What Is Shirodhara?

Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic healing practice performed in India for over 2,000 years.  It is the application of warmed sesame oil (infused with herbs) gently poured onto the forehead for an extended period of time.  Herbal oils are gently placed into the nose, as rare Ayurvedic essential oils are placed onto the hands.  It is performed with the client lying face up on a massage table in a relaxing environment.

Shirodhara is traditionally used to calm the nerves, harmonize vata constitutions, restore the nerves, release stored emotions, and purify the mind.  In Ayurvedic Medicine, it is considered an important tool in the pursuit of higher states of consciousness.  Shirodhara has been traditionally shown to help with fatigue, mental exhaustion, anxiety, insomnia, some mental disorders, headache, excessive thinking, nervousness, and many other conditions commonly affecting Americans in today’s active lifestyle.

What Are the Effects of Shirodhara?

Do I Need to Prepare in Any Special Way?

Although it is not necessary, it is recommended all clients do a one day fast on kitcharee the day shirodhara is to be done.  For those who are experienced with fasting or are looking to actively involve deep tissue cleansing, it is recommended to fast for 1-3 days before the shirodhara session on kitcharee alone.

 

What Do I Need to Bring?

Clients need to bring:

- Wear an older sweatshirt or t-shirt, as they may get some oil on them.

- 2 large towels – one to wrap the head in afterwards and one to place under the neck

- 1 small hand towel – to gently warm and place over the eyes

- 14-16 ounce bottle of pure, unprocessed sesame oil (usually by cooking oils)

 

What Should I Do After Shirodhara?

It is highly recommend to rest and relax after shirodhara, as the mind will be very calm.  Try to arrange the next day off work after shirodhara to fully experience the deep and lasting effects on the mind.  Many people comment on experiencing new levels of yoga, prayer, or meditation after the session.  It is common to remain in a near blissful state of peace and harmony for up to five days after shirodhara.  

 

Is It the Same Every Time?

Like all things in Ayurveda, it is constantly changing to meet the needs of the client.  The first shirodhara session will be basic, so as to not release to many emotions and to not detoxify the body too quickly.  Sessions after the first will be progressively more intense to affect the deeper parts of the mind, the nervous system, and the deeper tissues.

 

What Does It Cost?

The cost is $60 for a one hour shirodhara session.  This time includes the preparation and explanation of the shirodhara process.  The cost also includes the application of nasal oils (nasya oil) and specific Ayurvedic essential oils for their aromatherapy effects.

 

What Options Are Available?

Many options are available at an additional cost.  Clients may choose to have shirodhara done as part of an Ayurvedic deep tissue cleanse and rejuvenation program.  The cost is $90 for a one and a half hour appointment. 

 

The appointment includes:

- Ayurvedic Assessment and Analysis

- Ayurvedic Diet and Nutrition Counseling

- Ayurvedic Custom Herbal Formula

- Ayurvedic Lifestyle Counseling

- Shirodhara

Clients may also choose to use a variety of specialty Ayurvedic oils, each traditionally used for a specific purpose.  The following oils are available at an additional cost:

- Vata oil – for vata body types

- Kapha oil – for kapha body types

- Pitta oil – for pitta body types

- Bringrahaj oil – traditionally used to prevent graying hair, stop the loss of hair, and prevent hair from falling out

- Gotu Kola oil – traditionally used to have a stronger effect on the mind and emotions