Definition – Liquid medicines poured over Forehead in Pendular movement is
called as Shirodhara. The Name comes from Sanskrit words shiro (Head) and
Dhara (Flow). It is a Bahya karma (External therapy) mentioned in Murdha-karma.
The Liquids used in shirodhara depend on what is being treated. But can include
oil, milk, Butter milk, Coconut Water, Medicinal juices or kashayas etc.
There are specialized forms of Shirodhara called Ksheeradhara, Thakradhara,
Thailadhara and kashayadhara.
Procedure– Patient is made to lie down on the Shirodhara Patti (table)
comfortably and and eyes are covered with flower petals. Then suitable medicine
with Optimal Temperature is poured over Forehead with Pendular movement for
One Muhurta (approx…48 minutes) and then head is wiped with a towel. After
that Rasnadi Powder is applied over central Part of Scalp.
After Nasyam, Patient should avoid day sleep, residing in conditioning Room, cold
food and drinks and direct Sunlight.
Indications-Sirodhara is used to treat a verity of conditions Including Eye disease
like Optic Atrophy,Retinits Pigmentosa and other retinal degenerations, Macular
degenerations ,Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic Neuropathy, Dry eye
syndrome, Corneal degenerations and dystrophy,Diplopia,Other Neuro-opthalmic
disorders etc…
It is useful in Neurological disorders, memory loss, insomnia, hearing impairment,
tinnitus, Vertigo, Meniere’s disease, Sleep disorder, Psychological disorders like
anxiety and mental stress. Shirodhara is thought to work by Relaxing the Hypothalamus in the Brain. It can
also normalize the Functions of Hormones that Regulate Sleep and Emotions.
Contraindications– Acute Fevers and Malignant Hypertension, Acute Asthma and
Bronchial disorders.