Embodied Health

And why you should try it!

By Denver Clark, C-IAYT, LMT#89197

Stress and anxiety are on the rise. Constant feelings of overwhelm can leave us feeling disconnected and depleted, causing health concerns such as headaches, poor sleep patterns, nervous system dysregulation and auto immune disease, to name just a few.

Ayurveda is an ancient practice that uses the wisdom of nature to ground, heal and balance the individual based on their unique constitution and life circumstances. One of the most magical Ayurvedic treatments you can receive is called Shirodhara.

Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic medicinal practice that balances the mind, body, and spirit. It helps to eliminate AMA (the undigested gunk) from the body and can help soothe stress in the nervous system.

What does it mean?

Shirodhara is derived from two Sanskrit words: ‘Shiro,’ meaning ‘head,’ and ‘dhara,’ meaning ‘a stream.’ In this practice, warm herbarized oil is poured over the forehead in a steady stream for a set amount of time. The oil then seeps into the hair and scalp, nourishing the tissues of the body and seeping inward to the muscles and organs below. The word for oil in Sanskrit is ‘Sneha,’ and incidentally this is also the word for love. By anointing ourselves with oil, we are showing love and compassion for ourselves. 

The nervous system benefits

Shirodhara helps to improve central nervous system function, treating conditions like anxiety, depression, and mental overwhelm, and providing a refreshing new perspective. Many people experience this treatment as a deeply meditative process and they may even have emotional release or insights similar to that of a deep state of meditation.

Shirodhara also increases blood flow to your brain by stimulating marma points (similar to acupressure points) on your head. In addition to the gentle stimulation from the head massage and the oil itself, the therapy’s use of heated herbal oil produces dilatation of the blood vessels, which in turn increases blood flow, reducing blood pressure and potentially alleviating headaches.

The hypothalamus, which controls the pituitary gland, can relax with Shirodhara. Stress chemicals such as noradrenaline, adrenaline, and serotonin are lowered. This is one reason why it is so helpful for combating insomnia and regulating your circadian rhythms.

Procedure

Shirodhara therapy is typically performed first thing in the morning or last thing at night. This technique goes by several names, including Tailadhara, Takradhara, Kashayadhara, and Jalandhar, depending on the ‘Dravya’ (medicated or unmedicated liquids) used. Traditionally, practitioners may use other liquids such as buttermilk, water or even coconut water based on the needs of the client. We only use tri-dosic, organic sesame oil or coconut oil with occasional essential oils for balance of the doshas.

Shirodhara leaves the client with hair full of nourishing oil and can create a deeply introspective state of awareness, so it’s important to schedule time after your treatment to rest and reflect. Go home, stay quiet, meditate, journal or even sleep and let the oil sink deeper into your body or enjoy a warm bath or shower to drive the benefits of the oil in deeper.

Be sure to wear clothing you don’t mind getting oil on (you will likely receive a towel or bandana to wrap your head from your practitioner) and consider adding this session on after an Abhyanga warm oil massage. This experience of a full body massage, followed by shirodhara can help you feel like you’ve escaped to a luxurious Ayurvedic retreat if only for a few hours.

*If you’d like to book this treatment with us at Embodied Health, follow the link to our appointments page!