Shirodhara (or
Shirodhaara) (from the word
shiro, meaning head, and
dhara, meaning flow) is an
Indian ayurvedic therapy whose purpose is to assist in the remedy of the
third eye. It is a method of
purification therapy, or
Shodhana, which means the eradication of disease.
Ayurveda is a holistic medical system developed in Indian more than five millenia ago.
Shirodhara consists of oil being poured directly onto the
third eye chakra while your head is tilted slightly backwards. The oil then is rubbed into your hair and scalp by a therapist, or, depending on the place you get it done, an
ayurvedic physician. The oil used is blended based on your
dosha, an ayurvedic term meaning the fundamental
energies which regulate your
life force. There are three
dosha, the
tridosha. In addition, you are often served
tea at the end of Shirodhara, also based on the
tridosha that is out of balance for you. Many ayurvedic physicians or therapists will have you fill out a questionnaire upon arrival or speak with you in order to obtain this information. Some do neither, and judge based on what they see.
Shirodhara's advocates suggest it is very effective for head, neck, and brain
disorders, assisting in
clarity of thought,
memory,
insomnia,
sinus disorders, and
breathing problems. I have found it to be a valuable relaxation tool.