Shirodhara
'Shiro' meaning head and ‘dhara‘ meaning to flow, pour or stream.
Shirodhara is the process of gently pouring herbal-infused warmed oil at the 'maha-marma', more commonly known as our third eye, and runs down the scalp for 15 to 20 minutes.
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The maha-marma is thought to be our source of intuition. Ayurvedic philosophy believes that stimulation of this point expands one's awareness, and induces a state of parasympathetic tranquility, an egoless state, during which we connect deeply with our own selves and subconscious. It is a process in which the innate intelligence of our body is revealed.
With your eyes covered, you enter a state of blissful relaxation similar to meditation.
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Shirodhara is extremely beneficial for your body and mind. As an ancient tradition, it is often combined with other treatments during a supported fully body detox called Panchakarma. However, the power and benefits of this treatment can be enjoyed on its own.
Benefits
Shirodhara benefits the mind, body, and soul in numerous ways. It is an excellent treatment to promote blood circulation, reduce stress, restore damaged nerves, and improve memory and cognitive function.
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Improved blood circulation: The warm oils used for Shirodhara also cause vasodilatation of all the channels and thereby improve the blood circulation of the brain.
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Reduces fatigue and initiates a soothing effect on our brain cells
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Purifying and rejuvenating
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Eliminates toxins
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Reduces mental exhaustion
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Relieve stress
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Removes any ill effects on the central nervous system
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Aid in sleep and help with insomnia or sleeplessness
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Stabilizes our mood
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Increase cognitive ability
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Sooth strain in the eyes
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Relieve depression and anxiety
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Stabilize blood pressure
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Reduce or remove symptoms of vertigo
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Increase the health of the hair and scalp
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Awaken intuition
What to expect?
Once you and your practitioner have met to establish your treatment protocol and personalized oil you are ready to receive your treatment.
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In the privacy of the treatment room, you will dress down and lay face up on the treatment table under the sheets.
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The treatment often begins with a gentle neck and shoulder massage. Maram point therapy and ghee or rose water eye treatment may be done at this time.
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Once settled in I will move the Shirodhara pot into place. The copper pot is suspended above your head and is positioned so the stream of oil will fall on or close to the center of your forehead.
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Oil, that has been prepared and warmed ahead of time, is poured into the copper pot. Warm oil is released from the pot in a slow steady stream. This stream begins on the edge of the hairline and is moved back and forth across the head until it settles in the center of the forehead.
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As you drift into a calming meditative state I will stay close by to ensure the flow of oil stays constant in temperature and flow.
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The stream of oil will remain flowing for 15 to 20 minutes.
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​Once the desired amount of time is reached I will again move the stream across the forehead and into the hairline where the oil will be allowed to run out.
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The eye mask and eye treatment are removed and you can slowly open your eyes.
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At this point, I will step out to allow space for you to gently shift out of the relaxed state. Take your time sitting up and slowly stand up from the table. It is common to feel disoriented after Shirodhara and we want to ensure your comfort and safety.
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It is recommended to bring a towel from home so you wrap your head, keeping the oil from dripping on your clothes or car while also keeping your head and neck warm.
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It is recommended to relax for 10 to 15 minutes and sip on room-temperature water before heading home.
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Once home you can keep the oil on your scalp for a few hours. When you are ready, the oil can be removed by adding soap to your scalp and hair without water. Once a nice lather has been reached the soap and oil can be rinsed with water.
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If you wet your hair before adding soap the oil will take several rounds of shampooing to remove.
Post Treatment
You may find that you remain in a deep state of relaxation for some time after receiving Shirodhara. A sense of clearness or peacefulness is often experienced. It's common to be a bit tired or lethargic, however, clients report sleeping soundly through the night and waking up feeling refreshed.
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Because of this, it is highly recommended to receive Shirodhara around the end of your day and not to plan any big tasks after your treatment.
Shirodhara Oil
Shirodhara oil is made from a blend of Ayurvedic herbs that are heated into sesame oil. The Shirodhara oil is blended with coconut oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, Brahmi oil or other oils based on your constitutional needs. ​
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Shirodhara oil can be used for several treatments as long as the treatments are all received within 30 days. If you only wish to receive one treatment the oil can take home and used for self-massage.
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Roughly 64 ounces of oil is used for a single treatment of Shirodhara. The oil payment goes directly to the purchase of oil for your treatment and is based off of the current wholesale pricing of the oil.
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I primarily use Banyan Botanical brand oils because I highly trust their product and methods. If you wish to purchase your own oil you can do so by visiting their website. I will only use oil that is given to me in a sealed, unopened container, from a trusted and reputable brand.
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