Shirodhara Massage (Shirodhara) – Ancient Way to Cure Modern Ailments

Shirodhara Massage (Shirodhara) – Ancient Way to Cure Modern Ailments

Shirodhara Massage: In these days, the modern lifestyle has contributed to cause a number of problems. These particular problems include fatigue and stress which is again followed by some of the most serious problems including high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.

Healthy Life

Due to their hectic schedules, people also do not get any time to care for themselves. But, over time, there has been a significant change in the outlook of people towards life. Nowadays, apart from earning more, people also want to live a peaceful as well as healthy life.

Over time, a lot of people are becoming more health conscious and so, they are inclined towards several activities related to spa, gym, etc. Now, comes the important of Shirodhara massage which we will discuss in detail in this article.

About Ayurveda

Ayurveda is considered to be one of the oldest healing sciences which had originated about more than 5,000 years ago. Likewise the western and modern medicines, Ayurveda also focuses on the root causes of illness and also targets to eliminate it from the roots. 

Along with that, it also works on boosting immunity. In Ayurveda, there are again several treatment methods which help to cure modern ailments. One of these ancient treatment methods which focus on curing modern ailment is known as Shirodhara or Shirodhara massage.

What Is Shirodhara?

Shirodhara is regarded as an ancient ayurvedic treatment. So, basically, the Shirodhara massage is a classic Ayurvedic therapy involving pouring of warm herbal oil on the forehead in a continuous stream. Ayurvedic Shirodhara therapy is considered to be very much effective in reducing stress and promoting sound sleep. 

This Shirodhara treatment is also told in Ayurveda as one among the external treatments or Bahiparimarjana chikitsa. The term SHIRODHARA comes from Sanskrit and it is the union of two words, “Shiro” meaning head and “Dhara” meaning stream.

How Does It Work?

The oil is usually poured on the ‘ajna marna’ or forehead in the Shirodhara oil treatment. This is because the forehead is such an area where the nerves are known to be highly concentrated. Vibration is also created by falling of the oil on the ‘ajna marna’. Eventually, the oil penetrates into the scalp which is followed by the nervous system. The warmth of the oil and also soothing pressure allows the mind and body to rest.

Effectiveness Of Shirodhara

From the very ancient times, conventionally, the Shirodhara massage is used to restore and calm the nerves, purify the mind and bring out hidden emotions. So, it is an emotional, physical and mental relaxation therapy. It also helps in the pacification of all the doshas i.e. pitta, vata, and kapha from the human body. Along with that, it also contributes to purifying both the mind as well as the soul of the person. 

It is said to open the third eye of an individual which again leads to pure or satvika thoughts. Shirodhara massage is also proved to very much effective in curing problems such as fatigue, anxiety, mental disorders, depression, insomnia, etc. It provides a soothing effect on the brain cells which again helps in the reduction of stress as well as induction of sound sleep.

Duration Of Shirodhara Treatment

The duration of this particular Shirodhara treatment can range from 30 to 60 minutes and the overall course can continue for about 7 days – 4 weeks.

Types Of Shirodhara

Generally, the differentiation of the types of Shirodhara massage depends upon the type of chosen liquid. So, there are about five types of Shirodhara known as:

• Dugadha Dhara- As suggested by the name, milk is considered to be the major ingredient of this treatment.
• Taila Dhara- Oils are mainly used in this type of Shirodhara massage.
• Kwatha Dhara- Depending upon the type of dosha of the body, this type of Shirodhara uses the decoctions from the many different herbs.
• Takra Dhara- This type of Shirodhara uses buttermilk as the major ingredient which is again infused with suitable herbs.
• Jala Dhara- Mainly, normal water or coconut water is known to be the main ingredient of this type of Shirodhara.

Shirodhara Benefits

Talking about the Shirodhara massage benefits, then these endless as it is considered to be effective for all sorts of neurological, psychological and mental disorders. Some of the important benefits are again enlisted below:

• It works to increase the energy flow in your body.
• It also provides intense relief and also nourishment to spirit, mind, and body.
• It stimulates the serotonin secretion in the brain which helps in the reduction of fatigue, stress, anger, migraines, hypertension, and anxiety.
• It promotes better sleep by the generation of a state of relaxation.
• Shirodhara aids to lower the blood pressure.
• Along with that, it also contributes to sharpen the sensory organs.
• It works to strengthen the hair and thereby prevents early graying as well as cracking of the hair.
• Shirodhara has proven to be much effective in the improvement of mental clarity and concentration.
• It again helps in the improvement of your voice quality.
• Not only that, but it also works on the physical benefits, but, it also contributes to awaken your spiritual awareness.

Can Shirodhara Cause Any Side Effects?

Shirodhara treatment is known to be a safe method. So, it does not have any such side effects. However, precaution needs to be taken to prevent the oil from entering into the nose or eyes. Thus, it is recommended to visit a professional Ayurvedic clinic in order to get the procedure of Shirodhara done from the experienced therapists. 

Shirodhara Contraindications

For both mind and body, Shirodhara massage is considered to be the most effective purification therapy. However, it also possesses some of the contraindications such as:

Shirodhara must not be given to people who are suffering from any of the below-discussed conditions:

• Glaucoma
• Inflammatory diseases
• Brain tumor
• Low blood pressure
• Alcoholism
• Pregnancy
• Recent neck injuries
• Fever
• Nausea
• Conjunctivitis

Conclusion

So, it is evident from the above section that the Shirodhara massage treatment is an effective remedy for many of the diseases and body conditions. Recently, Shirodhara has gained immense popularity as an important form of the ayurvedic treatment and so, it is readily available in clinics and spas. Along with that, it also helps to provide you delightful, soothing and an exotic experience which helps in the rejuvenation of your mind, body, and soul.

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