Shirodhara : Procedure, Indications, Benefits, Precautions

Introduction:

‘Shiro’ means head, and ‘dhara’ means flow. In shirodhara therapy, there is the flow of medicated liquid on the head in between the eyebrows.
Pouring of fluid like medicated oil, decoctions, medicated milk, medicated takra continuously for a specific period of time is known as shirodhara. Shirodhara has been practiced since long time by the ayurveda physicians.

These days shirodhara has been one of the most attractive therapy in Ayurveda. There are many people(native and foreigners) who have taken this therapy either for the treatment of a disease(therapeutic purpose) or for the purpose of relaxation therapy. It has been employed for the treatment of various diseases like schizophrenia, epilepsy, depression, sleeplessness .etc. and many other diseases.

Working mechanism of Shirodhara (A scientific Approach):

During shirodhara, the medicated oil that is poured in the forehead produces some magnetic waves. The magnetic waves are created due to flow of oil. When the flowed oil strikes on the surface of skin then electrical waves are created . The electric waves thus created are transferred to the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus. Hypothalamus acts as the centre of stimulation and inhibition centre in body. Hence soothing effect is created on the hypothalamus. The soothing effect on hypothalamus results in the secretion of various various neurotransmitters like epinephrine, serotonin, dopamine.etc. Hypothalamus controls the functions of  the pituitary gland, which is known as the master gland of our body. Pituitary glands in turn controls all the system of body.

Indication of shirodhara

Shirodhara is suitable for everyone. It is helpful especially in following disease.

• All nervous disorders
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Mental illness
• Schizophrenia
• Stress
• Vertigo

Contraindication

• Pregnancy (any stage)
• Low Blood Pressure
• Rash, Cuts, Skin Problems
• Acute Stage Head or Neck Injury
• Head Tremors
• Drugs or Alcohol Intoxication

Benefits of shirodhara:

• Nourishes and calms brain.
• Improves sleep.
• Improves memory and concentration.
• Removes anxiety and fear.
• Nourishes hair and scalp.

Note: Before shirodhara, have short haircut to have maximum benefit.

Required materials for shirodhara

1. Dhara table(Droni)
2. Dhara patra(shirodhara bowl)
3. Fluid
4. Pan to collect oil

Before starting shirodhara:

1. It is best not to have any food for at least an hour before the therapy.
2. The room should be clean, quiet, have fresh air, and no drafts.
3. Any windows should have curtains to prevent sun glare and to ensure privacy.
4. Soft-colored lights, incense, or aromas suitable for the patient help create a healthy and calming environment, even before the session begins.
5. Soft music in the room is benefitial.
6. The selection of fluid or oil depends upon the disease and condition  of the patient.

Tips for good Shirodhara:

1. The shirodhara pot should be in appropriate position. Too high or too low level of shirodhara may be irritating for patient.
2. The temperature of the oil should be maintained.
3. The conversation or movement during time of shirodhara decreases the effect of shirodhara.
4. The oil must be moved around the entire forehead rather than keeping steady.

Procedure of shirodhara:

The procedure of shirodhara is divided in main three parts.

1. Pre-shirodhara procedure(purvakarma)
2. Shirodhara procedure(main karma/main procedure)
3. Post-shirodhara procedure(Paschat Karma)

Pre shirodhara procedure:

• Ask the person to evacuate urine and stool before coming to massage bed.
• Ask the patient to remove clothes and ornament.
• Explain the patient about the procedure.
• Lie the patient of the table.
• Gentle massage is done in head. Sometimes the whole body massage should be done regarding the patient condition.

Dhara patra (shirodhara bowl)-An Introduction:

The dhara patra is made up of  copper metal. It is a wide mouthened and curved vessel pot having a hole in central bottom. Through the hole a cloth thread is pushed to allow the oil to flow continuously in the form of stream. The pot is hanged four inch above the forehead of the patient with the help of chain.

A traditional bowl was set up a little differently. Inside the bowl, half a coconut shell was placed openside down. It too had a hole at its base. A string, about 6 finger-widths long was placed through the hole and tied to a stick (2 to 3 inches wide). The other end of the string was threaded through the hole in the bottom of the bowl, and hung 2 to 3 inches above the person’s forehead.

