As we exit “mental health awareness week”, we should be careful not to let mental health drift into the rear view mirror. During the “COVID era”, mental health has increasingly been a hot topic of discussion as many of us have struggled to cope with the new, albeit temporary, “normal”. Ayurveda has specialist, personalized solutions that can offer tremendous relief from stress and other mental and physiological conditions. One very effective option is Ayurvedic Shirodhara Treatment and I am going to use this article to try and provide some education and illustrate the benefits of Shirodhara.
Introduction
In Sanskrit, Shiro means head, and Dhara means flow. Shirodhara is undoubtedly the most popular treatment that the holistic health system of Ayurveda offers (in the modern world). An Ayurvedic Shirodhara treatment consists of a gentle pouring of body and constitution specific, warmed Ayurvedic oils, at a very specific height above the top of the forehead, for a specific period of time in a continuous stream. The oil touches first at the forehead, then travels through the scalp and hair and recirculates through the custom made Shirodhara system.
What Shirodhara Helps With?
Spending excessive hours working, on devices and social media promotes heavy mental activity. Too much of this type of exposure, without adequate time and energy devoted to recuperation, calm and nourishing of our minds, can have negative effects on your mindset and ability to cope. Shirodhara acts as a “nurturing” for our minds…
Keeping with the holistic theme, the mind and body are completely interconnected and dependent on each other. Think of your body as a tree and your mind as the root of the tree. Without a functional and nourished mind, your body simply cannot work and grow, likewise when tree roots are not effectively nurtured, watered and fed, the tree will not grow healthily. It does not matter if you water the leaves of the tree, it is the root of the tree that needs the nurturing.
If you are familiar with Ayurveda, you will be aware of the three doshas that make up each of our constitutions. These three are Vata (Space/Wind), Pitta (Fire) and Kapha (Earth/Water). Typical issues by dosha include:
Vata: Anxiety, insomnia, hyperactivity, restlessness and nervous disorders.
Pitta: Stress, hypertension, hormonal imbalances, insomnia, hair loss & premature greying, headaches.
Kapha: Depression, sinus issues, sluggishness, memory loss.
How Shirodhara Actually Works
It is widely known that the vast majority of disease in todays world is derived from one source, and that source is stress. Shirodhara treatment directly addresses the roots of stress and tension. Let’s talk about “how”…
The custom selected oil is poured directly onto the forehead, and this stream of liquid has a profound effect on your nervous system. Your mind slows right down. Calming and soothing sensations, driven by therapeutic herbal oils, relax the mind and improve blood circulation exactly where it is needed. Many clients feel like they are in paradise and actually fall into a deep and restful sleep. Note sleep is not recommended during treatment :).
Benefits of Shirodhara
Your reason for taking an Ayurvedic Shirodhara treatment could be one of many. Depending on your situational circumstances, it may be a one-off or you may opt for a series of holistic Shirodhara sessions whereby the ongoing effect of subsequent sessions will encourage yet more mental “stillness”. I may recommend a series of treatments even beyond Shirodhara, especially if you are suffering from a chronic condition. Some key benefits, that our clients have experienced, of Shirodhara treatment are the following:
Reduced Anxiety | Mental Clarity | Improved Sleep Quality | Stress Relief | Reduced Restlessness & Enhanced Concentration | Stronger Memory | Addressing ADHD | Headaches & Migraines | Hormonal Imbalances | Hair related Issues (falling, thinning, premature greying)
In Closing:
Shirodhara treatments are a popular service at Ayutherapy – Ayurveda Wellness Center in Danville, CA. If you would like to book then a Shirodhara appointment can be scheduled directly on our booking site. Alternatively, you can schedule a free 20 minute consultation or visit our website to learn more about who we are and why we do what we do…
Warmest Regards, Archana.