses, Parkinson’s syndrome);
- disorders in the gastrointestinal tract;
- cerebral atrophy;
- alcohol and drug addiction;
- sleep disorders;
- heart and vascular problems;
- problematic thyroid gland.
In 2008, Kasuo Uebaba visually proved the benefits of Shirodhara with his research. Participants in the control group who received massage for a week became less anxious, happier due to the production of serotonin. The number of lymphocytes also increased.
Contraindications
Contraindications to massage are:
- severe mental disorders;
- benign and malignant neoplasms;
- fever;
- flu, colds, acute respiratory viral infections;
- pregnancy;
- allergy to any of the components used during the procedure;
- infectious or inflammatory diseases.
