Shirodhara (śiro means “head” and dhārā means “to pour”) is a head treatment that is performed lying on a special wooden table (dhroni). The patient, especially his neck and head, should lie comfortably.
Afterwards, a Dhara Chatti is used for 15 to 90 minutes to gently massage the forehead. Dhara Chatti is a device in which a copper or clay bowl with a nozzle at the bottom is attached to an adjustable wooden stand.
There are four main types of Dhara (Stirnguss)
• with warm herbal oils (Thaila Dhara)
• with medicated buttermilk (Takra Dhara)
• with medicated milk (Ksheera Dhara)
• with herbal decoctions (Kashaya Dhara)
Furthermore, Shirodhara can also be done with ghee (Ghrita Dhara), with coconut water or with pure water (Jala Dhara). The treatment takes about 45 minutes.
Indication:
Shirodhara has an extremely relaxing and calming effect. Since the treatment has an effect on the brain and the entire nervous system, practically all bodily functions can be positively affected by this treatment. Shirodhara helps with insomnia, degenerative brain diseases and headaches. It improves memory and is extremely effective for rejuvenating the central nervous system.