How to GET a Great Shirodhara

When you are going to receive shirodhara therapy or if you are a body worker that will be giving this therapy to a client there are a few simple but often overlooked points to know that make a shirodhara a deeply great experience.



1. Observe Silence
No music should be playing, cell phones should be turned off and there should be no interruptions and no conversations taking place. Any noise will disrupt the client's experience of disengaging from outside stimuli and experiencing mental rest. As the oil falls onto the forehead the gentle pressure of the oil interrupts the nerve impulse conduction and the mind then goes into a state of relaxation. By maintaining an atmosphere of silence, we support this process.

2. Temperature
In cooler climates and during the cooler seasons of the year the room should be 'toasty' warm throughout the treatment. I keep a space heater on hand to make sure the room is warm enough. The head will be wet with oil during the treatment so it is very important that the client does not get cold during the process. If so, the experience could become unpleasant. Vata body types can be additionally soothed with a few layers of blankets. In the warmer months of the year I still keep blankets on hand for the person that is susceptible to cold or has poor circulation. I make sure the temperature of the room is comfortable and avoid cold air conditioned rooms for shirodhara when possible.

3. Proper Oil

Shirodhara oil should be carefully chosen for one's constitution and the climate. I recommend Banyan Botanicals certified organic shirodhara oil. This tri-doshic blend includes five Ayurvedic herbs infused into sesame and sunflower oils. It is suitable for all constitutions and I have seen and experienced deep relaxation using this oil.

Sesame and sunflower oil are also wonderful for shirodhara. Sesame is heating and is good for vata dosha. Sunflower oil is cooling and benefits pitta dosha. The two are often blended together.

Use caution when choosing coconut oil. Coconut oil has a cooling action on the body and can actually make the body cold. It should not be used on someone that has a vata imbalance or on the vata dominant person. It may be used during the hot summer months for someone with a pitta imbalance (too much heat in the system), or it may be blended with oils that have a heating action on the body to negate it's cold effects.

Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner if you have any questions on the type of oil you should receive.