What is shirodhara?
Shir means Head, and Dhara means to pour. That means to pour something on head

What is Shirodhara for a common person?

It is ‘In thing” – “Latest Fashion” or “Status symbol” People say it is very beneficial It is ayurveda treatment, having an ‘Indian’ connection Everybody is crazy throughout the world for this treatment It is a luxurious treatment Oil pouring on the forehead Highly recommended for stress management All ayurveda therapists should know about this

Is it a therapy, for complicated health conditions?
No information. For more than 90% people, this is just a stress management treatment available in ayurveda spa or centres

Religious & Mythological References of Shirodhara in Hindu literature

• Lord Shiva is having High Anger. Mythlogically it is believed that when he becomes angry, he opens the third eye. And the world in front of him destroys. The only God in Indian deities is having constant dhara on forehead or Third Eye, believing that due to dhara, he will be calm. He will not be angry.
• Many of other deities also offered  ‘Mastishkabhishek’ (pouring or applying on head) during various Pooja (prayers) in Hindu / Jain religion
• Indian women wear Bindi and men wear Tilak on third eye since ages. Why?  The information available in yoga science about the link between third eye and agya chakra or pituitary gland and third eye in modern science is very interesting. This is the subject of academic research.

Shirodhara  - real concept

1. This is not only Spa or Beauty treatment
2. It is a treatment for health problems related to head, hair, mind, nervous system and all psycho-somatic complains
3. It is very useful in stress, tension, anger, anxiety, insomnia, lack of concentration, low memory etc.
4. It is highly effective in hair problems like; dandruff, hair fall, split hair, short hair, dry hair, 
5. To improve hair luster or hair quality shirodhara can be advised
6. It is practiced in different types of Headaches including Migraine, High blood pressure, central nervous system complications like Paralysis in India
7. For Yoga practitioners or Yoga followers this is the best tool to recharge agya chakra to attain higher levels in meditation
8. In short this is a medical treatment too

Some complications, where shirodhara is useful treatment…

* Polio * Paralysis * Autism * ADD – Attention Deficit Disorder * Peripheral or Vascular Headache * Migraine * Chronic Fatigue Syndrome * Exam phobia * Plus several more psychological and neurological conditions

Shirodhara - Understanding

• Before Shirodhara, full body massage & steam-bath should be given
• The person is asked to lie on specially designed table
• Pouring of shirodhara on forehead
• Time limit : 20 min to 60 min
• Most common is Oil shirodhara. Also shirodhara with medicated decoctions, butter-milk or milk are widely practiced.
•  Ideal time : In the morning (In India)
• Precautions after Shirodhara :  - Rest for some time - No direct wind or sunlight exposure - No immediate shower or hair / head wash

1. Improper way can cause side effects such as; burning in the body, joint pain, weakness, fever, vertigo, nausea, itching, dandruff, small boils on scalp etc…
2. It is always recommended to get shirodhara under supervision of Knowledgeable & experienced therapist / ayurveda doctor.

Some common believes:

1. Any ayurveda therapist /  centre having very hi-fi equipment can provide best shirodhara

Additional benefits of Shirodhara:

• Improves steadiness of mind and also concentration of mind.
• Improves general strength
• Improves appetite and liking for food
• Very useful for intellectual people, professors, students, scientists, managers.
• Improves sleep quality, time
• Controls excess heat in head region