Stress is something we deal with on and off. Sleeplessness is one of the most exhausting symptoms, and we often seek remedies such as sleeping pills to find quick fixes for it. But for a deeper and more lasting solution, many are opting for Shirodhara.
Shirodhara is an ancient Indian ayurvedic natural healing technique that is gaining global attention for its power to ease anxiety and restore sleep.
Shirodhara comes from two Sanskrit words. Shiro represents "head", and dhara means "flow". It is a therapy where warm oil is poured on the forehead. It is poured right where the third eye is, the spot between your eyebrows.
In many ayurvedic science books, the forehead centre is connected to the pineal gland through several blood vessels and capillaries. This part of the body is responsible for the function of the body, mind and emotional control. The treatment focuses on this precise area, believed to channel calm, enhance focus, and invite profound relaxation.
In today’s busy world, it’s tough to relax mentally, even when our bodies are exhausted. Stress from work, family, money and prolonged use of the screen can disrupt your sleep, trigger anxiety and even burnout. What Shirodhara does is, it calms the nervous system had helps your mind slow down. Rooted in over 2000 years of Ayurvedic tradition, it restores peace, deep rest, and harmony.
Shirodhara calms the nervous system. The steady flow of warm oil to your forehead signals your body to relax. The soft and rhythmic touch tells your body that you're safe now and you can rest.
Studies have explored the therapeutic impact of Shirodhara, highlighting its role in promoting calm and emotional well-being. For example, one of the studies by the Malaysian Health Ministry reviewed seven different trials from India, Japan, and the U.S. The report revealed that Shirodhara reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality. One trial in the review found a major drop in stress scores (P = 0.003) and better mood after just one session.
In Ayurveda, Shirodhara also helps balance the Vata dosha. Vata is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, and it's made of air and space elements. Vata controls your body movement, for example, breathing, heartbeat and and blinking. Vata is also linked to nervousness, fear and overthinking.
When vata is balanced, you feel creative, clear and energetic. When Vata is high, the mind races and the body feels tense. The steady flow of the warm oil brings stillness and grounding. This breaks the stress cycle, restoring mental clarity and calm.
Aside from releasing tension, the slow pour of warm oil to the forehead increases the generation of melatonin, which is a hormone that is responsible for sleep. Shirodhara does more than just aid in falling asleep. It promotes better sleep quality, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed.
When you have racing thoughts, the soft flow of oil helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This is also called the 'rest and digest' mode. This process silences the mind, calms your breath, lowers your heart rate and relaxes your muscles. This prepares your body for deep sleep.
A case report published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine in 2023 revealed that after Shirodhara and full-body massage, the person's sleep improved by 46%, and stress dropped by 55%. His heart data showed his body was more relaxed and ready for rest.
The session usually starts with the practitioner asking you to lie on your back and relax. A light clot may be placed in your eyes for protection. The treatment process begins with a soft massage of the head, neck, and shoulders to ease any tension.
Simultaneously, the herbal infusion is gently warmed to body temperature and poured into a special bowl or basin. This is either held or placed on a stand so the warm liquid drips slowly onto your forehead, right between your eyebrows.
The warm oil than moves in a steady rhythm across your forehead. During this process, you will feel like your mind has entered a deep state of calm. Or you can say, a dream-like meditative state. This part usually lasts between 45 to 90 minutes. Once the oil stops, you will be asked to rest for few minutes so that your mind and body can absorb the full effect. After the process completes, most people usually say they feel lighter and deeply refreshed.
While Taila Shirodhara is the classic therapy using herbal warm oil, there are many other types of Shirodhara. Ksheerodhara combines warm milk, herbal oil and healing herbs. This one works wonders for deep rest and quality sleep.
If you want to relieve stiffness or soothe nerves, then Dhanyalamdhara is the go-to therapy. This therapy uses a warm fermented mix of herbs and gain.
Takra Shirodhra treatment pours cool buttermilk across the forehead. This also promotes better sleep and eases migraines. And if you want to relieve headaches caused by stress or heat, you can opt for Jala Dhara. This is a refreshing therapy where coconut water is used.
If you're looking for where to get try Shirodhara, check out our article on Masala Recommends: the best places in Bangkok to get a Shirodhara head massage.