Shirodhara Massage

Shirodhara- Shirodhara is a traditional and a well-established ayurvedic procedure that involves gently pouring of luke warm medicated oils or other liquids like coconut water, buttermilk, milk, etc. over the forehead of a person resting quietly on a comfortable bed. It induces a relaxed state of awareness that results in a dynamic psycho-somatic balance, relieves stress and enhances the functioning of the central nervous system. A wholesome feeling of wellness, mental clarity, and comprehension is experienced after the process. The name comes from the Sanskrit words Shiro (head) and dhara (steady flow). This therapy is also a part of the ancient panchakarma treatment.
In the traditional Shirodhara process, a copper vessel (kumbha) with a standard size hole at the bottom is used. it is filled up with oil or any other therapeutic liquid at ambient temperature. The rate of dripping of oil is dependent on the volume of oil and the size of the aperture. As a consequence, there is substantial variability in the procedure. The modified procedure is as follows:
The patient, resting in bed, is given a soft, full-body massage for 15 min with 50 ml of sesame oil by an expert. then, the oil is gently wiped off from the body. A continuous dripping of Shirodhara oil is then initiated and maintained for approx 45 min; the locus of the drip is the recommended spot, between the eyebrows, on the forehead. The rate of oil dripping is assured. The temperature of Shirodhara oil is kept at 40 ± 1.5°C with thermostatic control. The eyes are covered with a soft and sterile cloth or gauge pieces. The patient must stay supine throughout the process. The patients were not restrained from sleeping. But generally, they reported that they felt a relaxed state of alert awareness and occasionally mild drowsiness.