Definition – Shirovasthi is ancient Ayurvedic treatment that involves warm herbal
oils being placed on the head for a specific period of time. The Name comes from
Sanskrit words shiro (Head) and Basti (Retention). It is a Bahya karma (External
therapy) mentioned in Murdha-karma.
Procedure– A bandage is tide around the patient’s head and open-headed cap is
made. The warm medicated oil poured into this cap and is allowed to soak into
the scalp .This oil is kept on the patients head for one Muhurta (about 45-48
minutes) or as per disease condition of patient. After this period, oil is taken out
by making a hole in this head cap and Rasnadi powder.
Indications – Cortical Blindness, Complete Optic Atrophy, Advanced Retinitis
Pigmentosa and other retinal degenerations, Macular degenerations ,Advanced
Glaucoma, Diabetic Neuropathy, Severe Dry eye syndrome, Corneal
degenerations and dystrophy,Diplopia,Other Neuro-opthalmic disorders etc…
It is useful in Neurological disorders like Multiple Sclerosis, Idiopathic Intracranial
Hypertension, Parkinsonism,Alzeimer’s disease, memory loss, insomnia, hearing
impairment, tinnitus, Vertigo, Meniere’s disease, Sleep disorder, Psychological
disorders like anxiety and mental stress etc…
Contraindications– Acute Fevers and Malignant Hypertension, Acute Asthma and
Bronchial disorders.