The benefits of shirodhara
Many of us live in a society that constantly keeps us on our feet with little time to rest and take care of ourselves, our bodies, and our minds. If we find that we are constantly on the move, we may start to feel burned out and exhausted because of our busy lives and schedules. With all of these things considered, it’s important to recognize that stress can have a significant long-term impact on your health, both physically and mentally. With so many sources of stress affecting us in different parts of our lives, it’s important to find ways to alleviate that stress and find the time to slow down and be more aware of the present moment. While there are several methods and options available to choose from, some can provide a variety of benefits that extend beyond just stress relief. One such method can be found in the form of Shirodhara, a helpful treatment and remedy that comes from the teachings of Ayurveda.
What is Shirodhara?
Shirodhara contains two different Sanskrit words, with shiro meaning “head” and dhara meaning “flow.” As implied by the meaning of this name, the process of Shirodhara usually involves the pouring of different types of liquids onto the forehead. The forehead is a central point in this therapeutic practice, as it is closely connected to the pineal gland, which is commonly known as the third eye. This part of the body serves some crucial functions with one of the most important involving the regulation of sleep cycles and patterns. Various oils, liquids, and herbs may be used to provide a calming effect for the recipient of this form of therapy. Some versions of Shirodhara massage might involve the use of ingredients such as herbal medicated oils, milk, or even coconut water. Others might involve a mixture of more than just one type of oil. The type of oil or liquid to be used depends on the constitution, or prakriti, and needs of the patient.
What are the benefits of Shirodhara?
Stress Relief: One of the most well-known benefits of Shirodhara is its ability to provide stress relief for those who receive this form of therapy. As oil is poured onto the forehead, the body enters a state of relaxation as one’s stress levels gradually recede and decline. In fact, the state of relaxation induced from this experience has been found to be similar to the levels of relaxation one might achieve while meditating. This procedure offers a promising treatment for those who wish to significantly reduce their stress levels and feel more calm and collected.
Migraines and Headaches: This massage therapy can also assist those who suffer from migraines and headaches that often make it difficult to focus and go about our daily lives. Many headaches and migraines are caused by high levels of stress, and Shirodhara can alleviate these uncomfortable and painful symptoms by reducing that stress.
Anxiety: In the same way that Shirodhara can help with alleviating stress, it can also help with anxiety. As the patient becomes more relaxed during this procedure, they may begin to feel more focused and centered within the present moment. Shirodhara has been found to reduce one’s blood pressure and allow for a more relaxed heart rate and breathing rate. These effects of Shirodhara are beneficial to those who may struggle with some level of anxiety and are hoping to alleviate some of the symptoms.
Quality of Sleep: Shirodhara is also helpful for those who struggle with insomnia or who have trouble falling asleep or relaxing before going to bed. Sleep is always an important part of one’s overall health and well-being, and we often feel distressed if we feel that we aren’t getting enough sleep each night. Shirodhara focuses on the forehead and the pineal gland, which regulates our sleep patterns with the hormone known as melatonin. Focusing on this area means that those who receive this treatment may find it easier to have more restful nights of sleep.
Hormonal regulation: Shirodhara can be beneficial if you’re having disturbances within your menstrual cycle, have trouble conceiving a child (regulates FSH hormone), or going through menopause. Most scientists now recognize the relationship of what eastern philosophies call the “third eye” and the region deep inside the brain that houses the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the pineal gland. These three structures regulate the production of most of the hormones in the body.
Enhanced Intuition: As the Shirodhara therapy works to reduce stress, clear the mind, and relieve the patient of troubling symptoms, it becomes easier to reconnect with a more intuitive state of awareness. Allowing yourself to enter a state of deeper relaxation means that you can become more aware of yourself and the world around you. It may also become easier to find answers and solutions to the problems you might be struggling with. Becoming more in touch with yourself and your emotions is always important, and this benefit of Shirodhara may make that process a little bit easier.
Shirodhara is a powerful treatment that should be administered only if it is beneficial for you. The beauty of Ayurveda is that not everything is right for everyone therefore treatments are tailored to an individual and their ailment.