WONDERFUL TREATMENT THERAPY—SHIRODHARA
Shirodhara means pure medicated oil on the head in a stream. Nowadays, the problems of headaches, high blood pressure, heart disease, grey hair, etc., are pervasive. Financial, professional, social and family problems affect human life. A tired body and aching limbs crave attention at the end of a day’s hard work or after a long journey. At this time, a hot or cold bath depending on the weather conditions, brings great relief to them. But there is also another way to relieve such aches and pains. It is through massage and pressure. Shirodhara technique is a part of it.
In Ayurveda, much importance was given to oil massage to protect health. The parts of a machine are oiled to work correctly.
In the same way, the organs of the body require massage with oil to assist in their functions properly. Massage on the head is much essential as the mind controls all the organs of the body and then functions. Oil massage helps in the functions of the mind. It has been developed in Shirodhara. According to Ayurved, the mind and soul, which make a man active, reside in the human brain. The brain is their work spot. It is the brain that controls all the functions of the body. Shirodhara is the best technique to keep the mind healthy.
METHOD
The body of the patient is massaged with oil at first. Then the patient is laid on a unique table made for Shirodhara. Shirodhara is poured on his forehead and head. His eyes were covered with cotton pads.
A unique pot is made to keep the oil. This pot is broad on the above and trims on the lower side. There is a small hole in the bottom of the pot. Its effect is better if this pot is made of gold, iron or earth. Nowadays, iron or copper pots are used more. This pot is tied with a strong string 4 to 5 inches above the head of the patient lying on the table.
Now the pot is filled with medicated oil, and its stream starts falling over the head of the patient. The stream of oil should fall over the mid of the forehead of the patient. An attendant standing nearby takes exceptional care of it. The falling oil over the forehead passes through a pipe and is collected in a pot kept under the table for this purpose. This oil is again poured into the pot tied above the head of the patient. The process of Shirodhara should not be discontinued before time.
OIL FOR SHIRODHARA
Medicines and oil are selected according to the diseases and nature of the patient. Ayurvedic medicines and herbs are boiled in mustard or til oil. This oil is used for Shirodhara. Oil prepared with Dashmool medicines is used in Vat problems, and oil prepared with Majeeth and Anantmool medicines is used in Pitta problems.
TIME FOR DHARA
It should be done in the morning hours. The patient should take rest for some time after the process.
Benefits: Shirodhara soothes the brain and mind. It strengthens the senses. The senses and the mind work through the brain. The best way to improve the health of the mind, brain and senses is Shirodhara.
Its effects are sound in relieving headaches and Vat problems. Hearing power, voice and eyesight are improved by it. Tension, discomfort, despair, anger, depression, sadness and other mental agonies disturb the balance of the Vat, which results in headache, greying of hair, falling of hair, insomnia, etc. Shirodhara is the best treatment that most patients in Kerala have adopted. Foreigners visit Kerala every year in large numbers to get relief from their diseases through Shirodhara and other massage techniques.