A unique, stress relieving herbal oil treatment
Royal Treatment
The word "shiro" means head and the word "dhara" means stream. Given as a luxurious, therapeutic treatment to Royals in ancient times, this beautiful, deeply relaxing treatment involves pouring a stream of warm oil over the forehead. As the oil streams down the crown chakra, it stimulates the pituitary gland and several marma points (accupressure points) in the scalp. Shirodhara is a powerful treatment for relieving mental stress and nervous tension. Shirodhara works primarily on the mental sheath or "manomaya kosha" as it is referred to in Ayurveda. It is here that the mind holds on to past impressions that create imbalanced desires and habitual patterns of behavior. These impressions are held captive in the limbic system of the emotional cortex of the brain. Sources:The Encyclopedia of Ayurvedic Massag, Dr. John Douillard.
Benefits of Shirodhara
According to Ayurveda, Shirodhara deeply relaxes the nervous system, lowers metabolism, integrates brain function and creates brain wave coherence and an alpha state. When the brain is under stress, cerebral circulation is compromised. As oil is poured on the forehead, the nervous system is deeply stilled. The brain waves slow down and become coherent. Once the brain is quieted, more life energy and oxygen and other nutrients flow more freely to the brain. The result: better brain function, mood stability and improved stress handling ability. With each successive Shirodhara treatment, the mind systematically achieves an even deeper state of silence and more healing takes place. Regular treatments are said to increase blood circulation to the brain, improve memory, nourish the hair and scalp, encourage sound sleep and calm the body and mind.
Additional benefits include: - Invigorates the mind and body, improving mental clarity and comprehension.
- Disperses negative electrical impulses that accumulate in the forehead from stress
- Calms anxiety and nervous tension
- Reverses imbalances within the body
- Rejuvenates the face and smooths fine lines.
Oils Used
Herbalized sesame oil is the traditional oil used for Shirodhara. Other oils or liquids, such as coconut oil, olive oil, milk or even buttermilk, are sometimes used as well. For example, coconut oil has a more cooling effect than sesame oil. So someone with a lot of Pitta or excess heat in their system benefits more from a Shirodhara that uses coconut oil. Milk Shirodharas are also very cooling and are especially beneficial in the summer time.
Shirodhara is one of the most unique therapies available for reducing stress and enhancing cellular intelligence and immunity.
