Have you ever heard of Shirodhara? In addition to being an Ayurvedic practice with a long tradition, it offers a range of remarkable benefits for both the body and the mind. Shirodhara is a technique aimed at balancing the three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) and providing deep relaxation.
This therapy involves the constant and gentle application of oil to the forehead, creating a continuous flow that can last from 30 to 60 minutes. Typically, sesame oil is used as a base and enriched with various herbs. In specific cases, depending on the patient's condition, milk and buttermilk combined with medicinal herbs can be employed.
What makes Shirodhara so special are its potential therapeutic benefits. It is known to alleviate various disorders such as stress, insomnia, headaches, hypertension, and anxiety. This is because the therapy induces a state of concentration, stimulating the release of serotonin, which contributes to a sense of relaxation.
The constant pressure applied during the therapy also plays a significant role. This pressure can interrupt the conduction of nerve impulses, leading to body relaxation and stress reduction as it modulates nervous stimulation.
Studies have revealed remarkable improvements in patients with insomnia who underwent Shirodhara sessions with Brahmi oil for five consecutive days. Most of them experienced a moderate improvement in sleep quality by the end of the fifth day of treatment.
Furthermore, a recent study demonstrated the positive effects of Shirodhara on a patient suffering from sleep disturbances, fatigue, loss of concentration, and irritability. After 14 days of regular treatment, the results were impressive:
Reduction in tension, anger, fatigue, depression, and mental confusion.
Significant improvement in tension and anxiety after 14 days.
Notable decrease in cortisol levels after the first session.
Overall improvement in symptoms, including sleep patterns.
A feeling of happiness after the treatment.
The results highlight Shirodhara's potential as an effective stress management therapy. It goes beyond improving sleep and memory, providing a renewed sense of well-being. Shirodhara is a traditional practice that has proven to be transformative and therapeutic.
It certainly deserves your attention if you're looking for an alternative therapy for stress management.
References:
Vinjamury SP et al. Ayurvedic therapy (shirodhara) for insomnia: a case series. Glob Adv Health Med. (2014)
Rajan S. et al. Impact of Shirodhara on biological markers of stress: A case study. J Ayurveda Integr Med. (2021)
Bagade, JN. Mode of action of shirodhara - a critical review. (2022).
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