'The mind is everywhere' Dr Vasant Lad, Ayurvedic Physician

 

Shirodhara is a Sanskrit word which literally means 'to pour oil on the head'. It is also a mind-melting Ayurvedic healing practice which has been performed in India for over 4,000 years, classically to treat mental health imbalances, stress, anxiety, tension, and particular problems relating to the head, neck, and sinuses.  

A yurveda itself is a holistic medicinal healing practice which means 'Science of life'. Its principles and practices were developed in India during the time of the great sages - or enlightened souls, as we would refer to them today - and it offers with diligence, humility and spiritual compassion opportunities for a healthy life for all.

Focusing on the practical aspects of Ayurveda, nowadays Shirodhara is used by professional therapists, clinics, wellness centres, spas and salons to calm their clients' minds and senses, which in turn allows the body's natural healing mechanisms to release stress from the nervous system. It is also used for serious Vata ailments, such as degenerative disorders of the body, arthritis and heart disease.

 

Sanskrit: ancient language of India.

Vata: one of the three body types, or doshas, recognised in the Ayurvedic healing system of medicine (the other two are Pitta and Kapha).  

Benefits of Shirodhara

Considered to be one of the most powerful Ayurvedic treatments available worldwide, Shirodhara clients have felt:

Their senses being restored

This is due to the regular rhythm of the oil over their third eye on the centre of their forehead.

 

Ecstatic feelings of relaxation and pleasure

This is due to their third eye marma (vital) point being stimulated by the dripping oil, releasing neuro-hormones which send happy signals to the brain.

Their intuition has increased

This is due to the fact that our marma points are connected to our subtle energy centres, and, in particular, the sixth and seventh chakras which regulate our breathing patterns.   

Their body and mind have been invigorated, invoking clear and concise memories. This is due to the dispersal of negative impulses, which accumulate at the hairline.

 

Functions of the mind

Ayurveda believes that imbalances in our doshas are the first signs that our mind and body are not perfectly coordinated. Restoring the doshas means that we can expect to have a mind-body system which is always healthy and always evolving.

 

Whereas a lot of therapies focus on the physical body, Shirodhara allows the practitioner to work on the client's mind, increasing intuition in the following areas:

Sanskrit word   English translation

Chintya:             Thinking

Vicharya:           Analysis

Uttya:                 Reasoning

Dheya:              Meditation

Sankaja:           Determination and self-restraint

 

Shirodhara equipment

Contrary to popular belief, the equipment required to deliver the Shirodhara treatment professionally is not ambiguous or expensive. The therapy can be carried out in a small space, and is suitable as a standalone service or proceeded by a holistic facial or full-body massage.

You will need:

1. Massage bed
2. Suitable head rest (a Shirodhara head attachment)
3. Shirodhara copper or clay unit/pot (with tap/string)
4. Shirodhara stand
5. Oil heating facilities
6. Headband
7. Waterproof eye pillow
8. 3 containers for oil collection
9. Couch paper or a turban towel
10. Baby thermometer
11. 500 ml of Ayurvedic herbalised oil  

Shirodhara technique

1. The therapist should prepare themselves before the treatment by doing a short practice of pranayama (Ayurvedic respiratory exercises), deep breathing, or meditation, which helps them become centred with their client.

2. Determine whether the client needs a rejuvenative or detoxifying treatment.

3. The client should be placed into the correct position on the bed with the headband attached and the eye pillow placed to protect their eyes from any spillages.

4. The head can either be let to hang slightly off the top of the bed, supported by a towelling neck rest, if the therapist room is small. But if finances and space allow, a suitable head rest (a Shirodhara head attachment) should be purchased, which allows the oil to be collected in a tidy, professional manner.

5. Heat the oil to approximately 35-40 ºC.

6. Pour the oil into the Shirodhara unit/pot, testing the temperature of the oil on the client's hairline first.

7. The therapist should move the unit/pot so that oil flows onto the client's forehead and over the third eye from left to right continuously. The oil should never drip or stop flowing.

8. Continue the treatment for 20-30 minutes, then let the client rest for a minimum of 10 minutes.

 

Professional Shirodhara training

tri-Dosha (www.tri-dosha.co.uk) is an Ayurvedic training and nature-based product development company. It delivers professional training nationwide and internationally in seven traditional Ayurvedic therapies, Shirodhara being one of them.

The other Ayurvedic therapies are: Abhyanga Snanam (Ayurveda's full-body marma massage); Shirobhyanga (Ayurvedic head, neck and shoulder massage); Padabhyanga (Ayurvedic foot and leg massage); Mukhabhyanga (Ayurvedic holistic facial massage); Pinda Sweda (Bolus/Poultice therapy); Udvartana (Exfoliation therapy).

Shirodhara is a mind-melting treatment that will leave your clients in a blissful state. It does not take long to learn and master the healing therapy, and you will personally benefit by reaching higher levels of self-awareness, enabling you to better serve your customers.  TT

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For more information, contact tri-Dosha Ltd: 14 Popes Lane, Ealing, London W5 4NA

www.tri-dosha.co.uk

Tel: 0208 5661498

Mobile: 07951 978417

Email: info@tri-dosha.co.uk

 

MarApr 07