Shirodhara
Shirodhara is a thousands of years old Ayurvedic treatment involving pouring hot liquid oil over one’s forehead for about an hour usually preceded or followed by an abhyanga massage. “Shirodhara comes from the two Sanskrit words “shiro” (head) and “dhara” (flow).” (Jo Sahlin)
The process invokes one’s intuition, opening the third-eye and often leading to higher states of consciousness.
“By pouring a steady warm stream of sesame oil for a period of twenty to thirty minutes on the third eye, the pressure of the channels around the central channel in this region is diminished. The result is a quieting of the mind, the elimination of discursiveness, and an opening up to a greater spiritual energy.” (Sachs, Robert, 183)
“Shirodhara stimulates the Ajna Marma, which is one of most important vital points of the body, or ‘maha-marma’ on the head. It is a key juncture not only for nerves and tissues, but also of the circulation of vital life force, or ‘prana’ . The Ajna Marma is also called the ‘Third-Eye’ Chakra, which is the sixth primary chakra in your body, and is often known as the centre of intuition and foresight.” (Rajah Ayurveda)
Shirodhara can reduce anxiety, treat past traumas, drain the lymphatic system, detoxify the body, reduce stress, enhance circulation, and improve sleep and brain function. The treatment balances the doshas and rejuvenates the body and mind. The oil is also good for the appearance of the hair and skin.
I used to get shirodhara often in Karama, Dubai, UAE during the periods of 2008-2011 and 2013-2016. I remember laying on the hard, wooden table while the female staff from Kerala would attend to heating the oil and proceed to put an eye guard around my head and then drip the oil in a pattern from one temple to the other for about an hour. I remember laying there in the stillness and hearing the adhnan or call to prayer echoing through the corridors outside, wafting into the halls of the treatment room. It was through these awakenings that finally led me to convert to Islam, but more on this topic later.
I eventually combined shirodhara with yoga nidra to induce full mental and physical rejuvenation. The process was intense. I have recommended this combination in a previous post.
You can get Shirodhara at the Karama Ayurvedic Clinic in Karama, Dubai, UAE.
References
Robert Sachs, Tibetan Ayurveda, Health Secrets from the Roof of the World, 183-184, (2009)
Jo Sahlin, Shirodhara, An Ayurvedic Approach to Stress Relief, (February 10, 2023, 7:12 PM), https://www.healthline.com/health/shirodhara#benefits.
Rajah Ayurveda Blog, All About Shirodhara – The Ayurvedic Wonder Therapy, (February 10, 2023, 7:16 PM), https://ayurvedichospital.com/en-blog/all-about-shirodhara-the-ayurvedic-wonder-therapy.