Shirodhara procedure:

• After proper massage on head, patient should be asked to lie on the supine position on the dhara table and keep the head on the extra projection of the table. This procedure should be done in such a way that the patients feel comfortable.
• Both the eyes of the patient are covered with cotton, gauge piece. This procedure is done to prevent the falling of medicated oil in the eyes.
• Pour the fluid in dhara patra and the fluid is allowed to flow through the wick of cotton that is pushed down through the hole of the patra.
• The movement of oil in the entire forehead is regarded beneficial.

Duration: 20-30 minutes (if medicated oil is used)

Note: The use of takra dhara can be given for some more time (45 minutes- 1 hour)

Post-shirodhara procedure:

• Clean the head of the patient
• Ask the patient to take hot water bath after half an hour.
• Do not expose the patient to sun or air directly.
• Ask the patient to rest for few minutes on the table.
• Press the oil  into the scalp as its warmth further soothes the patient.
• Place a towel  over the head and the practitioner helps the patient sit up, making sure the
• Cover the head with the towel to prevent the oil from dripping.
• Give the person a few minutes to adjust to the seated position.
• Then, help the patient to stand up because they are so relaxed that they feel disoriented upon standing, so helping up them is important.
• Clean the head of the patient.
• Ask the patient to take hot water bath after half an hour.

Duration Of treatment:

Ideally, the patient with a severe illness will be vacationing at the ayurvedic hospital/treatment centre and receive daily sessions for 7 to 14 days. Weekly sessions are useful and more practical.
During the session treatment, start the therapy with a normal time period. Then  gradually increase the duration daily to the maximum time period and decrease it again. Hence, the duration of the treatment is in tappering pattern, which reaches to the maximum period and reducs to the normal. Below are some of the session treatment:

Fourteen-day treatment:

Fourteen day treatment follows the following schedule:

Schedule:

Fourteen day schedule starts with the duration of 1 hour on first day. Increase the duration 5 minutes per day making duration 1 hour and 30 minutes on 7th day. After 7th day decrease the duration by 5 minutes per day making total duration 1 hour on 14th day.

DayTime

1 day—1hour
2day—1hour 5 minute
3 day—1 hour 10 minute
4day—1 hour 15 minute
5day—1 hour 20 minute
6day—1 hour 25 minute
7day—1 hour 30 minute
8day—1 hour 30 minute
9day—1 hour 25 minute
10day—1 hour 20 minute
11day—1 hour 15 minute
12day—1 hour 20minute
13day—1 hour 5 minute
14day—1 hour

Twenty-one-day treatment:

Twenty-one day treatment plan consists of following schedule:

Schedule:

On first day duration  of treatment is 1 hour. Increasethe duration by 5 minutes per day making total duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes on  7th day. Continue this till 14th day. Then from 15th day decrease the time duration by 5 minutes per day making the duration of 1 hour on 21st day.

DayTime

1day—1hour
2day—1hour 5 minute
3day—1 hour 10 minute
4day—1 hour 15 minute
5day—1 hour 20 minute
6day—1 hour 25 minute
7day—1 hour 30 minute
8day—1 hour 30 minute
9day—1 hour 30 minute
10day—1 hour 30 minute
11day—1 hour 30 minute
12day—1 hour 30 minute
13day—1 hour 30 minute
14day—1 hour 30 minute
15day—1 hour 30 minute
16day—1 hour 25 minute
17day—1 hour 20 minute
18day—1 hour 15 minute
19day—1 hour 20minute
20day—1 hour 5 minute
21day—1 hour

Shirodhara is usually never given more than 21 days. It is believed that the medicated oil flow completely affects the entire body in 21 days.

Time for shirodhara

• Early morning is the best time for shirodhara.
• July-August, October-November and February-March are the best months for shirodhara .
• If the weather is cool—to avoid catching a cold wear  a warm hat and scarf  when leaving the session.

Precautions:

• Do not to take any food at least an hour before therapy.
• The bladder and bowel of the patient should be clear.
• The medicated oil shouldnot be too hot or too cold.  But in takra dhara, donot heat takra. (It should be of room temperature).
• Donot expose directly to air or sun after shirodhara for about an hour.

Note:Ayurveda physician consultation is necessary before doing shirodhara. Consultation with physician is very necessary for deciding the time period, use of appropriate fluid and additional herbs for obtaining maximum benefit.