Shirodhara is an amazing body therapy from the ancient Ayurveda natural medical system . Shirodhara has a profound effect on the nervous system. Treatment directly and immediately soothes, relaxes and has a cleansing effect on the mind and nerves.
○ What is Shirodhara?
This is ancient Ayurvedic therapy . Hot oil is poured into a continuous flow of the forehead, where the nerves are highly concentrated. The pressure of the oil on the forehead creates a vibration. It saturates the scalp and penetrates the nervous system .
The gentle pressure and the soothing warmth of the oil allow the body, mind and nervous system to experience a complete state of rest, similar to meditation.
○ How does Shirodhara work?
According to Ayurveda, Shirodhara is useful for Vata and Pita doshi . When out of balance, Vata dosha manifests in fear, insecurity, anxiety, obsessive thoughts. Out of balance Pita dosha manifests in anger, irritability, powerlessness, self-blame.
In the journal of the Ayurvedic Institute of Ayurveda Today, Ayurveda practitioner Ed Danagher explains how Shrodhara affects stress.
” According to Ayurveda, stress is a state of imbalance in prana vayu, sadaka pita and tarpaka kafa. Shirodhara restores the functional integrity between these three dosha subtypes and thus helps relieve stress. ”
According to this study, the gentle pressure of the oil falling on the forehead plays a role in causing rest.
The Shirodhara procedure creates special pressure and vibrations above the forehead. The vibration is amplified by the hollow sinus located in the forebone. The vibration is then transmitted inward through the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) . This vibration together can activate the functions of the thalamus and the major part of the brain, which then brings the amount of serotonin and catecholamine to the normal stage, causing sleep.
Modern physiology textbooks explain that pressure influences impulse conduction through tactile and thermoreceptors . If prolonged pressure is applied to the nerve, the impulse conduction is interrupted and part of the body can go to rest. In Dharma therapy , prolonged and continuous pressure due to the outpouring of the healing fluid can calm the mind and cause natural sleep.
○ Who is it for and why?
Shirodhara is used to treat an imbalanced nervous system. It can help relieve anxiety, stress, fatigue and hypertension, tension, fear, headache and depression, regulate mood and give you a sense of pleasure and relaxation .
Shirodhara can also help with post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia and sleep disorders in shift work.
○ Time difference
If you fly frequently, your daily sleep and wakefulness is out of sync and you are suffering from a time difference, anyway. Then shirodhara can help you remove the accumulated fatigue. Travel with Vata or Bhringaraj oil and apply it on your head before going to bed. You can also invest in a portable shirodhara device .
○ Hypertension
Shirodhara is effective in lowering blood pressure, improving, clarity, tranquility and immunity. Shirodhara promotes deep relaxation, relieves fatigue, renews and renews body and mind as well as balances energy levels .
If you need a break, the process will provide them. If you are well rested, the process will clarify your perceptions, renew your energy, giving you a youthful appearance. Shirodhara relieves stress, anxiety and overthinking , giving complete relaxation, such as after meditation. This natural remedy rejuvenates the face and softens anxiety lines.
○ Who should NOT use Shirodhara?
Shirodhara is suitable for any dosha, but there are some contraindications.
Shirodhara should NOT be given to women in the third trimester of pregnancy .
People with rash or sunburn on the forehead or scalp. In a brain tumor , recent neck injury , abrasions or cuts to the head, fever / chills, acute illness, nausea, vomiting, severe weakness, exhaustion, seizures or spontaneous sweating . If you have aversion to oil, Shirodhara is not for you either.
○ How best to do Shirodhara?
Keep the silence
No music should be played during shirodhara, cell phones switched off, no interruptions and calls . Any noise will disturb the process of exclusion from external influences and the experience of the desired relaxation of the mind.
The room temperature is nice
In cooler climates and during the cooler seasons of the year, the room must be warmed during a session. The head will be wet from the oil , so it is very important that the temperature is appropriately warm during the process.
Vata fixtures can be further warmed with several blankets . Even in the warm months of the year, have a blanket on hand for a person who is susceptible to cold or poor circulation .
Select the appropriate fluid
Shirodhara oil should be carefully selected according to man and climate. The Banyan Botanicals are certified bio-oils for shiudhara. This three-blend mix includes five Ayurvedic herbs with sesame and sunflower oil .
Sesame is heated and good for Vata dosha
Sunflower oil cools and benefits Pita dosha. The two are often mixed. Be careful with coconut oil because it has a cooling effect and can cause cold to the body. It should not be used in people with Vata imbalance or a DotA dominant . For people with Pita imbalance it can be used during the hot summer months or mixed with oils that have a warming effect on the body.
○ How to prepare for a Shirodhara session?
When scheduling an hour for Shirodhara , keep in mind that you may need additional rest after the session. Shirodhara purifies the mind and senses. Use this time and avoid unnecessary stress after treatment. Also avoid large crowds (concerts, restaurants, bars, big gatherings) and spend the rest of the day relaxing. This is your time for a mental break.
Eat something light before the session . Shirodhara has an effect on the digestive system and full stomach is not recommended. Your hair will be oiled . Dress appropriately and comfortably. Wear an old shirt, something you do not mind spreading.
It is recommended that you leave the oil in your hair for at least a few hours after treatment – preferably overnight. Prepare something to cover your head after treatment . If the weather is cool, windy or cold, wear an old warm hat that you don’t mind oiling. You can also cover your head and hair with an old scarf or cloth in warmer weather. A plastic shower cap can also work.
Tips for following Shirodhara
The easiest way to remove the oil from your hair is to add shampoo to your hair before wetting it with water. The shampoo will neutralize the oil and make it easier to rinse. Avoid caffeine for at least a few days after the session . It creates disharmony in the body, destroys all doshas and will have an immediate negative effect on your nervous system. If you need a refreshing drink, try juice or fresh fruit.
○ Enjoy Kitchari
Kitchari is a light and delicious dish that is highly nutritious and also easily digestible. Enjoy kichari after Shirodhara to support the cleansing process , which will also help maintain the balance of doshas.
○ 3 tips for further self-care
Maintain a proper diet and lifestyle
- Eat well . A diet high in sugar, caffeine and refined foods will have a bad effect on your body and mind . Choose whole grains like rice, oats, and whole wheat. Eat fresh fruit for breakfast and eat vegetables every day. Avoid caffeine.
- Follow a regular schedule of eating and sleeping . Wake up and fall asleep with sunrise and sunrise.
- Meditate – Meditation is the best cleanser for the body and mind.
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